November 12, 1951-September 24, 2024
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of a wonderful father, friend, teacher, mentor & volunteer. Philip James passed away suddenly, in the comfort of his home on Tuesday, September 24, 2024. He was in his 73rd year. He is survived by his daughter, Vanessa Blair Kelly (Amanda Haak) and his son Grant Traynor McMillan (Kay Dias). He will be sorrowfully missed by his grandchildren, Logan James Rock, Owen Peter Kelly and Amelia Margaret Kelly.
Philip’s family are comforted to know that he is now reunited with his beloved wife Margaret Mary McMillan (nee Grant), who was called home on September 21, 2020. Philip and Margaret were married on September 14, 1974–and can now celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary together. Philip was predeceased by his parents Norman and Loretta McMillan and his brother, Larry McMillan (June McMillan). He is missed dearly by his brothers, Fr. Allan McMillan and Paul McMillan (Patricia White).
At his request, cremation has taken place. A funeral mass will be held at St. James Roman Catholic Church, 22 Victoria Street, SEAFORTH on Tuesday, October 15th at 4:00 PM, followed by a reception and celebration of life at St. Anne’s Catholic Secondary School, 353 Ontario Street, CLINTON, beginning at 5:30 PM.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Huron-Perth Alzheimer Society or the Clinton Public Hospital Foundation.
Philip was passionate about the arts and dedicated over 30 years to his profession in education. Philip’s legacy extends far beyond the stage or the walls of the classroom. He was a teacher and a mentor to many. He believed that students are able to do their best work when they are able to form meaningful relationships with themselves, their peers and their educators. Such was also his philosophy on life–that we learn and grow when we take the time to make meaningful connections with others and the world around us. He was never too busy to have a long conversation, or to tell a story.
My love of teaching was my love of acting and, in as much I had reached a destination of sorts. When one gets to a place, they send postcards telling people:
“Am having a great time. Wish you were here.”
Such has been my wish, in this work. To let others know of the place I have come to be, so that my experience may inform them.”
~Philip J. McMillan
“Actors & Teachers: A Study of Two Professions”
We are always willing to go where called upon but this image shows a visual of the communities that our included in our initial transportation fee. We offer a 40km radius from any of our 5 locations (Arva (London), Exeter, Lucan, Seaforth, and Zurich). Any mileage beyond the included 40km will be charged a rate of $2.50/km (one way travel only).
Kelly Stouffer
Mr. McMillan was a truly gifted teacher, principal, and friend. He was kind and encouraging to myself as well as my family. His positivity and kindness touched a lot of people. I will miss him deeply.
Vanessa and Grant I’m sorry for your loss
Roberto G Cicchelli
I had the opportunity to work with Philip when he became a superintendent with the SCCDSB. He was very proud and happy to share with me about his family, and took time to connect even after our working years together. Sincerest condolences.
Frank & Doris Sanders
Philip was a great help and inspiration for our children during their highschool experience. He was always warm and inviting to us as parents too.
Our deepest sympathy to the whole family.
Sharon McClenagahan
Grant, Vanessa and family.
We are so sorry for your loss of your father and grandfather, Phillip.
We will miss his visits on his walks past our house.
Our condolences to you
Sincerely
Percy and Sharon McClenaghan
Barrie Cripps
I was shocked to read of Philip’s passing. He was so proud of his kids, he was always excited to speak of his family. He will be missed, rest easy friend. My condolences to Vanessa and Grant.
Olga Green
Deepest sympathy to Phil’s family you are in my thoughts and prayers.
I met Phil at St Mikes when he would come in to supply, we always enjoyed our
chats , Phil was really interested in stories of Newfoundland. He will be missed, rest easy my friend.
