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”
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.
The Kelly Family
Dear Vanessa and Grant and your families,
We were all very sorry to hear of your father’s sudden passing. He will be truly missed by you both and by his grandchildren. Our prayers are with you all. May you rest in peace, Philip.
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!