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.
I first met Bob when my husband Dave Kent joined his team at the City of Ottawa in 1992. It was a close-knit and social group, many of whom still get together regularly to this day. We socialized with Bob and Shirley as part of this group and after Bob and Dave both retired, we added regular lunch dates at the Mill Street Brew Pub, bonding further over a shared love of craft beer, good food and great conversation. As Covid happened and Bob’s health declined these lunches happened less frequently and were sometimes restricted to the outdoor patio but never truly stopped until this year. I wish I had known that the last one was the last one. They have provided some wonderful memories of good friends that David and I both treasure.
I have two memories of Bob that I would like to share. Dave does not drive and when our fourth child was born at an inconvenient time, of course, my father was unable to provide his usual chauffer service. As this was over 30 years ago, everyone was at work and Bob immediately stepped up to drive David home and both of us to the hospital keeping everyone one entertained with hilarious and inappropriate jokes – just what was needed. After that Bob never failed to single out Malcolm by name when asking about the family – no mean feat as the family eventually expanded to six children over the years.
During a difficult time in late 2019, Bob was not able to use his computer to stay in touch and Shirley sent out a request to friends to send emails, post-cards, letters, anything that she could read out loud to Bob while he could not reach out himself. Anyone who knows Bob, probably knows how much he must have hated not being able to use his computer to make people laugh. I took this as a challenge and bombarded Shirley with handwritten cards and letters, some with internet jokes and cartoons glued inside. It was fun and I hoped it helped but was never sure.
And then I received an absolutely wonderful, heartfelt e-mail from Bob with his thanks. There was not a single joke – an absolute first!
It’s still in my email folder. And I miss Bob very much. Love to Shirley and all his family.
Lynn