John and Blanche McMillan at the Scot of the Year event in 2023
Dear members and supporters,
It is with deep sadness that I have to report that our good friend and colleague John Bruce McMillan, died on October 2, 2025, after a brief stay at Joseph Brant Hospital in Burlington, Ontario. Born on February 19, 1937, in Winnipeg and raised in Minnedosa, Manitoba —"the centre of the universe," as he fondly declared, John earned an engineering degree from LeTourneau College in Longview, Texas, and began his career with Westinghouse Canada in Hamilton in 1961. It was there that he met Blanche Marshall at James Street Baptist Church. They married on July 4, 1964, and recently celebrated their 61st anniversary.
A lifelong chorister, John sang with the Canadian Orpheus Male Choir (1978-2021) and the Burlington Welsh Male Chorus (2001-June 2025). He was devoted to his Scottish
heritage, serving for decades with the Scottish Studies Foundation and Scottish Studies Society which support the Centre for Scottish Studies at the University of Guelph.
He held the roles of director and secretary for many years, producing meticulous minutes and contributing tirelessly to the preservation of Scottish culture in Canada.
In 2020, became a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland (FSA Scot).
John was deeply involved in the Clan MacMillan Society of North America, producing its newsletter for 48 years and serving as president (1993-1997). He hosted the 1997 North American Gathering in Ottawa and was a trustee of the Clan MacMillan Centre at Finlaystone Estate, Scotland. His vast collection of MacMillan books and research materials remains an invaluable resource for historians and for Clan MacMillan.
A man of quiet faith and service, John supported James Street Baptist Church in many
roles and co-authored its 125th-anniversary history. For 43 years, he and Blanche
opened their home as foster parents to 137 newborns, earning him the affectionate title
"babywhisperer."
John is survived by his beloved wife, Blanche; daughter, Christy and her husband, Kory
Thompson; son, John and his wife, Krista Uloth; and their children, Jack and Sydney;
and daughter-in-law, Marie Mortemousque and her daughter, Ella. John was
predeceased by his daughter, Kara (1970 - 1991); and son, James (1973 - 2017).
He was predeceased by his brother, Richard McMillan and his wife, Gaye. He is
survived by his sister-in-law, Dr. Louise and her husband, James Barber; sister-in-law,
Evelyn Nicholson, and brother-in-law, Robert Marshall and his husband, Alejandro
Pruna. He was predeceased by brothers-in-law, Alexander Nicholson and John
Yarwood; and by sister-in-law, Barbara Yarwood.
He will be fondly remembered by extended family across Canada and friends around
the world.
John's passion for collecting old and rare books about MacMillans, Scottish and
Canadian History and Arctic exploration is legendary.
Remembered for his sharp wit, detailed minutes, and 90-degree sense of humour, John
leaves a legacy of faith, music, generosity, and love.
A celebration of life will be held on
Saturday, October 18, 2025, at Port Nelson United Church (3132 South Drive, Burlington, Ontario)
at 3:30 p.m. EDT. Visiting from 2:30 p.m. EDT, and a reception to follow.
The service will be livestramed from from Port Nelson United Church's YouTube channel:
https://www.youtube.com/@PortNelsonUnitedChurch
Updated information:
Originally the Livestream was to start at 3:30 but we have just learned that the video show the family have provided starts at 3:10, not 3:30.
In lieu of flowers, if you would like to make a donation, please choose a charity of your choice or you can donate to The Scottish Studies Foundation online by clicking on the PayPal button below, or by mail using our donation form which you can access here.
John played a critical role over many years in advancing the work of the Centre for Scottish Studies at the University of Guelph and so many students benefitted from his commitment to the Foundation. His memory lives on in so many ways that enrich the Scottish Studies community and it is with sincere gratitude that we send our deepest condolences to his family.
With best wishes to you all,
David Hunter
President
Scottish Studies Foundation