Olga Green
Heather & Wayne Lyons
Remembering Philip and sending Vanessa, Grant and all his extended family – our deepest sympathy. We first got to know Philip as one of the founding members of the Goderich Performing Arts Foundation almost 45 years ago. He played an important part in securing The Livery as a new home for GLT & as a community Anchor for the Arts – it quickly became and continues to be – for all ages. His many contributions to Education, Community & Family Life – are examples of his faith, action & commitment to ‘make things better’. He will be missed.
Chris & Bonnie Grace
Dear Vanessa and Grant and family.
Please accept our deepeset condolences on your father’s passing. Philip was such a kind human being and was a true gentlemen. He lead by example in the school and in life. He provided me with a start in a new career, teaching at St. Anne’s. What I did not realize was all the life lessons that he would provide to me that have helped me in my job and with my own family over the last 25 years. Rest in peace, Philip.
Debbie Parker
So hard to find the words. We were so sorry to hear about your Dad’s passing. I just spoke with him the day before what would have been your Mom and Dad’s 50th Anniversary. We had such a nice chat. Well I listened mostly. And I know you will know what I mean. We go back over 50 years. Your Dad sang at our wedding and your Mom was my Maid of Honour. I still miss talking to your Mom and I will miss listening to your Dad. He was always so interested in everything around him. I know he loved his family and was so proud of all of you. Our hearts go out to all of you and we send you all huge hugs! Love Deb and Stew XO
Doug Discepolo
Dear Vanessa, Grant and Family
I was deeply saddened to hear about Philip’s passing. Philip was a kind and caring person. His passion as an educator and mentor was truly remarkable.
Please accept my deepest condolences for you and your family’s loss.
Jennifer (Gowanlock) Storey
Sincere condolences to Vanessa and Grant and family. Your father (grandfather) had a unique gift of making everyone feel seen and valued. He was a favourite teacher at GDCI and inspired many of us to embark on our own journeys armed with curiosity, respect and a profound understanding that connecting with others was made easier by keeping an open mind. Through the years I have thought of him fondly and remember always his friendship and gentle guidance. He lives on in the hearts of all whose lives he touched.
Robin MacDonald
As one of his former students, I always felt valued and understood while in class. That was appreciated and remembered throughout my life. Thank-you and RIP.
Blue Water Rest Home
Sending our condolences on behalf of the Residents, Staff and fellow Board Members. You are in our thoughts at this difficult time. Phillip’s dedication to being a volunteer as a Board Member with the Blue Water Rest Home and West Huron Care Centre never went unnoticed. May your fond memories give you strength in the road ahead.
Marlene&Dave de Vries&Family.
Dear Grant and Family,
Our Deepest Sympathies Grant ,on the loss of your dad . Our thoughts and Prayers are with you All.
Robert & Susan McMillan
To the family of Philip, especially Vanessa and Grant, and the grandkids;
Our deepest condolences to everyone. Being cousins, I’ve known Phil since we were young children and visited in Sudbury many times as well as his family visiting in Windsor. In later years, after Sue and I were married and Phil was attending University of Windsor, we had Margaret stay with us on occasion. A few years ago we met in Woodstock with other cousins for lunch couple of times. How wonderful it was. Both Margaret and Phil were always pleasant to have spent time with.
May God bless him on his final journey.
Love, Bob & Sue McMillan
Claire Reynolds
Grant and Vanessa,
Our sincere condolences on the loss of your father, we were very saddened and shocked to hear that he had passed away. Mike and I were very lucky to have had him as a Drama teacher at GDCI back in the day, and later I had the pleasure of working with him at St. Annes, and St. Marys. He was a true gentleman, who cared about his students, his co-workers and most of all his family, he was so proud of you both.
After reading some of the condolences on this site and facebook, it reminded us of how many lives he truly touched, he was one of “those” humans, someone that people never forget.❤️
Know that you are in our hearts and thoughts at this time of sorrow and we will remember your Dad fondly.
The Reynolds Family
Elaine Coxon
I enjoyed working with Philip at St. Anne’s. My deepest condolences to Vanessa, Grant and your families.
