Neil Allan MacMillan (Sonny)

Obituary

Passed on March 22, 2024

JULY 9, 1936 – MARCH 22, 2024       It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved father, with his children by his side, on March 22, 2024 at the age of 87 years.

Predeceased by his parents Neil Sr. and Gladys Downing; his wife and partner in life Faye MacMillan (Windsor); his half siblings and his brother Kenneth.

Left to mourn his passing, his children Tammy (Doug), Greg (Melissa); grandchildren Alana, William, Jackson & Westley; sister Chrissy; sisters-in law Alice, Sharon (Dave), Gladys (Bob); brothers-in-law George (Bobbie), Arthur (Cheryl), Glenn (Kanchana), Les, numerous nieces, nephews and cousins, as well as special pets Badger, Sam & Jenny.

Dad was born the 9th child of Neil Sr. and the 3rd child of Gladys. He was born in Stonewall and spent his life on the family farm in Marquette. Dad remembered as a young child being thrown onto the back of the work horses for his nap. He attended school at Poplar Heights one room school until grade 8. He was paid a pittance to light the fire in the wood stove for the start of the day. He played hockey and baseball. He also curled, but he hated that one to this day. He remembered the long walks to the rink with frozen feet to then proceed to skate. He was an active 4-H member in the swine club. Being the youngest of a large family, he was called back to the farm at a young age as his older siblings had moved on to start their own lives. As he grew older he also enjoyed hunting and riding motorcycle with his cousins. He worked one day of his life off the farm at the gravel pits on the screener, but he figured farm life was better than that was.

Dad married mom when he was 30 years old in 1967 and took over the operation of the farm with his young wife. In 1969 their daughter Tammy was born. Ten years later they welcomed son Greg to complete their family. Together we all worked on a mixed farm including cattle, pigs and grain. He enjoyed having a bit of a hobby farm. There were always turkeys, chickens, ducks and geese, leaving many a scarred visiting child. He and mom purchased a donkey in the early 2000’s and she became part of the family. There were always families and extended families coming home to the farm for meals and gatherings. Dad always made sure that everyone had lots to eat.

In 1997, Greg graduated and stayed home to become Dad’s partner in farming. Together they increased the cattle herd and expanded crop rotation. Dad’s life was dedicated to the farm and his family. He was thrilled to start welcoming his grandchildren. Alana was the first, daughter of Tammy and Doug. Next born to Greg and Melissa were William, Jackson and Westley. Dad enjoyed giving his grandchildren rides on his side by side around the farm. He enjoyed our family gatherings and time around a bonfire. Dad was always somewhat of a tease and smart aleck. We think he was a master creator of silly limericks as he would always come up with new ones never to be heard again. Dad enjoyed his time on the farm right until he fell ill. He passed away of cancer at the Portage District General Hospital.

A private family service at Dad’s request was held at Meadow Lea United Church, with burial at Meadow Lea Cemetery. Pallbearers were Kristy Torcia, Justin Torcia, Kaley Hiebert, Alyssa MacMillan, Sheldon Allard, Bradley Ostertag, Brent MacMillan.

Should friends so desire, memorial donations may be made to Meadow Lea United Church c/o Box 52 Marquette, MB R0H 0V0, or to a charity of one’s choice.

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