On Wednesday, July 31st, we lost a good man. Many will have noticed the cessation of his ‘almost daily’ email sends of jokes, trivia, anecdotes – Bob loved to make someone smile; or better, to laugh out loud.
Robert Jackson Milling left our world on his terms and with his customary courage, clarity and dignity. Bob was the youngest of four sons, born to Eugene E. Milling and Mary A. Balfour on the last day of 1935 in Lindsay, Ontario. Predeceased by brothers Gordon and Harry, and sister-in-law Joan, he leaves behind his dear brother David, sister-in-law Iris, sister-in-law Ann, sister-in-law Elaine, sister-in-law Barb and brother-in-law Rod.
Bob is already missed by his wife and Life Partner, Shirley - together 52 years; four loved sons – Stephen (Judy), Dennis (Debbie), Gary (Marise), and Lee (Laurie); 6 granddaughters: Serena, Shannon, Erin, Paulina, Nicole, Dani Lee; 1 step-grandson: Zachary, and 2 great-granddaughters: London and Scarlett; many nieces, nephews, cousins, great-nieces, great-nephews – Bob would have loved to share more time with all.
Employed with the City of Sudbury, then McMaster University, and on to the City of Ottawa, Bob had a fulfilling career in Computer Systems Design. Life-long membership in DPMA (data processing management association) offered participation in innovative software design. Known as a dog-lover with genuine respect for animals overall, Bob was invited to oversee animal equity care with both the National Research Council on the Animal Care Committee and IRAP (Industrial Research Assistance Program), which he found very rewarding during retirement.
Bob’s most valued assets, alongside his cars, were his friendships. He leaves behind a wealth of friends – all treasured. Of course, to fit in well, it was best if you talked about cars; Bob was very much a ‘car guy’. All life events were measured by what car he was driving at the time of the event.
Bob was further defined by his interest in ‘all things politics’. Early on, he learned that politics is, more than anything, about people, and that essentially everything in life encircles people. And music; Bob had a wonderful appreciation for music with a remarkable ability to carry a tune quite perfectly. On any given day, at virtually any place, he carried a tune in his head, and he whistled that tune … while he worked, while he walked, while he sat. You could always find Bob - he was the quiet whistler.
Bob was an avid reader and kept up to date on what was going on in the world; thus, had good knowledge of what had gone on in the world. His head was filled with trivia, facts and anecdotes, both interesting and amusing. He was an educator as much as he could be an entertainer. With his excellent command of the English language, Bob was a true ‘connoisseur of wit’.
As pastimes, Bob was a fan of Formula 1 and a fan of baseball - supportive of the Blue Jays even this past year; and he was a supporter of the Toronto Star.
Bob loved comedies and he loved long car drives.
In essence, Robert Jackson Milling’s life is measured by knowledge, experience and stories.
Bob had eternal hope to stay in this world; he absolutely hated leaving us.
“Bob – may you stay Forever Young”
Special thanks and recognition to Bob’s excellent and pragmatic health care professionals with Ottawa Hospital:
Dr. Eoghan O’Shea – Family Physician
Dr. Shawn Malone – Radiation Oncologist
Dr. Lara Williams and her Surgical Team - Dr. R.Musselman, Dr.H.Moloo, Dr.I.Raiche
Dr. Rachel Goodwin -Medical Oncologist
Dr. Carolyn Nessim – Surgical Oncologist
Dr. Gary Small – Cardiologist
Carefor Services of Ottawa, Belfast location
Cremation has taken place.
A Celebration of Life is in planning.
In lieu of flowers, Bob would propose you donate to a foundation or charity that you believe will make our world a better place. Then have a cold beer and take enjoyment in your day as it unfolds.
Digital Guestbook
Rob Milling
Holly LeBlanc
Dear Aunt Shirley,
I'm so sorry, I haven't been in touch with you and didn't know Uncle Bob was so sick. To me, he was always the young, funny uncle, and this news is heartbreaking.
You and Uncle Bob have always been so generous and kind to us.
I'm so grateful that you gave been a constant by his side, and that you have so many fond memories to keep in your heart.