Ann Brabender
McMillan Family – my deepest sympathy. I had the pleasure of working with Phil on the Alzheimer Board of Directors in Huron County. He was a wonderful leader and was deeply involved in the organization. Phil volunteered many hours for the society. He will be missed by many .
Sandra Lane
Vanessa, Grant and family-
I am so sorry to hear this news and so very sorry for your tremendous loss.
Your dad or “Mac” as we called him was my drama teacher throughout highschool at GDCI. My passion for drama started before highschool and being taught by Mac opened my eyes to many new possibilities for the skills acquired through studying the arts more broadly.
While ultimately my professional work is not directly related to the drama – I apply the skills from those classes daily in the way I deliver presentations to improvising a response to a difficult question.
I will never forget the look of joy and pride on his face the day he came to rehearsal and announced to the student directors that his daughter Vanessa was born. We cheered. We were genuinely happy for him. I wasn’t there, but I know that student reaction to Grant’s arrival would be the same.l because Mac embraced a spirit of sharing and kindness in the classroom and theatre which was universally inspiring to students.
Donna McMillan
All our Sympathy. Al and Donna McMillan
Ron Lane
Our deepest sympathies to the McMillan family. As colleagues in Goderich ,we shared many life experiences with Philip and Margaret during both his teaching and her nursing careers. A life well lived Philip. May you rest in Peace.
Ron and Marian LANE
John & Michelle Wilson
Our thoughts and prayers are with you Grant and your family… sending hugs. 💕
Karen Buckley Vansteelandt
Dear Vanessa and Grant,
My condolences to you and your families during this period in time that is beyond difficult. Philip as a leader encouraged staff to put students first and work to meet the needs of every learner. He believed in having a staff not divided by departmental subjects. In order to build this togetherness, I will always be grateful for his opening year social at his your Mom’s place at the end of week 1 in Sept. Meeting and chatting with other staff as a new staff member was comforting and inclusive.
While there however, a bee stung me, which allowed me to witness the kindness of your mother as a caring healer as she helped me with the swelling. ❤
Cherish the memories you have.
Teresa (Zwambag) Emond
Mr. McMillan was my art teacher and later principal at St. Anne’s Catholic Secondary. My sincere condolences to his family. Rest in peace, Mr. McMillan.
Erinn Mulhern-Gilbert
My deepest condolences to Grant, Vanessa and family. Phil (“Mr. McMillan”)was an amazing teacher and mentor for me while I was a student at GDCI and he was an amazing influence for the dramatic arts. Having not lived in Goderich for some time, I reconnected with Phil last year at my own father’s funeral in Goderich. We caught up with great phone conversations and a nice tour of his lovely home in Clinton! I was also fortunate to see Grant play live in Goderich last fall. Phil will be greatly missed and his intelligence, compassion and great storytelling fondly remembered.
John Geiger
You have our deepest sympathy.
I taught at GDCI with your Dad up until the time he became Principal at St. Annes. When I retired and began to supply teach, he asked me to be a supply teacher at St. Annes as well as at GDCI. It was such a pleasure to work those years with him at GDCI and then to be able to continue working for him at St. Annes.
He will be sorely missed but not forgotten.
Susan and Bill Meyers
Grant and Vanessa and families- Bill and I would like to express our condolences on the loss of your dad. Phil always took the time to talk whenever he saw us. He was influential in many, many lives and he was so proud of his family.
I know how much he missed your mom and there is comfort in knowing they are together .
Heather McDougall
Sincere sympathy to Vanessa, Grant and their families. Ken and I moved into the house across from Margaret and Philip so he was our neighbour, friend, then my co-worker and finally my boss. Lots of good memories. I truly believe that he is again with Margaret as he missed her so much these last four years.
Heather and Ken(Gomer) McDougall
Anne Newington
So sorry for your loss. I will always remember Philip with a giggle. We shared a lot while working together on our Master’s degrees.
