21 May 1938 to 6 March 2024
On the morning of March 6th, 2024, Russell Milliner passed away after an illness at the Guelph General Hospital at the age of 85.
Born to Tom and Katie Milliner in Kingston Jamaica in 1938, Russell grew up in the Falmouth area. He met Bonnie Medcalf while studying in Canada. They married in Jamaica in August of 1961 and returned to Canada where they had two children, Ted, and Mike.
Russell attended Ryerson Polytechnic Institute and worked in the Medical laboratory field for much of his professional life. He later graduated from the University of Guelph with a Bachelor of Science Degree.
Russell loved the outdoors. He backpacked and canoed in Algonquin park for many years before buying some lakefront property and building a cottage in the Burks Falls area. Russell and Bonnie loved to travel, cruising to many ports around the world with the Holland America cruise line. He loved community theater and was involved in the early years of the Royal City Musical Productions. He is a past member of the Lions Club and longtime Scouts Canada leader. He enjoyed playing tennis and cricket and was an avid fan of both.
Russell is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Bonnie. He is survived by his sisters Shirley and Gay, his brother Roger, his sons Ted (Liisa) and Mike, and grandchildren Rachel, Kelly, Russell, and Heather. As a regular patron of the Guelph Humane Society he will be missed by his rescue cat, Ari.
Arrangements entrusted to WALL-CUSTANCE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL (519-822-0051 / www.wallcustance.com).
A memorial service will be held at the Church of the Apostles, 86 Glasgow St. N. Guelph on Saturday, March 16th at 2pm. Visitation will be 1 hour prior to the service. Luncheon to follow in the church hall.
In lieu of flowers please direct donations to the Church of the Apostles or the Guelph Humane Society.