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Walter MILLS Obituary
(Walter to All)
In Loving Memory
Professor Emeritus
May 29, 1924 – November 1, 2014
A well known Theatre Pioneer passed away on November 1, 2014 at the age of 90 years. Truly a life that was well lived. Walter was fortunate to live his passion teaching drama, directing, acting and his many film roles. A clever lyricist, he was writing up to the time of his death. Students were always welcome and visited him often, even though he had retired from teaching at the University in 1991. Walter lived for his family and what a wonderful, happy, and adventurous life he gave them. Walter was born and raised in Moose Jaw, SK. Father Walter Mills, K.C. and Mother Maud Storing had three boys; Walter, David and Daniel. Walter was predeceased by his youngest brother Daniel. Walter and his wife Marion were loving partners for 62 years and their constant love never wavered. He will be lovingly remembered by his son Walter (Genia); daughters Laurie Lee and Susan Alexandrea. Also survived by grandchildren Scott, Tess, Alycia and Vanessa. Walter enjoyed visiting with his nephews, nieces and cousins on both sides of family in Canada and the United States. Walter was always active in the communities in which he lived and truly loved being a member of the Saskatoon Nutana Rotary Club. Donations in Walter's memory may be made to the Walter Mills Drama Scholarship (c/o College of Arts and Science, University of Saskatchewan) or to the Actors Fund of Canada (Suite 301, 1000 Yonge Street, Toronto, ON M4W 2K2). A Celebration of Walter's Life will be held at the Saskatoon Funeral Home, 338 4th Avenue N., Saskatoon, SK on Sunday, November 16, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. Interment at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens. Condolences may be sent to [email protected]. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Saskatoon Funeral Home (306) 244-5577.
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40 Entries
alan hustak
December 2, 2014
What can I say. Walter taught me in the early 1960s, directed me, and instilled in my my love of the theatre..I have never forgotten him. Instead of mourning, let us celebrate his life and his legacy.
Elizabeth McRobbie
November 19, 2014
Marion, I just read about Walter and I want to send you a big hug and say how much you both have meant to me. I was sad to hear about Walter´s passing and could hardly believe that he was 90. Time passes so quickly and we must treasure what we have each day. Together, you and Walter made a wonderful team and I remember the words of wisdom and advice from both of you, not just for me, but for everyone around you. Walter truly loved what he did and his love of life was contagious. I remember his laugh and the big smile that came over his face when he talked of his directing experiences. I thank him ( and you) for being part of the wonderful journey I and other drama students had at the U of S and, after, acting and working in the Saskatoon theatre community. I am saddened by the news and send you all my thoughts at this time. May you be surrounded by the people who love you and care for you. Vaya con dios. My warmest thoughts from Mexico, Liz McRobbie
Nikki Hipkin
November 16, 2014
I'm so sorry to hear of Walter's passing. Walter was a great Canadian, ever full of optimism and spirit. He believed in people. He wanted us to enjoy our lives. He always encouraged a laugh from me, even when other topics of conversation were serious. Walter was a good Saskatonian and he and his bright smile will be missed. My condolences to you, Marion; I hope his spirit continues to provide a light for yours.
Tyler & Heather Campbell
November 16, 2014
A great light has gone out in the world, and all the people mourn. But raise your heads, the curtain rises, see the splendid stage! The memory of his life among us, curtain calls at will, and thus his laughter and his smiles sustain us while forlorn. A final bow, a final show, a wink from Walt the Sage, the Director's Cut with every scene for the Poet of the Age!
Hugs and tears of treasured memories Marion, Walt holds a very special place in our hearts, and will always, always be a part of our lives.
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Heather Campbell
November 16, 2014
Just heard today, Marion. So sorry, I would have liked to be there for you. I was still hopeful to be cast in his Chokecherry Wine. We will always remember him with warm and wonderful memories.
Lloyd Widenmaier
November 16, 2014
Our condolences to you, Marion, and your family.
Shirley and i enjoyed knowing Walter. My association with Walter goes back to his production of Bernadette in Moose Jaw about 1958. I worked with him in the Saskatchewan Drama Festival and wrote the music for his wonderful production of Lysistrata at the U of S Drama department.
I enjoyed him very much and appreciate the role he played in my life.
Michele Swiggum
November 15, 2014
So sorry to hear of your loss - Walter was a very kind & encouraging professor who truly cared about his students - definitely a favorite at U of S. He will be missed.
Linda Lang
November 15, 2014
I am late with my condolences as I just learned of Walter's passing. My sympathy to you, Marion, and to your family. Walter was a most supportive drama teacher and mentor and did much to inspire my own career in drama education. His legacy in Saskatchewan theatre is so important - we will miss him.