Wishing you good memories and love ❤️
Holly
James Milling
Dear Aunt Shirley,
We are so sad to hear about Uncle Bob's passing, and are sending you hugs and positive thoughts from Vancouver.
Love, James
Patricia Senack
Shirley, I am oh so sorry to hear about Bob and somewhat in disbelief.
May your fond and many memories of Bob provide consolation during this difficult time. My deepest condolences.
If I can be of any assistance, don’t hesitate to call upon me.
Patricia
Marylene O'Donnell
Hey Shirley
Mike and I just want to say how sorry we are to hear about Bob. He fought a valiant fight I am sure. I will always remember him for his gentle spirit and his unending humour. Our hearts and thoughts are with you.
Love and hugs
Marylene and Mike
Good morning Shirley My…
Good morning Shirley
My heart goes out to you, now that your beloved husband is gone. 💔
I cannot imagine all your feelings now, but I hope you have some peace knowing that you took the best care of Bob, that you possibly could do. I think he appreciated you so much 💜
Please take good care of yourself now, as you start to adjust....🩷
Sincerely
Sandy xx
Janet Doherty
Dear Shirley,
I have tears running down my face as I try to write this note to you ...
I believe Bennie knew something had changed, I believe when he looked up at your kitchen window this morning while out on our walk, that he knew his dear friend Bob had crossed over. I believe I felt it too.
Bob was one of my first friends on the street and certainly became one of my favourite people. He was warmth, kindness and humour through and through.
He will be missed, by our family and our neighbourhood.
My love to you Shirley and my deep condolences to all of Bob's family.
Go to the angels, Bob, and don't forget to bring your funny little jokes with you, you'll have everyone smiling and chuckling.
Love,
Jan (and Thuc, Avery, Tristan, Bennie + Stevie)
Luc Rivard
Dear Shirley
I know this is beyond difficult. The boys and I hearts goes out to you as we send our condolences and heartfelt sympathy to you at this sad time.
Luc, Gabriel and Vincent
Lori Alexander
Dear Shirley,
I was so saddened to hear about Bob, I am so very sorry for your loss.
I first met Bob when I started at the city, fresh out of university in April. Bob had a computer printout with BAH HUMBUG written on it over his desk and I remember thinking he was probably a grumpy guy I should avoid. Boy was I wrong. Not long afterwards I was in his office and we were talking about Northern Ontario, and he started telling me a story about a native kid he knew from a reservation just outside of Espanola. The story was long and very descriptive, and I was completely taken in, thinking about all the reservations near Espanola trying to figure out which one it was Bob was talking about as he described the lighted moose head at the entrance to the reservation. Well, after quite a while he finally got to the punchline, "he was the first native to ever wire a head for a reservation". He was so proud and so happy that he had reeled me in, hook, line and sinker. He told everyone we worked with then, and I think everyone we worked with afterwards, that story. That was the first of many, many puns he shared with me, and probably the one he enjoyed telling me the most. I will miss his humour.
I will think about Bob on the 25th of every month and will miss our friendly competition to see who could remind the other guy first the number of shopping months left till Christmas. A tradition we started way back in the building on Carling Avenue on our office chalkboards. The 25th just won't be the same anymore.
I am sure you and all his friends also have lots of wonderful memories of Bob, we were all so fortunate to have known him.
Lori, aka A1
Jackie MacDonald
Dear Shirley,
Bill and I are so sad to receive this message. Please accept our deepest condolences. We have known for some time that he wasn’t well, but didn’t realize how bad it was. He was one of our favourite neighbours and I enjoyed receiving his amusing emails until very recently.
We will remember him fondly,
With hugs and love,
Jackie and Bill
Shirley,
We are all so saddened to hear that Uncle Bob's long and challenging journey has ended.
52 years is an extraordinary time to share with someone and our hearts break for the loss you are going through.
We will always treasure the times we could spend with you and Uncle Bob - at the Cottage and our visits all too brief with you in Ottawa.
We will greatly miss Uncle/Great Uncle Bob 's brilliant sense of humour, his warmth and his eagerness to learn what was going on in our lives whenever we were together.
Please let us know if there is anything we might do to help you at this time.
Lots of love
Rob, Penny and Samantha