RCNC 131 McMILLIN, ANDREW CLARK, COMMODORE
McMILLIN, ANDREW CLARK, COMMODORE, CD***, RCN (RET’D) – Andrew McMillin, 87, passed away peacefully at the Dr. Everett Chalmers Regional Hospital, Fredericton, NB on Thursday, June 27, 2013. Born in Toronto in 1926 he was the eldest son of the late Robert and Helen (Clark) McMillin. Growing up he attended Malvern Collegiate and with a desire at an early age to become a career Naval Officer he entered the RCN College, Royal Roads (Victoria) in 1943 as a Cadet. After service overseas with the Royal Navy in WWII and post war activities in Palestine he returned to Canada in 1948 and served in HMC Ships Haida, Huron and New Liskard. In 1952 he completed the specialist course in gunnery at HMS Excellent and subsequently served in HMCS Magnificent and as Gunnery Trials Officer on the staff of Flag Officer, Atlantic Coast. This was followed by his appointments as Executive Officer in HMCS Forte Erie and as Commanding Officer of HMCS Beacon Hill at Esquimalt. After an exchange appointment with the USN in Pearl Harbour, then Cdr. McMillin took command of HMCS Columbia in Halifax in 1965. Following attendance at the Joint Services Staff College in England he was appointed Chief of Staff CANCOMFLT. Promoted Captain in 1972 he commanded the First and Fifth Destroyer Squadrons followed by two years of serving as Commandant of Canadian Forces Maritime Warfare School and on promotion to Commodore he became Base Commander, CFB Halifax (1976). Commodore McMillin finished his active naval career as Chief of Staff, Plans and Operations at Maritime Command Headquarters in 1980. Cmdre. McMillin retained his interest and association with the navy as a Naval Reserve Officer on the Convoy Commodore’s List and until 1989 worked at Maritime Command as Director, Maritime Coastal Defence Organization. He was actively involved with the restoration of HMCS Sackville and was the Chairman of the Canadian Naval Memorial Trust. He was the National President of the Naval Officers Association of Canada and had a keen interest in maritime affairs. After retiring from the navy, Cmdre. McMillin was fundraising organizer for the IWK Hospital for Children and was involved with the South Shore Regional Hospital Foundation as Chairman. Cmdre. McMillin also had a great interest in heritage conservation and was chairman of the Heritage Advisory Committee for the City of Halifax for many years. Through all of his many activities, Cmdre. McMillin still found time to add a degree in History from Saint Mary’s University to his accomplishments. Andrew (Andy) was predeceased by his first wife of 42 years, Valerie, and is survived by his loving wife, Rosemary (McCain) McMillin, with whom he discovered the world through their many travels. An avid reader and master of crossword puzzles, he enjoyed golf, classic music and quiet times with the loves of his life, both in Florida and at the lake. Andrew (Papa) is survived by his brother, Bob; his four children, Robert, Fiona, James and Alex; and eight grandchildren; and by his extended family, Beth, Andrew, Mary and a further nine grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, Fredericton, NB on July 12, 2013 at 2:00 pm. Burial of his ashes at sea will take place at a later date. Donations in his memory, if desired, may be made to the Canadian Naval Memorial Trust (www.canadasnavalmemorial.ca). Online condolences may be made at www.mcadamsfh.com