Stanley Gordon Mills

We are very sad to announce the passing of Stanley Gordon Mills in Vernon on Thursday, January 14, 2021. He was predeceased by his parents Willy and Ruth (Warner) Mills, his step father Anicet LeBlanc, his sister Eileen (Bud) Pratt, his brother Ab (Jean) Mills and the love of his life Phyllis (Hornell) Mills.

He is survived by his children Donna (Murray) Whitney, Pat (Gordie) Stewart, Bill (Deb) Mills and Darby Mills (Brian). His grandchildren Shelley (Scott), Wade (Deidra), Chris (Shauna), Chantelle (Ken), Natalie (Jenny), Clayton and Parker. He also leaves 11 great grandchildren, several nieces and nephews and extended family.

Dad was born in Armstrong on January 6, 1931. He later moved to Vernon with his family where he finished his schooling and followed in his late father’s footsteps and became a talented hockey and lacrosse player. In June 1951, he married Phyllis and they moved east where he played for the Oshawa Generals and worked at General Motors. After a severe concussion put him in the hospital for 5 days and ended his hockey career, they moved back to Vernon with their first daughter. Dad drove a fuel truck, worked at Shilliams Garage, Ernies Esso and eventually started with the Liquor Board in Vernon, then Kamloops and finally Chase. Dad was a singer, he sang with the men’s choir in Vernon, also as a soloist and for several years he sang the anthem at the Chase Heat hockey games. He spent years with the Chase Lions Club, many running their bingo. He coached, curled, golfed and became the best father, grandfather and great grandfather anyone could have ever asked for. He was a soft-spoken gentle soul and he will be missed by us all.  

Dad is back dancing with Mom again and our hearts can feel their joy.