LAWRENCE ALLAN "JOHN" MILLS

(1928 – 2025) It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of John Mills on Sunday, September 21, 2025. After 97 years of a wonderful life devoted to faith and family, Dad will be joining Mom in Heaven. Predeceased by his wife of 73 years, we know that Dorothy will welcome him with open arms. Dad was born in Perth, Western Australia, where he met and married Dot, and promptly sailed off for a better life elsewhere. That brought them to Canada, where they began raising their family. Dad leaves behind sons, Richard (Edwina), Christopher (Anne), Glenn (Michelle); and daughter, Patti (Rene). Also missing him dearly will be grandchildren, John Edward and Simon, Lindsay and Jenna, Alison and David; and great-grandchildren, Nicholas and Naethen, James and Brenna. He was also loved and will be missed by his Australian and UK relatives. Upon his arrival in Canada, Dad worked his way through the ranks at Simpsons Sears, as a buyer of both furniture and stereos. He was also quite active at Rexdale United Church, where he was Director of the Sunday School program. Dad excelled as a tennis player, where he was a club champion at Pine Point Tennis Club and also served as the club president. His entrepreneurial spirit hit a spark when he started a small business designing and building tennis umpire chairs in our basement, which he sold to tennis clubs around the world. But this spirit went into overdrive in 1972 when be became a Canadian Tire dealer, owning and operating stores in Windsor, Nova Scotia, Moncton, New Brunswick, Rexdale, and Weston, Ontario. He retired in 1997 and devoted the rest of his life to his wonderfully patient wife and travel to exotic locations. He found joy in simple pleasures; weekends at the family cottage, winters in Cottesloe Beach, WA, golf, tennis, skiing, big band music, Aussie Rules Football, Knox St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church, and gardening. He was one of the most gentle, caring, and empathetic people who would give you the shirt off his back. Retirement also brought Dad to Fort Erie, where he lived out his final years at Willows Retirement Home, where we are grateful for the care that he received. Dad will be missed by us all. Private services entrusted to Benner Funeral Services, Fort Erie.