Obituary of Captain Larry McMillan
McMILLAN, Captain (ret'd) John Larry - Larry McMillan of Tobermory passed away peacefully at Orillia Soldier's Memorial Hospital with his wife Jo Ann and family by his side on Saturday November 25 2017 in his 82nd year after a short illness.
Loving husband of Jo Ann (nee Ransbury) and beloved father of Julie (Owen), Trevor (Lisa) and Stacy (Sean). Adored grandpa to Jaelle (Jeff), Jack and Finn, and special grandpa to Jenna and Carly. Cherished brother-in-law of Margie McMillan and much loved uncle of Keri (Rob) and Brad (Tammy). Brother-in-law to Kay Ransbury and uncle to Cindy and Vonnie.
Larry was the eldest son of the late Alexander and Dorothy (nee McAllister) McMillan of Wiarton, Ontario and is predeceased by his brother and best friend Clark Alexander McMillan and brother-in-law Murray Ransbury.
Larry began his distinguished seafaring career in 1964 and spent the majority of his sailing days with the Canada Steamship Lines (CSL), where he worked his way up the ranks from deck hand to Captain. After 35 years of sailing the Great Lakes, Larry retired and settled into his beautiful waterfront home in Tobermory on the shores of Georgian Bay, where he was able to watch the boat traffic in and out of Little Tub Harbour, often catching a glimpse of a lake freighter travelling to and from Lake Huron. Larry and his wife Jo Ann spent their winters happily in North Fort Myers, Florida with many of their dear friends.
In the later years of his life, Larry suffered from the symptoms of Parkinson's Disease. While some of the effects of the disease were very debilitating, Larry continued to enjoy his life to the fullest, recently purchasing a waterfront condo in Penetanguishene, where he and Jo Ann could spend winters closer to their family and grandchildren.
Larry was a family man to his core. His most precious moments in life were spent surrounded by his family and many close friends. Anyone who knew Larry would describe him as a gentle, kind and funny man. He had an uncanny ability to connect with everyone. He loved to talk, to anyone who would listen, and he was a great story teller. Larry will be greatly missed by his family, friends and acquaintances alike. He is gone, but he will never be forgotten. He left his mark on the world and on those who knew him, leaving everyone with amazing memories and stories to hold onto.
As were Larry's wishes, he will be cremated. A private family gathering will be held. The family will also hold a celebration of Larry's life in the spring in Tobermory, Ontario, where they look forward to sharing stories and memories of Larry with their many dear family and friends.
Arrangements entrusted to the GEORGE FUNERAL HOME, Wiarton. Expressions of remembrance to Parkinson Canada, the Tobermory Health Clinic or the Tobermory United Church would be appreciated. Messages of condolence may be sent to the family through www.georgefuneralhome.com
