Howard Edwin "John" MILLS

Howard Edwin "John" MILLS obituary

Howard Edwin "John" MILLS

Howard MILLS Obituary

Published by Vancouver Sun and/or The Province on Jan. 23, 2016.
MILLS, Howard "John" Edwin
85 of Saltspring Island, passed away peacefully at home on January 16, 2016. John was born to the late Albert and Dorothy Mills on June 23, 1930 in London, England. He always claimed that he weighed 13 lbs and since all witnesses to this event had predeceased him, we could not argue. He arrived in Canada in 1953 working as a gandy- dancer, fisherman, coalman, dishwasher, and as a radar technician on the DEW line. He graduated with a B.A. from UBC, receiving a fellowship to Stanford where he received an M.A. In 1965. He then became a member of Simon Fraser University's charter faculty, proud to be a "founding father" of the University, retiring Professor Emeritus in 1995. A prolific writer, he published 8 books, mostly novels. The latest, Still No Word From Nancy, was published in 2015. John was a great wit, sophisticated satirist, passionate chef, generous host, loving husband and was active in church and community. Everyone who had the pleasure of meeting John, liked him and enjoyed being in his company. He married Elaina Hyde in 1983 and moved to Saltspring Island in 1999. He knew that Elaina would outlive him and often joked that he hoped he would not end up in a "home" on an "iron lung", while pretending to be convinced that the family was plotting against him in this regard. John is also survived by two children: Adam and Emma Hyde of Vancouver, BC and 3 grandchildren: Finn, Makena and Kristjan. Since John was alone at the moment of death we don't know his last words. Perhaps "sic transit gloria mundi", or "in manus tuas me commendo", or equally possible "Oh s**t!" would have passed over his lips. Had John written his own obituary, he would have done a much better job than any of us. We will truly miss this most wonderful man. A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m., Friday, February 5, 2016, at the All Saints by the Sea Anglican Church in Ganges, BC.

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January 21, 2017

Rob Irving posted to the memorial.

April 6, 2016

Sarah Paterson posted to the memorial.

February 4, 2016

Someone posted to the memorial.

7 Entries

Rob Irving

January 21, 2017

Sorry to hear of John's passing! He was my English professor at SFU in the late 60's and I thoroughly enjoyed his classes.

Sarah Paterson

April 6, 2016

So sorry to hear of John's passing and he passed one day after my mother June Paterson.He was a wonderful wit and we will all miss him greatly.

John in full voice with other pilgrims singing in a language other than his own.

February 4, 2016

Midday lunch break on the Camino with a Santiago almond torte.

February 4, 2016

Derek and John on the Camino

February 4, 2016

Companions on the Camino to Santiago de Compostela, Spain (John, Tom, Shirley)

Shirley Collins

February 4, 2016

Dear Elaina and family, I read with shock and deep sadness the passing of John. My deep condolences to you. I was privileged to share the Camino de Compostela 'pilgrimage' with John Mills in 1999 and recall that he kept me laughing with his example of taking joy in life. He, who walked with no socks and had no blisters and could out walk us all, would regale us with spontaneous bouts of the dramatic: recitals of literature along the path, song around the meal and exaggerated protestations (groaning and moaning from the exhaustion at day's end). All the while he was sumptuously entertaining us, he was effecting a synergy of humour amongst us all. Joy is to be found where you are. That is my enduring memory of John. My heart breaks with you as you grieve his death. I give God thanks for his gift of hospitality and encouragement on the camino. His ability to inspire, hearten and support others truly strengthened my resolve, faith and spirit. May God bless and keep you, dear John.

Jean White

January 24, 2016

My sincere condolences to you, Elaine and family. May God's grace bless you and give you his peace. I never met your husband but I wish I had.

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January 21, 2017

Rob Irving posted to the memorial.

April 6, 2016

Sarah Paterson posted to the memorial.

February 4, 2016

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