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John Thomas MacMillan

1950 - 2016

John Thomas MacMillan obituary, 1950-2016, Alamo, CA

John MacMillan Obituary

John Thomas MacMillan
Mar. 27, 1950 - May 9, 2016
Alamo
John lost his valiant 16 year battle with Parkinson's at home, surrounded by his family. No one fought harder or longer against such a debilitating disease.
John was born in Los Angeles to the late Jack and Mary (Pauline) MacMillan, a second generation Angeleno. John attended Cal State Los Angeles, earning an Anthropology degree and thereafter La Vern University, earning a Juris Doctor. John began his law practice as a sole practitioner but needing to eat, quickly found employment with Ticor Title. John remained in the title insurance industry for the balance of his legal career, climbing the rungs of success until he became Chief Underwriting Counsel for North American Title Insurance Company.
John's proudest accomplishment were his two sons, Ian and Brian. John's favorite pastime was to participate or watch whatever activity Ian and Brian were involved with, be it sports, school or scouts. John was also an avid fisherman and diehard Dodger fan, passing on his love of fishing and baseball to his sons. John was a fixture in the Alamo community, walking his beloved English Setters around town till the disease began to win the battle.
John is survived by his soulmate, Geri; sons, Ian and Brian; sister Linda Johnson of San Marcos; niece Julie Roybal and husband Shawn of San Marcos; nephews John Edwards and wife Rebecca of Reno, NV and Aaron and Luke Whetstone of WI.
Per John's wishes there will be no formal service. In keeping with his spirit, John willed his remains to UCSF in the hope someone else will not suffer from Parkinson's as he did. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the National Parkinson's Foundation.


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Published by East Bay Times on May 15, 2016.

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6 Entries

Jim Grottkau

December 22, 2016

I truly enjoyed many conversations with John when he was a volunteer at the Sheriff's Office Valley Station in Alamo.

John was a truly nice man who made the world a better place. God bless!

June 10, 2016

I did not know John well, but the few times I had the pleasure of sharing his company, I felt his warmth, and his good nature. His love for his entire family was so evident when we talked, and his laughter was always abundant in our conversations.
My condolences to his family. Our little neighborhood here in Alamo lost a good person.
Linda Cleary

June 6, 2016

I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Mr. MacMillan. Brian was my good friend in elementary school, and I spent a lot of time at the MacMillan home. Mr. and Mrs. MacMillian were always so nice to me, and made me feel right at home. They would cook the most delicious meals for me and Brian. I have many fond memories of us all hanging out in the pool, and Mr. MacMillan always told the funniest stories. He was also always interested in hearing stories about my family and any trips we had taken. He loved to laugh. It was really nice being over there and I'm very sorry that Mr. Macmillan isn't with us anymore, but I will always remember the whole family's generosity, hospitality, and kindness towards me. I send my love to Brian, Mrs. MacMillian and Ian. I hope you're all doing okay.
Love you guys.

Dalton Boswell

Guy Walters

May 24, 2016

I was very sad to hear of the passing of John. While it has been over 25 years since I worked with John, I remember him as a great legal mind and an all round good guy. May god bless John and his family. Guy Walters

Norine Murray

May 19, 2016

Lyall and I have so many wonderful memories of John and his antics. He was always able to put a smile on our faces and we loved his sense of humor. But mostly we loved John for his big heart - he was always positive, generous, kind and giving. He was truly one of the good guys. We miss him terribly and will treasure his friendship forever.

I like to think that he is up there walking Pete and Max, with the sun on his face, unencumbered by illness or pain. Our friend is at peace.

Nancy Holbrook

May 14, 2016

The best way to describe John is as a man of integrity, intelligence, kindness, humor and perseverance. My memories range from his superb analytical abilities pertaining to the law to his wonderful wit. I am privileged to have been his friend. I will never forget his kindnesses. He is in my memory and heart. His body is at rest while his spirit in al its acets lives forever.

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