MacMillan, Alexander “Sandy” James – With heavy hearts the family announces the passing of Alexander “Sandy” James MacMillan, husband of the late Evelyn (Newell) MacMillan which occurred in Dartmouth General Hospital on January 17, 2023. He was born in Lost River, Quebec to his late parents, Alexander A MacMillan and Gladys (Weldon) MacMillan.
Sandy (also known as AJ, Dad, or P) passed away peacefully after battling multiple health issues that had made his life increasingly painful and difficult. He endured this like all challenges he faced, with stoic determination and (mostly) quiet resolve.
He is survived by his loving children, Alexander Kent (Paddy-joe) MacMillan, Richard MacMillan, Todd MacMillan; daughter-in-law, Brenda Severance; grandchildren, Camden MacMillan and Sydney MacMillan; sisters-in-law, Betty Lewis, Pat Hurlehey, Thelma Palmateer, Linda Crockett; brothers-in-law, John (Carole) Newell, David (Beatrice) Newell; many cherished nieces, and nephews; best friend, Johnny Kanne who was Statler to his Waldorf.
In addition to his wife, Evelyn Ruth (nee Newell) who was the love and light of his life and his parents, he was predeceased by brother, Richard W MacMillan and several beloved members of the Newell family and lifetime friend, Shirley Kanne.
After high school, Sandy joined the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) and trained as a medical laboratory technologist working in military hospital laboratories for 28 years followed by working in nonmilitary hospitals, and later with the Canadian Corp of Commissionaires. As a medical laboratory technologist, his specialty was in blood bank with an interest in hematology. Based on his deep interest, unfailing work ethic, strong organizational and leadership skills, he progressed in his career to become the Laboratory Manager wherever he worked, also reaching the rank of Warrant Officer in the Air Force.
He lived a full life, having married the woman of his dreams six months after their first date and raising 3 boys, born just 13 months apart, while working multiple jobs to provide a good lifestyle for them.
Outside of work and raising a family, he was involved in the Lions Club at various times, even winning a beard growing contest despite being a late entrant. He also enjoyed hunting in his earlier days, as well as sport fishing where he caught a lot of big fish (pictures even exist of some of them) and passed on some of this to his children. He endured the challenge of “helping” three young boys fish while rarely getting a chance to wet a line himself. In later years, he took the sport up again, even learning to fly fish on the sly so he could fish with his son. He spent time fishing and going on other adventures including daily tea and talk at Tim Hortons in later years with his lifelong best friend, Johnny Kanne.
He was always kind, generous and warm-hearted, which he typically expressed through his actions, rather than words. He was a fully involved, father, both at home and volunteering to help with different sports and activities, and taking his wild bunch on frequent camping trips and road trips across the country, including one with a dalmatian dog.
While in the RCAF he was stationed to many locations including Europe. While living in Germany there were trips to exotic locations, like Paris and Italy, or Freiburg, to get the most prized treat of all, McDonald’s were part of the routine, as well as somehow managing to bring back Pizza Hut from a trip to Canada. He later passed this generous treatment on to his grandchildren, Camden and Sydney, who he adored and who also enjoyed spending time with “P”.
In part due to his work in healthcare and being married to Registered Nurse, he had a deep respect and admiration for healthcare workers, especially those on the front line. During his recent hospital stay at Dartmouth General on 3 West and in the ICU, he had nothing but praise for nursing staff, in some cases raving so much about how wonderful one was that it was written up for the 3 West Stars board. His family also wants to pass on their heartfelt thanks and deep appreciation for their taking such good care of him and for helping him to have a peaceful, warm and dignified death.
At his request, his body has been cremated and will be interred in Cape Breton, beside his best friend and wife, Evelyn, at a later date.