Teresa Hickey
Vanessa, Grant & the McMillan Family
I was sorry to hear of your sudden loss. In August I had an afternoon of reminiscing with Philip at a friend’s gathering, lots of laughs. Regards Teresa Hickey
Jane and Len Muegge
So very sorry Vanessa and Grant and families to hear of your Dad’s passing. You’re in our thoughts and prayers
Amanda Goodhew
Dear Vanessa, Grant. My condolences are with you and your families. Cherish all the memories of your dad. Thinking of you all during this challenging time. He is now with your mom looking down on you all.
Cathy Williams
Oh my what a lovely human he was. My sister and I had had the pleasure of knowing “Mr.McMillan” a very long time. I will remember an amazing teacher and just an all around great guy . RIP dear man condolences to his family 💕
Jacqui McDonald
Philip was a wonderful friend to our father as he would accompany Philip at weddings and choir.
Wonderful memories of the McMillan’s as our neighbours on Orange Street in Clinton to have my daughter be fortunate enough to have him as her principal years later. Margaret and Phillip were true examples of how kindness and compassion for people can make the world a little better! Vanessa and Grant may you have comfort in knowing that your parents were genuinely special people that were so proud of you both. They will always be remembered fondly and often by many of us that were lucky enough to have known them. Take care of yourselves and each other in this difficult time.
💜Bob and Jacqui (Bradley) McDonald
Tom and Kathie Kelly
So very sorry to hear of Phillip’s passing.Thinking of the family at this difficult time.
Linnie Ellis
I express my deepest sympathy in this time of sorrow. The Bible gives a comforting hope that your loved one will come to life again on a beautiful paradise earth when death will be no more in John 5:28, 29 and Revelation 21:4.
Ingy Marshall
Your Dad was a very gifted and talented man! No matter what the circumstances he always took the time to ask how you were doing and expressed a genuine interest in everyone he met! He set very high standards for himself and saw the best in others! What a kind and considerate human being! He will be missed by so many.
Marian Doucette
Vanessa, Grant and families. Please accept my sincere condolences. I have fond memories of both of your parents, and getting to do some storytelling/puppet-telling long ago at your home. Every time I met Phil we would share stories about you both (he was one proud father), theatre and your mother’s rose garden; these are things I will now miss. Happily, we had a wonderful chat this summer following an outstanding performance of “Something Rotten!” We shared tales about cast members we both knew, the musicals portrayed, etc. and this will remain a gifted memory. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Henrietta Wise
Vanessa, Grant and families, I’m so sorry to hear of your dads sudden passing. I
Enjoyed our conversations and visits at the hair salon for many years. Both your parents were kind , generous and very passionate about life. Your dad was so proud of his kids and grandkids. You are in my prayers.
Henrietta Wise
Evelyn Leppington
Our deepest condolences to you Vanessa, Grant and your families for this great loss in your lives.
Home from your side but never forgotten.
Barry Page
My sincere condolences go to Vanessa and Grant for the loss of their father; a well respected educator. R.I.P. Philip.
Susan Nigh
Sorry for your loss of such amazing man! Philip was principal for both of my children and I would often see him at church. He will be missed by many.
Helen Van Bakel
Dear Vanessa and Grant,
I am so sorry for the loss of your father. He often spoke of you and was very proud of his children. He was a dedicated teacher, principal and a wonderful mentor for me. I learned a great deal about teaching management and work ethic from his time at St. Anne’s.He will be missed. Sincerely, Helen Van Bakel
Arletta Heaps (Martin)
Mr. McMillan will go down as one of my favourite teachers at GDCI. I am now 55 and still remember his smile and laugh. He was honest, supportive, encouraging, kind and always made time. My condolences to the family.
Chrissy Dignan
I am so so sorry for the loss of this amazing man! He was an awesome principal. My deepest condolences to the family! Words just cannot be enough to say just how sorry we are. So so sorry for your loss.
