John (Jack) Milan passed away peacefully on February 21, 2023 at the Guelph General Hospital. Jack was the son of Philip P., and Evelyn M. Milan, both deceased. Jack was born on May 27, 1939. He was the brother of Marilyn Swinney, Carole Danis and Philip N. Milan who died in 2011.
John was a “Triple Eagle”. He graduated from Boston College High School, Boston College for his undergraduate and was a Boston College graduate of Social Work. He spent his college summers volunteering for Social Services in Boston, Massachusetts and Chicago, Illinois. After college, he accepted a teaching position in Maine at St Joseph's College and also worked with the Portland Maine Diocese. From there, he worked for a couple of years for the Community Chest Organization in New Bedford, Massachusetts. Jack went to St Louis, Missouri and there he taught at St. Louis University and began his involvement with Christian Life Communities (CLC).
Jack arrived in Guelph in 1982 on the invitation of Fr. John English s.j. John hired Jack to work on the development of Christian Life Communities (CLC) in Canada as Jack had been the president of the United States CLC. He brought this experience to developing CLC here in Canada. He was hired by Loyola House (now Ignatius Jesuit Centre) to work as a Spiritual Director. In this capacity, he directed, taught new spiritual directors and developed retreat programs such as "Marketplace Ministries”.
Jack also worked in conjunction with others in founding and developing the Institute for Communal Life in Guelph. While working as part of the Loyola House staff, he traveled throughout Canada developing new CLCs. He is very fondly remembered by many throughout the country. Jack retired from CLC and Loyola House and set up his own spiritual direction counseling service in his home.
His wisdom and insight were legendary in this role. These gifts came from a deep, humble and loving relationship with God. Jack took a hiatus from his spiritual directing and spent a few years at a Cistercian Monastery in Orangeville.
Jack was also present and part of many sharing groups and attended church at The Holy Protection of the Mother of God Ukrainian Catholic Church, Guelph. This church community was very important to Jack.
Jack was also part of the Alcoholics Anonymous community. He served as a sponsor and mentor for several years. Some would say he became a father figure for them. His caring service there was a gift to many. Jack possessed a real understanding and acceptance of all he met. People felt heard and accepted while in his presence. Jack's open heart, warm friendship and loving presence will be missed by many.
Funeral arrangements entrusted to Gilbert MacIntyre and Son Funeral Home- Dublin Chapel, 252 Dublin Street North, Guelph. Cremation has taken place. Friends are invited to a memorial visitation on Thursday, March 2, 2023 from 2:00pm to 4:00pm and from 7:00pm to 9:00pm with a Panachyda at 7:00pm.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, March 3, 2023 at 10:30am at Holy Protection of the Mother of God Ukrainian Catholic Church, 115 York Road, Guelph with Father Andrij Figol officiating. Interment at Marymount Cemetery. A reception is to follow at the Fellowship Lounge at Gilbert MacIntyre and Son Funeral Home- Dublin Chapel.