November 13, 2014
Dear Marion I was so saddened to hear of Walter's passing. You and Walter were instrumental in starting my professional theater career some 40 year ago. I shall treasure the memories of the days spent in the Drama Department at the U of S, where Walter convinced me to do a little acting. Oh those days of the original Strolling Playes travelling the province in the station wagon. Thank you for it all. Rest in peace and get all those theater people who have gone before organized to do some fun theater. Gail(Homersham)Robertson
November 13, 2014
Well Marion it was a great number of years of blissful life condolences to you how I remember my last 10 months of being alone I mourn with you Brothyer Earl
Miki Bantjes-Mappin
November 12, 2014
I'm so sorry to hear of the passing of Walter. Thinking of you, Marion, please accept my condolences.
Michelle Milenkovic
November 12, 2014
Dearest Marion and Family,
I am so sorry to hear of Walter's passing and yet, his appetite for Life and Art and his devotion to all of you means he lived so well. I toured parts of Saskatchewan, decades ago, with a band of young actors, Dr. David Kaplan and Walter. "Chokecherry Wine" was a blast because the audiences loved it and the show was an act of devotion for both men. Walter's twinkle, his irreverence and his Chuztpah are memorable. Take good care.
Pat Heighes
November 12, 2014
Sincere condolences Marion - you and Walter were such a vibrant couple and gave so much to the theatre in Saskatoon.
So many memories from Greystone and Gateway Players. Rest in peace, Walter.
Lucille Froese
November 11, 2014
Dear Marion
I am so sorry to hear of Walter's passing. My sincere condolences.
Your cousin, Lucille
Kevin Moore
November 11, 2014
Just wanted to pay my respects and condolences to the family. The hanger building was full of strange and wonderful people of which Walter was one. Marion got me my first paid acting gig. They were there at the beginning for so many of us. May a Prairie wind be at your back and speed you on your journey.
An Orchid in memeory.
Beata Van Berkom
November 11, 2014
Walter was my teacher. He was the best. RIP xoxoxoxoxoxooxox
November 11, 2014
My condolences to Marion in the loss of her dear husband Walter whom I met at 'Listen - Up Saskatoon' some years ago. He wrote us poetry called 'Chokecherry Wine' and when we were invited to their place for BBQ supper, he was a master at barbecuing steaks. We have fond memories of you, Walter. Rest in peace. Pat Hunchak
November 10, 2014
I first met Walter when I was a student (B.Ed) at U of S from 1961 - 65. I appeared under his direction in `Twelfth Night` (Nov. 1964) and still have all the clippings from that production. Prime Minister Lester B. Pearson and his wife, who were in Saskatoon at that time, were invited to a performance. I don`t remember if they attended, but that didn`t stop the production being a wonderful experience. Walter looked after his cast by sending everyone, on opening night, a personal note, expressing his faith in that person`s ability to put on a great show. I still have mine. When I graduated I left Saskatoon and eventually settled in Halifax. In the early 2000s I reconnected with Walter and Marion on one of my infrequent visits to Saskatoon. After that it became a regular part of my more frequent visits, and I was always warmly welcomed. It was a treat just to talk theatre and sometimes go down memory lane. Thankfully I last visited Walter and Marion this August. As always we had a great chat about theatre and television and life and families. (And I got some very nice photographs). He had some interesting stories to tell. Just before I left, I gave him a big hug simply because I felt like it. I`m glad I did. Well, he`s gone now and I am the sadder for it. He was a very warm person, one half of a very warm couple. Marion, you have my deepest sympathy. His earthly journey done, may he rest in peace. As the Irish would say, `God love him. He was a nice man`.
With deep affection and love,
Howard D`Arcy, Halifax, Nova Scotia.
Glenda MacFarlane
November 10, 2014
My sincere condolences to Marion and all of Walter's family. I was a student in the Drama Department, and I have always remembered Walter's kindness and good humour during my time there. He will be missed.
Laurie Lee Mills
November 10, 2014
Life has flown for you Dad, your cares are gone, but your memories of love will live on. The moments we both shared alone will always be cherished and held close to me, for these moments are now remembered only by one. Your time has passed in the physical Dad, but mine is not yet done. In my time here, may I always remember to smile, laugh, live, love the sun, relish life and the arts because these are the wonderful things you taught me that I can do.
Dad, you will be with me each day, a part of my heart. Your memories will be passed down through our cells to our children. The form chosen for burial by my beautiful and loving mother, makes you become atoms of the atmosphere. You have been transformed and reborn again as your energy is ever changing and I am so happy for you. You have joined the whole world again, the one we cannot see.
