It is with great sadness we announce the sudden passing of Roderick McMillan on January 24th, at the age of 73 years.
Devoted husband of Jenny and beloved brother of Glenda (Robert). Predeceased by his parents Stewart and Thelma and his sister Marilyn. Uncle Rod remembered by nieces and nephews Letitia, Christopher, Michael, Ashley, David, Susan and Andrea. He will be dearly missed by friends and family in Canada, USA and in England.
Rod was born in British Columbia. Inspired by a chemistry set given as a gift by his older sisters when he was a little boy, Rod began his academic studies. Rod received BSc in chemistry at Simon Fraser University and PhD at University of British Columbia. He completed post-doctoral work at Stanford University, University of Oxford and University of British Columbia. Years later he moved to Ottawa for employment at National Research Council as a Principle Research Officer and National Resources Canada in the Hydrogen Fuel Cells and Transportation Energy Group. In the year 2002 Roderick received the Golden Jubilee Medal of Queen Elizabeth II at NRC for outstanding achievement. It was in Ottawa where Rod met his wife Jenny both passengers on a broken down VIA rail train in 1987 on his way to a car racing event in Toronto. On this fateful day Rod and Jenny began a wonderful life together for over 35 years.
Throughout Rod’s recreational life he constantly challenged himself, competing in car racing events, designing objects with a 3D printer, and mastering the skill of a guitar luthier.
A private outdoor Memorial Service will be held at Beechwood, Funeral, Cemetery and Cremation Services (280 Beechwood Avenue, Ottawa, ON).
Those wishing to donate in Rod’s honour may consider the Heart and Stroke Foundation or the University of Ottawa Heart Institute.
Digital Guestbook
Wendy Chapman
Andrew Huggett
I'm so sorry for your loss, Jenny, and particularly for the suddenness of it all. While I only visited with you and Rod occasionally I was always impressed buy Rods many abilities and talents. He was a fine human being.
John Wronka
I've been praying and thinking about you and your family since I heard this sad new. My sincerest condolences and may Roderick rest in peace.
Alec Rivers-Bowerman
Always enjoyed working with Rod -at UBC, Moli and evenings at Abingdon Motors with all the other car nuts. Condolences to his wife and family at his untimely passing.
Claire Knubley
I have a lot of fond memories of Rod from my childhood. He was a great friend to my Dad, and to me always embodied kindness and humility. And that smile of his, that literally sparkled! Jenny - I'm so sorry for your loss, and my thoughts are with you during this painful time.
peter richichi
Jenny my condolences for your loss. Rod was a great guy a perfetionist and a pleasure to work for. A friendship which carried on from where we left off. I'm saddened by our loss.
Van
With heartfelt condolences
Terry Kimmel
I worked with Rod at NRC through the 90's and then continued as a friend for years after that. I shared my sorrow and many laughs tonight with Jenny. One word cannot sum up Rod. You remember that Reader's Digest section; The Most Unforgettable Character You Ever Met, well that's Rod. Here are my words to capture his very complex character; irascible, brilliant, sensitive, opinionated, social, creative, critical, frustrated, driven, loyal, cynical, inquisitive, frugal, eco-tistical (I coined this for his total respect for the environment), thoughtful and, at times, difficult. And we all know he didn't suffer fools. I loved the guy for all those adverbs. A great guy to share a beer with.
Christina Bock
I worked with Rod at NRC for most of my career. He has made many outstanding contributions to the NRC and was a great asset. He valued science and had a deep interest in technologies. Rod will be truly missed. My sincere condolences.
Kevin Jonasson
Firstly, my sincere condolences Jenny. I heard of Rod’s untimely passing from Peter Hagar. His rich sense of humour will be missed.
A remarkable man has been taken too soon. Jenny, I am so sorry for your loss.