Robert Edward McMillan

Age: 89 • Shelburne

Robert Edward McMillan, 89, died Friday October 9, 2015 at Vermont Respite House of complications of Alzheimer's.

He leaves his wife of 58 years, Katharine "Penny" (Frankenthal); two married children, Stephen (Linda), and Susan (Becky Roberts); three grandchildren, Daniel, Nicholas and Ella McMillan, his sister, Jean Landeen, many nieces and nephews, and so many friends. He was predeceased by his son Mark.

He was born July 13, 1926 in Chicago Illinois, the son of Cornelius Edward and Margaret Scott McMillan. Raised in Chicago, he graduated from University of Illinois in 1949 with a bachelor's degree after two years in the US Navy. He met his wife Penny and they were married in 1957. His working career was on the railroad, starting on the Illinois Central as an office boy and culminating as the president of the Toledo, Peoria & Western Railroad. Upon retirement, he and Penny traveled extensively and donated time to many organizations. He had many interests including genealogy, pipe organs, English choral music, drawing steam locomotives, and woodworking.

A memorial service will be celebrated at 9:30 am on Tuesday November 17 at St. Paul's Cathedral, Burlington Vermont with final interment in Phelps, Wisconsin (summer 2016). The family requests that, in lieu of any flowers, a donation be made to:

Alzheimer's Association 225 N. Michigan Avenue, Chicago IL 60601 (alz.org)

The Scottish Home 2800 North Des Plaines Avenue, North Riverside IL 60546 (thescottishhome.org). (For a more complete obituary and an opportunity to share memories and condolences, please visit www.awrfh.com)

Visit burlingtonfreepress.com/obituaries to Express condolences and sign the guest book.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Burlington Free Press on Oct. 23, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for Robert McMillan

5 Entries

Dean Cunningham

November 12, 2015

Penny, I have waited until now to write a note telling you how sorry I am for your loss. You have taken care of Bob and I know he appreciated it as he looks down from above thanking you for that special care.

Working for Bob at the TP&W was a privilege. He was my mentor at the AT&SF Railway when they decided to hire me again after many years.

He was greatly respected by Santa Fe Ry people that knew him during his years in the Chicago Corporate Headquarters.

It was my pleasure to know you both.

Dean Cunningham

November 9, 2015

The stories and praises about Bob McMillan are endless. He was one of the greatest guys who ever walked the face of this earth - in every sense of the word. He touched the lives of so many of us, in so many ways. He was a man for all seasons. We are fortunate to have known him. Good bye, old friend.

Otto Sonefeld, former ATSF

Wayne Rethford

October 29, 2015

I first met Bob in 1984, when I cam to work at the Scottish Home. We shared a mutual interest in history. His Mother was a resident of the Scottish Home and always told me that her Son was the President of seven railroads. I remember attending a memorial for his Son, Mark but can't remember where it was held in Chicago. We shared countless letter about the history of the Illinois St. Andrew's Society. When we switched from regular mail to the Internet, I lost contact because he didn't have a computer. He once gave me a tape of railroad sounds - the old steam engine. It is now hung-up in my car's music system. I am sorry because it is not replaceable. The dining room in the Georgeson Wing of the Scottish Home is in memory of his Mother. Rest in Peace, my friend. You will be missed.

October 28, 2015

Remember Bob from the Peoria YMCA--he was a swimmer but also loved to play water vollyball. Discovered in conversation he and my dad went to school together at Hirsch in Chicago. Such a great guy; peace and prayers to the family.

Art Murray

October 26, 2015

I first met Bob McMillan when we both served on the Board of the Illinois St. Andrew Society(the oldest non-profit org in Illinois, which owns and operates The Scottish Home in North Riverside, IL) and was quite impressed with him. He was always a gentleman, with an easy friendliness and courteousness. After he became President of the T P & W RR and moved to Peoria, I proudly had a role in nominating Bob to receive the St. Andrew Society's Distinguished Citizen Award. Bob was a great guy who loved his family, his work, his friends,his church, his Scottish ancestry, and life in general. I am glad that I had the opportunity to know Bob McMillan.

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