LUNENBURG, Mass. – After a long and valiant struggle with cancer, John Brian MacMillan passed away Jan. 13, 2009. At the end he was surrounded by family and loved ones. His family roots are in Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia, which he was able to visit last September and where he inherited his Scottish brand of thrift. Brian was born Aug. 12, 1942, in Niagara Falls, Ontario, to Allan Leslie and Charlotte Laura (Philpott) MacMillan. In 1956 when he was 14, his family moved to Belfast, where he attended Crosby High School, graduating in 1960. He earned a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from the University of Maine in 1967. He served in the Army Corps of Engineers, Washington, D.C., from 1967 to 1969. After leaving the Army, he worked in Boston and attended Northeastern University. From there he moved to the Leominster/ Fitchburg, Mass., area where he was employed by Foster Grant Co., in the accounting department. Recently he worked part-time at New England Car Auctions and was self-employed doing tax accounting. All his life Brian enjoyed a wide range of sports, including running, tennis, boating, golf, baseball, water skiing and sailing. His greatest love was being at his home on Lake Shirley surrounded by his large circle of close friends. His friends always felt welcome there and have many happy memories of their times with him. During his illness his family was overwhelmed by the outpouring of love, compassion and support from these friends. Parents, Allan Leslie and Charlotte Laura (Philpott) MacMillan, predeceased Brian. He is survived by his two brothers, Scott MacMillan of Liberty and Jamie MacMillan and his wife, Sandy, of Islesboro. He is also survived by his special friend, Judy Tessier; and his favorite cousin, who was like a sister, Carol Knight of Belfast. A memorial service will be held noon-3 Saturday, Jan. 31, at Christ Church, 569 Main St., Fitchburg, Mass. Wright-Roy Funeral Home, 109 West St., Leominster, Mass., is directing arrangements. Memorial donations maybe made to the American Cancer Society Massachusetts Division, 30 Speen St., Framingham, MA 01701. To light a candle, sign the guest book or send a message of condolence, please visit wrightroyfuneralhome.com.
MR. J. BRIAN MACMILLAN
