Obituary of George McGill MILNE

June 2, 1928 - Toronto, Ontario
January 25, 2020 – Calgary, Alberta

George Milne, beloved husband of Helen Louise Milne (nee Smith) of Calgary, AB, passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 25, 2020 at the age of 91 years.

George was born and raised in Toronto, ON, to mother Sadie and father George Murdoch, a Scottish chemist who immigrated to Canada. Young George attended Oakwood Collegiate, and later the University of Toronto, on scholarship for one year. He married Helen Smith in 1952 and worked in London, ON, as a Sales Manager for Shell, later moving to Toronto he worked at BP Oil as Marketing Manager for Ontario. In 1969, he was made Merchandising Manager for BP's head office and moved his wife Helen, daughters Louise and Barbara, to Montreal. Soon after he was made Sales Manager of National Benzole in England for two years and the family resided in London, England. Ever the explorer, George and family camped through Europe in the summer of 1970 viewing many historic landmarks, including Vimy Ridge. Returning to Montreal in 1971, George and Helen joined the Montreal Thistle Curling Club where he was president from 1977 to 1978. In 1978, George joined the 78th Fraser Highlanders and co-chaired the St. Andrews Ball. He helped the ball grow from 150 people to 1150 within one year. Over the years, George became an Honorary Colonel of this commemorative regiment. 1980 saw George and family move to Toronto where he worked at the BP head office as Sales Manager, Canada. In 1986, George and Helen moved to Calgary with Petro-Canada. Creative and enthusiastic, George dreamed up the idea of Petro-Canada Olympic drinking glasses. Over 50,000 glasses were sold, and $5,000,000 raised for the 1988 Calgary Olympics. As a member of the Strathcona Mess, George implemented the Strathcona Horse drinking glasses and raised over $40,000 for the regiment. In 1989, at the age of 61 George took early retirement from Petro-Canada. Soon after, he was offered a post as Regimental Secretary for the Calgary Highlanders, where he continued in this position for five years. In this time, a highlight was writing the speech for Queen Elizabeth II's visit to McMahon Stadium. He was told by the Queen that this was the first speech in fifteen years that she did not alter. While in Calgary, Queen Elizabeth opened the Museum of the Regiments.  George assisted with the museum displays of the Battle of the Walcheren Causeway and also the Japanese exhibit. In his five years with the Calgary Highlanders, George raised funds now worth $600,000. George went on to raise funds for the Military Museum and for the South Alberta Light Horse Regiment, and the Army Cadet League of Canada. In 2001, George was conferred the degree of Doctor of Laws at the University of Calgary for his commitment to the quest for recognition and understanding of the sacrifices of yesterday's youth in uniform. George served the Canadian Military in various capacities for more than forty-three years and has received many medals and honours, including the Queen Elizabeth Golden Jubilee Medal. With vision, energy and enthusiasm, George set an example for many, especially his family. Where some might see obstacles George saw opportunities. He relished the creative possibilities of problem solving. Ever a generous spirit, George had a favourite quote from Winston Churchill, "You make a living by what you get, but you make a life by what you give".

George is survived by his wife of sixty-eight years, Helen; two daughters and two sons-in-law, Louise Powers and Scot, Barbara Milne and Bill Laing; grandchildren, David Laing, Claire Laing-Chan (Tyler Chan), Darcy Powers and Calum Powers (Brennan Wilson); great-grandchildren, Lewis and Eilidh Laing-Chan; and nephews, Russell Crilly, and Mathew Baker.

A Celebration of George’s Life will be held at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY (Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB) on Friday, February 28, 2020 at 2:00 p.m. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed on George’s obituary at www.McInnisandHolloway.com. If friends so desire, donations may be made directly to the Mustard Seed Street Ministry, 102 – 11 Avenue S.E., Calgary, AB T2G 0X5 Telephone: (403) 269-1319, www.theseed.ca. For the past six years George and Helen have called Staywell Manor in South West Calgary, home. The family would like to thank all the staff for the care and compassion they provided on a daily basis. As well the family would like to thank the amazing staff at RockyView Hospital.

A tree will be planted in living memory of George Milne. McInnis and Holloway Funeral Homes, Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive S.W., Calgary, AB T2S 2L5, Telephone: 403-243-8200.