Gerald Francis Milne
Gerald Francis Milne died peacefully at his residence in Nepean on Tues., June 11, 2002, at the age of 67, with emphysema.
Mr. Milne (Jerrie) was the son of the late John P. Milne (1957) and the late Elizabeth I. (Beggs) Milne (1963). He was born on July 21, 1934 in Wilkie, Saskatchewan. At the age of four, he and his family moved to Mountain. Here he was raised and educated at the former North Mountain Consolidated School near Hallville. He attended Kemptville Agricultural School and graduated from the agricultural program in 1955.
Mr. Milne worked as the assistant manager, parts department at Consumers TV from 1957 to 1961, before taking a job at M. Loeb Warehouse from 1961-1967 as assistant manager. In 1969, Mr. Milne joined the Department of Transportation in the shipping and receiving section. Nav Canada took over his location in 1997 and Mr. Milne continued to be a dedicated employee until he retired in 1999.
Mr. Milne received a citation from Prime Minister Jean Chretien for 25 years of service in the government in 1995. He was well respected by all of his co-workers.
On Aug. 30, 1958, Mr. Milne married Margaret Clark of Norwood, Ontario. She was a food service graduate of Kemptville Agricultural School (1957). They lived in Nepean and their union was blessed with a daughter, Lorraine, in June 1959. Lorraine was also a graduate from Kemptville Agricultural College in 1980 in the food service supervision program. In 1982, Lorraine married Gerald Mouland from Grand Falls, Newfoundland. Mr. Milne became a proud grandfather with the births of Sarah (1984) and Katie (1986). They were the apples of Mr. Milne's eye.
Mr. Milne loved the outdoors and could frequently be seen gardening, taking in hay in Norwood, building a deck, at a cottage on Robertson Lake or helping construct a home for his daughter. He was an avid golfer and spent many hours chasing golf balls in Norwood, Barbados, Florida and most courses within an hour or so from home. His hobbies included collecting teddy bears, stamps, four-leaf clovers, woodworking, carving and refinishing furniture. He excelled at bridge and cribbage. He was responsible for many finished basements in Manordale, along with other projects.
Mr. Milne loved his family and passed along many valuable horticultural skills. He grew a sweet pea plant that was the envy of the neighborhood and his raspberries sweetened many palates.
Mr. Milne was a charter member and elder of Knox United Church, which he helped to build. He could be heard whistling as he hammered and worked alongside his fellow men from the congregation. He helped to reshingle the roof on the church. He was always available to help wash dishes following coffee time after worship on Sundays and never failed to be present to carve turkeys for the turkey take-out suppers, and to this day he will be fondly remembered for his contributions to his place of worship. Mr. Milne was a quiet and pleasant person who loved all people.
Mr. Milne is survived by his wife Margaret of 44 years, and his daughter Lorraine (Gerald) and granddaughters Sarah and Katie of Almonte. He was a brother of Oscar (Muriel), Audrey (the late Bill Gibson), Marion Fawcett, Clara (Don) Thompson and Brian (Alice). Brother-in-law of Kae (late Walter) Clark, and Orion (Sheila) Clark. Son-in-law of May (late Edgar) Clark. Predeceased by sister Dorothy Gibson and her husband Norman, brother Jack Milne and brother-in-law Gordon Fawcett. He is survived by a large circle of relatives and friends.
A memorial service, conducted by Rev. Dr. Don Boyd, was held at Knox United Church on Fri., June 14, 2002. Inurnment at South Gower Cemetery.