Obituary of George Earl Millard

George Millard lived the dash between his birth and death with love, dedication, and energy. He was devoted to his beloved birth family, including his mom, dad, brother, uncles, aunts, and cousins. He spent his life learning, laughing, teaching others, and bringing joy wherever he went. In high school, he fell in love with singing and performing in school plays, so it was no surprise that he ended up teaching drama and English, instilling that love in others. George taught at Milliken Mills High School in Markham for most of his thirty-year career. 

When she joined the staff, he met his wife, Janet, and she fell for his humour and love of life. Together they had four beautiful children: Ian, Maggie, Ruthie, and Graeme. All four inherited his sense of humour, and the house was filled with laughter. George also had a terrific voice and sang lead in The Blackboard Blues Band — a band made up of teachers in the GTA — for just shy of twenty years. Of central importance to George was the family cottage on Six Mile Lake. He spent happy years there from birth onward. He taught his children and countless others to waterski, swim, and steer a boat; his love of cottage life is in his children’s DNA. When he retired, he kept learning by taking electricity, plumbing, carpentry, and small engine repair courses to keep the log cabin standing and secure. When the family moved to Kitchener in 2021, George embraced his new community and delighted in working in the gardens. He also revelled in spending time with his cousins in the area.

George learned he had pancreatic cancer in December of 2023. He made peace with his tenacious companion and continued to live life fully. He mentored young folk to the end. He focused on ensuring his family would be well supported after he was gone. He died peacefully in his 69th year, surrounded by his wife and his four children. He was predeceased by his father and mother, George and Edith Millard. He is survived by his brother and sister-in-law, Tom and Jan Millard, his nieces and nephew, Kate, Ben, and Becca, and their families. Also, his in-laws, Ian (deceased) and Ruth Atkinson; sister-in-law, Elaine Atkinson; and nephew, Liam. And forever in his heart were always his many aunts, uncles, and cousins, as well as his brother of the heart, Jeff Meade.

George’s legacy of love, laughter, and learning will live on in all of those who loved him. In his typical fashion, George requested no spectacle at the end. Please join us for a visitation on Saturday, January 18, 2024, at the Sunshine Centre in Luther Village, 141 Father David Bauer Dr., Waterloo, ON, N2L 6N9, from 1:00 - 3:30 p.m. to share memories, laugh, and reminisce. Instead of flowers, please donate to Grand River Regional Cancer Centre or a charity of your choice. Donations can be made at Erb & Good Family Funeral Home, 171 King St South, Waterloo, or at www.erbgood.com.