Shelley McPhee Haist
Dear Vanessa and Grant. I was so sorry to hear of Philip’s passing. I have so many fond memories of times together when you were little and we shared child care. Through the years we always enjoyed chats at the grocery store and talked about our families, gardening and even sharing in some of the changes in our lives. My thoughts are with you. Sending love and hugs, Shelley
Debbie Whitmore
My condolences to Vanessa, her brother Grant and all of their family on the passing of their father, Philip. A dedicated man to his family and to the education of students at St.
Anne’s and more. Prayers for Philip, rest in the love of God.
Mary Verberne
So sorry for your loss. He was an amazing person. He was an amazing singer in St. James choir. He will be missed.
Richard and Mary Verberne and Family
Amy Fields Jewitt
Dear Vanessa, Grant + Family,
I am so very sorry to learn of the recent passing of your father.
He was a great educator and I feel privileged to have learned so much from him. My appreciation for the Arts began in high school under his teaching. Inspired by Mac, I went on to teach both visual arts + drama myself! His teachings often in my mind as I tried to inspire the next generation to explore their own creativity and take a baby step outside of their comfort zone.
He was an incredible human who will be missed. Thinking of you all.
🤍✨🕊️
Mike Regier
I’m sorry to hear of his passing.. 💐
My condolences to his family and friends.
He was very kind Teacher and Principal to us at St.Annes.
Truly one of the best!
RIP Mr. McMillan 🤞🙏
Michelle Durst
I am so sorry to hear of your loss, Vanessa and Grant! Your dad was a wonderful person who touched many young peoples lives and I know he will be missed! Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers!
Patty Farnsworth
I’m sorry to here this. I had the pleasure of having him as a drama teacher in the early eighties at GDCI.
I always enjoyed our conversations when he would shop at Zehrs in Goderich. My condolences to his family.
Anne Ball
Philip was a very kind man, and a wonderful teacher. I was very shocked to hear of his passing. My deepest condolences to Vanessa and Grant, and their families.
Wendy Million
He was my drama teacher in high school, and I remember him with fondness. So sorry for your enormous loss.
Patrick and Phyllis Pecord
Our sincerest condolences for the sudden loss of your father.
My wife and I are neighbors who live on Church St.
Phillip would always stop and chat. In fact he was here just about 2 weeks ago and he seemed fine.
Such a loss. He will be missed!
Terrie Van Osch
We are so sorry to hear about Philip’s passed my. He was such a beautiful man. I am honoured to have worked alongside him. My thoughts and prayers are with Vanessa and Grant. Your dad was so very proud of you.
Cathi Hill
Our heartfelt condolences to you. Phil was a great guy.
A wonderful educator.
He will be missed
Lyle and Cathi Hill
Heather Larsen-Dafoe
My deepest condolences too those who are left behind.
Phil kept me alive in highschool, and I don’t say that lightly, by recognizing me for who I was and putting me on a stage or behind it. I stopped by for many years when I was home and visited and I’m sorry I didn’t get to see him before he passed.
May his memory be a blessing.
Sally Walker
I am very saddened to learn of Philip’s passing. I supply taught regularly for him when he taught Drama at GDCI. We also became colleagues and friends when I was hired on staff there. Fond memories include a truly wonderful Drama night school course he taught in the 1980’s. I also have very special memories of helping him with his stellar production of Macbeth at the school. He was an extraordinary teacher and supportive colleague.
Philip was so proud of his family, and to them I send my heartfelt condolences.
Melody (Nemis) Henry
My sincerest condolences on the passing of Philip. We were childhood friends on Gilman street. We spent many hours playing together. May cherished memories sustain you in these difficult times.
Kendra
Mac was a kind and generous teacher who was always available to lend an ear.
Velma Young
My condolences to Vanessa, Grant and their family. Remember the good times and let them get you thru the tough times.
Margaret J. Hill
Dear McMillan Family! I am so truly sorry for your loss! Shannon, Cayley and myself wish to extend our sympathies . We truly admired everything that Philip did in the arts for which he was so very passionate!