Kenneth Leslie McMillan

McMillan Kenneth Leslie October 25, 1927 November 3, 2009 In the early morning of November 3, 2009, with the sun breaking through the heavens, and the bagpipe music playing, Ken McMillan, our beloved husband, father and grandfather passed away, 9 days after his 82nd birthday, surrounded by the love of his family. Ken is predeceased by his mother Annie, father Keith and brother James. He is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Doreen; his daughters, Loree Lawson (Kent and Riley), Colleen Grady (Mark), sons, Don (Marnie, Garrett and Andrew), Scott (Kim Stanzel, Kaitlyn and Emily). Ken was born in Regina October 25, 1927, and educated in Swift Current, and Yorkton Saskatchewan. He was the youngest person to receive his Bachelor of Architecture degree from University of Manitoba in 1949. His career began with HK Black Architecture in Regina in 1949. The firm became Black, Larson, McMillan Architects in Regina in 1957. Ken retired as President of McMillan, Lehrer, Ellard, Croft Architects in 1996. He loved his job, and at age 69 he said he didn't really want to retire but he guessed he had better. Ken's design talents are evidenced throughout the province. He was responsible for the design or redesign of 90% of the Health care facilities in Saskatchewan, including the Regina General and the Pasqua Hospital Regeneration projects and revisions to the Plains Health Centre (now SIAST campus). Ken was also proud of his designs of St. Luke's Anglican Church and Whitespruce Youth Treatment Centre. He was elected a Fellow of the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada in 1979, and was made a Life Member in the Saskatchewan Association of Architects and The Royal Architectural Institute in 1996. Ken received the Commemorative Medal for the 125th Anniversary of Confederation in 1992. The Golden Jubilee Medal was presented to him in 2002, on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the ascension to the throne of Her Majesty the Queen. These medals are awarded to Canadians who have made a significant contribution to their fellow citizens, their community, or to Canada. Ken served on the University of Regina Senate, and chaired the University of Regina Board of Governors, the family YMCA, the Cosmopolitan Activity Centre, Qu'Appelle House, and William Booth Community Council for the Salvation Army. He also served as a member of the Wascana Centre Authority, the senior's University Group Inc., the Saskatchewan Prayer Breakfast Committee, and was a Vestry member of St. Luke's Anglican Church. Ken was also an active volunteer for the Hospitals of Regina Foundation and Meals on Wheels. Ken was a 3rd degree Mason, serving as Master of the Masonic Lodge in Regina circa 1974. He was an active member of the Wa Wa Shrine and was elected Potentate in 1973 and President of the Mid West Shrine Association in 1982. He loved playing snare drum with the Wa Wa Shrine Pipes and Drums. In 2008, Ken's contributions to the City of Regina and the Province of Saskatchewan were recognized with the naming of McMillan Drive in Regina. Ken loved his family and took pride in the many activities of his 5 grandchildren. Always the proud grandpa he never missed a school event or dance recital, and enjoyed many hockey games always providing advice from his playing years as Kenny Red. He loved both downhill and cross country skiing spending many winter vacations with his family at various mountain resorts. Ken was an avid golfer right up until the summer of 2009 and in his leisure time, he dabbled in water color painting. He was a very positive person, and always looked for the good in all. Ken has touched many lives professionally and personally, and he will be sorely missed, remembered, honored, and loved. We are proud to say that we are his wife, or child, or grandchild. The family would like to thank the Doctors and Nurses in the Emergency Department, and the 5th Floor Neurology Unit at the Regina General Hospital; especially C.J., Marla, Melissa and Christina, for their excellent care, and for the concern, compassion, and understanding shown to Ken and the family. A celebration of Ken's Life will be held on Friday, November 6th, 2009 at 2:00 pm at St. Luke's Anglican Church, 3233 Argyle Road, Regina with the Rev. Derek Nicholls officiating. Flowers are most gratefully declined. Friends so wishing may make a donation, in memoriam, to the Wa Wa Shrine Patient Transportation Fund, Shrine Centre 2065 Hamilton Street, Regina Saskatchewan, S4P 2E1 or the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Saskatchewan, 279 3rd Avenue North, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, S7K 2H8 or a charity of their choice. Arrangements are in care of Speers Funeral Services. An online book of condolences may be signed at www.speersfuneralchapel.com .