Obituary of Thomas Edward Ralph Mills

"A Life Well Lived" MILLS, Thomas Edward Ralph - Born June 6, 1918 in Sault Ste. Marie, died peacefully on Saturday, January 10th, 2015 at the Lady Dunn Health Centre at the age of 96 years. Beloved husband of the late Janet (nee Robinson). Loving father of Dianna Brown (Bill), Jo-Anne Wilush (Kevin), Gwenyth Mills (Simon Brissenden) and Blair Mills (Cynthia). Proud grandfather of Catherine Brown (Ryan Wallace), Jennifer Brown, Ted, Ian, Emily Wilush, Laura Brissenden and Bryan and Neil Mills. Son of the late Kate and Albert Mills. Dear brother of the late Robert (Pauline), the late Donald, the late Helen Tymchuck, the late John, Aileen Thompson (late Ken), Ken Mills (Shirley), the late Ian (Berylyne), Newell (Marilyn), Betty Young, Barbara Whitehead (late Don) and Mabel Torrie (Harold). Born in Sault Ste. Marie, he moved to Michipicoten Harbour in 1932 and worked in the logging camps and in 1939 married Janet and moved to the home on Wawa Street, where he lived until just a few weeks before his death. Ralph served during WWII as an infantry private with the Hastings and Prince Edward Regiment in England and Italy. Ralph, or "Millsie" as he was known, was the driving force behind the incorporation of the Township of Michipicoten in 1952, and served as the first Reeve of the Town of Wawa. He was involved in local politics and was a passionate advocate for the community. He was a lifetime Legion member, and was involved in numerous committees and charitable organizations. He worked at Algoma Ore Division for 43 years, retiring in 1983. Ralph was exceptionally dedicated to his family, and will be remembered for his unfailing support, warmth and willingness to help. Ralph was a consummate outdoorsman, who loved nothing better than to be fishing, snowshoeing or spending time at the camp. He enjoyed annual fishing trips with extended family. A man of strong and uncompromising opinions, yet he had time for everyone as well as a mischievous sense of humour. The door was always open, the phone always ringing. He will be sadly missed and gratefully remembered by his large extended family. Friends may visit at the P.M. Gilmartin Funeral Home (140 Churchill Avenue 705-856-7340) on Sunday (January 18th) evening from 6 to 9 p.m. A funeral service will be held at St. Monica's Church (Broadway Avenue) on Monday, January 19th, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. with Mrs. Lorna Chiupka officiating. Spring interment at Woodland Cemetery. Memorial donations made to the First United Church, Royal Canadian Legion Branch #429 or to the Lady Dunn Health Centre Foundation would be greatly appreciated. At the going down of the sun. And in the morning. We will remember them.