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In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar
MILLAR, Kenneth Bruce (Ken, Kenny) - age 81, passed away on September 20, 2021 in Halifax. Born on February 27, 1940 in Edmonton he was the youngest of three. He is survived by his sister Marian (Kelowna). He is also survived by his devoted wife of 50 years, Janet, his children Melissa (Jeremy) in Halifax, Trevor (Jen) in Victoria, and Allison (Dallas) in Calgary. Known as Grampa, Grampoo and Grampa Kenny he remains in the hearts of his grandchildren Sam & Dylan Webb, Charlie & Eamonn Millar and Calvin Kenny Watson. He was predeceased by his brother Don (Edmonton) by just over one month.
As a young man, Ken took the trip of a lifetime by ship to Australia where he spent a year working. He never stopped talking about that experience and subsequently all three of his children lived in Australia at various times. Ken was able to go back there with Janet in 2006 and insisted that everyone present was required to search for the house in Brisbane where he had once lived!
His career included 11 years as a pilot with Canadian Armed Forces, Naval Division (completing more than 150 landings on the HMCS BONAVENTURE). He then worked full-time for 20 years with the Armed Forces Reserves at 420 Air Reserve Squadron, Rescue Coordination Centre in Halifax, and Air Reserve Flight Squadron at CFB Greenwood. After retirement from the military, he worked as a Real Estate Agent, and as a Commissionaire at the Halifax Airport. He also devoted many years to volunteering at the Shearwater Aviation Museum and was instrumental in starting the Greenwood Aviation Museum.
Ken was a man of diverse interests which is illustrated by his many hobbies. They included running, playing hockey, travel, writing poetry, listening to music, and playing tickle monster with his grandkids. His three greatest passions in recent years were playing the game ‘crokinole’, singing and playing his guitar. He loved an informal jam session. A few years ago, he discovered miniature cue sticks he could use with crokinole and never hesitated to insist that he could teach someone how to use them because they are “the best thing ever invented”. Those who know him will also remember that he was a connoisseur of vanilla frozen yogurt, “red wine on ice” and the occasional cigar or cigarette. (“But I’m not a smoker!”)
Music was such an important part of his life that he decided to pursue a music degree. In 1988 he graduated from Dalhousie University with a B.A. in Music and then directed his love of music to singing in various choirs, the most recent being the Chebucto Community Singers. He truly loved his time with them. At home, Ken was known to just hum a little while going about his daily activities and even his grandkids are able to repeat a few of the “jingles” that he sang most often for his own & others amusement.
Visitation with the family will be held on Friday, October 1, 2021 from 6-8pm and a Celebration of Life on Saturday, October 2 at 3:30pm. Both take place at J.A. Snow Funeral Home, 339 Lacewood Dr, Halifax, NS. Keeping the current COVID situation in mind please pre-register your attendance for the service by calling 902-455-0531.
In lieu of flowers donations to Hope For Wildlife would be appreciated as it was Ken’s favourite charity. https://www.hopeforwildlife.net/all-the-ways-to-give Huge thanks go to Wendy Sullivan, Ken’s Support Person at home over the last year and the wonderful nurses and doctors at the QEII Infirmary 7.4 and anyone who helped care for Ken. (JA Snow Funeral Home)
Ships served in: HMCS BONAVENTURE - Served in BONAVENTURE (for VS 880 Squadron) HMCS MARGAREE - Served in MARGAREE in 1973 (for HS 50 Air Det) as a Lt, C.A.F. (Navy) HMCS ASSINIBOINE - Served in ASSINIBOINE in 1974 (for HS 50 Air Det) as a Lt, C.A.F. (Navy)
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