I know in my heart you are not gone, and now you can travel in the wind or rain, to the trees, plants, animals, insects and more to talk with us anytime. Your consciousness ever remains, speaking to us all through nature by the very essence of who you are. I look forward to watching for you in nature until we shall meet again.
I will miss you so much, and you'll ever have my gratitude that you lived and were my Dad.
Laurie Lee Mills
Rick Lee
November 10, 2014
I met Walter as a fellow member of the Nutana Rotary Club. I enjoyed his wit and many stories at the meetings over the years. He will be missed.
Moira Day
November 10, 2014
The last time I saw Walter, in September of this year, was to ask for his help in confirming details about the history of the Department of Drama and its alumni. What a reminder, as he spun story after story with his characteristic wry wit and sharp sense of observation (as seconded by the incomparable Marion) that he was in so many ways *the* living history of the department! Right from its start to the present and that its people and its welfare were still very much an ongoing concern for him even in his 90th year. It was also a reminder to me that the department had been only one part of a very long and rich life dedicated to building up the arts in Canada. Thanks for the memories, Walter, and so much else. We were very much enriched by your passion, creativity, and presence amongst us for these many years, and we will be much diminished by your passing.
Michelle Waldbillig
November 10, 2014
Walter provided one of the first acting workshops our club had back in 1976. He was also my first drama teacher in university. Always an encouraging, enthusiastic teacher. We enjoyed working with him. Our sympathy to his family.
Michelle Waldbillig for
Melfort Amateur Dramatics
Patricia Lenyre
November 9, 2014
Generous in kindness and friendship; excellent and versatile in his art. What a fine man! I am so glad to have known Walter and so sad to think he is gone. Please accept my sincerest sympathies, Marion. Thinking of you with love...
November 9, 2014
I remember Walter fondly as one of my best professors at the U. of S. It sounds like he lived a full life surrounded by love. He will be truly missed. My condolences to his friends and family.
S Wolfe
November 8, 2014
Sad to hear of Walter's passing. He was a huge part of the Hangar days when I attended the U of S and inspired many. Peace and love to the whole family.
Jason Schoonover
November 8, 2014
I remember back in about '72 he was forming the Saskatchewan Play Archives and accepted one of mine as worthy, thus giving a boost in confidence to a budding writer. Always a colourful figure. Toontown needs more of these and Walter's passing is a loss to us all. I raise a glass of Lagavulin-16 to you. Well done.
June Morgan
November 8, 2014
I remember Walter's chuckle with love. It was a pleasure watching him work, so versatile, so accomplished, so generous. I'm sending you lots of love Marion. He will be missed.
Kerri Norris
November 8, 2014
I'll always remember his wry smile and pure enjoyment when watching his students find their path. I'll miss him.
John Stead
November 8, 2014
My sincere condolences to Walter's family. Walter was my first year drama teacher 30 years ago. His dedication and great love of the theatre helped me decide to follow a career in the arts. He was always kind and generous and will be sadly missed.
November 8, 2014
Mr Mills you a classy man , always had a smile thank you for be in my world .
George Hupka
November 8, 2014
Thank you Walter for being a part of so many of our projects - and lives. We will miss you.
Marni Westerman
November 8, 2014
I am so sorry to hear of Walter's passing. He was a wonderful teacher and a lovely man.
November 8, 2014
I had the pleasure of casting Walter in a few film projects. He was always made his performances interesting and full of life! My condolences to the family.
Brenda McCormick
Lucy Harrison
November 8, 2014
I am deeply saddened by this news. Walter was an inspiration to me in my late teens and believed in me - allowing me to stage manage and assistant direct with him on a couple of Gateway Productions at Castle Theatre. He was so easy going and had such a warm heart - even all of these years later (over 30) I remember him like it was yesterday. My condolences go out to his friends and family. He helped me to believe in myself / the biggest gift you can give someone. Thank you Walter xo
Darlene Briere E.D., Sask Drama Association
November 8, 2014
I'm very sorry to hear of Walter's passing. It was a great pleasure to meet and visit with both of you this summer.
Linda Davis
November 8, 2014
You were a class act. Honoured to have had the chance to work with you, prayers and condolences to the family.
Patti Shedden
November 8, 2014
My sincere sympathies to Marion and family. Walter was a gentle and fun guiding force at the Drama Department and it was always so lovely to see both Walter & Marion at all the cultural events around town.
Jim Guedo
November 8, 2014
Good night, sweet prince,
And flights of angels sing thee to thy rest!
Kent and Kathy Allen
November 8, 2014
Sending love and prayers to you and your family Marion.
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