Robert Mills

Robert "BOB" Mills 1924-2012 HOUSATONIC Robert Aubrey Mills, 88, of Glendale Road in Housatonic passed away Wednesday evening, April 18, 2012 at Albany Medical Center surrounded by his family, after being stricken at home. Born January 19, 1924 in Malden, Mass., he was the son of Bruce and Henrietta Mills. He attended local schools in the Boston area, and graduated from Williams College in 1947. Having completed ROTC training, while in college during the war he served in the United States Navy, and was honorably discharged on September 11, 1946. He moved to the Berkshires in 1960 and worked as a Sales and Marketing Executive for General Electric in Pittsfield until he retired in the late 1980's. Bob was an outdoor enthusiast. Upon his retirement from G.E., he began working at Canyon Ranch in Lenox as their Outdoors Fitness Guide when they opened in 1989. At the time of his death Bob had been the longest running employee at Canyon Ranch. He lived every day to the fullest and, as a way to share his deep appreciation of the area - and his sincere fondness of the people that surrounded him - always went above and beyond to help his community. He was a member of the first volunteer group that set up the Riverwalk in Great Barrington; he also did extensive volunteer work for Construct, Inc., also in Great Barrington and was an ESL tutor. He could be described as a lifelong learner and teacher and continued to take classes at Berkshire Community College. He was also a member of the Stockbridge Bowl Association as well as St. James Church in Great Barrington. Bob is survived by his wife of 35 years, the former Cecily Beal. The couple was married on July 4, 1976 in Lee. He also leaves his children Laurie Mills of Concord, Mass., Bob Mills and his wife Joy of Charlton, Mass., Darrow Hoeck of Denver, Colo., and Melissa French and her husband Bill of Berwick, Maine; six grandchildren Caitlin, Emily, Laurie, Sam, Will and Sarah as well as his great grandson Rylan and his cousins Ralph and Aubrey Keef. He was predeceased by his son Chris Mills and daughter Tracy Hoeck. FUNERLA NOTICE: A gathering to celebrate the life of Robert "Bob" Mills will be held on Saturday, April 28 from 3 until 6 at Crissey Farm on Route 7 in Gt. Barrington. There will be no calling hours. The family will hold a private service in late June. In lieu of flowers, donations in Bob's memory may be made to the Riverwalk or Construct, Inc. through FINNERTY & STEVENS FUNERAL HOME, 426 Main Street, Great Barrington, MA 01230. Remembrances may be sent to the family through www.finnertyandstevens.com