We regret to advise of the death of Captain Frederick Garry Mills Jr, CD (Ret'd) on 30 August 2013 at Cowichan District Hospital in Duncan, BC.
Born in 1936 in Islay, AB, Fred`s family moved to Cowichan Station, BC in 1937 where his parents called home for the rest of their life. Fred started his career with the Royal Canadian Engineers in 1952 as one of the youngest Sapper Apprentices with the First Intake (1953-55). Upon completion of his Sapper Apprentice training he was posted to 1 Field Squadron, Chilliwack and shortly thereafter he deployed to Germany with his unit - returning to Canada with the Squadron in 1957. After this tour he was posted to the Works Company in Petawawa. Fred served in various locations throughout Canada and had several deployments to Europe and the Middle East (Golan Heights and Gaza Strip) and an instructional tour at the Canadian Forces School of Military Engineering. He was recognized on several occasions throughout his career for his professionalism and dedication.
In 1985, Fred retired from the Canadian Armed Forces as a Captain and moved to Duncan, BC. He was a strong supporter of the Sapper Apprentice Reunion and chaired and organized the very first Reunion in 1976. He was a dedicated member of the Royal Canadian Legion (Branch 53) and preformed the duties as the Sergeant at Arms for numerous Remembrance Day parades. He also belonged to the First Order of the Eagles, the Masonic Lodge, and St. Andrew’s Anglican Church.
At Fred’s request, there will be no funeral service and he requested donations be made to the Canadian Cancer Society in lieu of flowers. For those who wish to gather for a moment in remembrance, please join us at the Eagles Hall, 2965 Boys Road, Duncan, on 18 September 2013 from 1:00 – 3:00 pm. {dcApr2014}