Passed away peacefully on Wednesday, September 20, 2023, at the age of 72, at Campbell House Hospice in Collingwood.
Mike was the devoted husband of Betty Mills (nee Neimer) for an incredible 48 years. He was a pillar of love and support to his daughters, Lesley Mills (Darryl Felstead) and Stephanie Mills (Jason Reed), and a cherished grandfather to Nora, Abby, Samantha, and Thomas. He will be missed by his sisters, Janet Mills and Marilyn Romanello (Eugene Romanello), Jennifer Mills as well as the late Judy Milligan and her husband Jim Milligan. He will be fondly remembered by many nieces and nephews as well as by his mother-in-law Maria Neimer (Wagnleithner) and sister-in-law Janet Neimer (Albino Disanto). Mike is predeceased by his parents, Myrtle Mills (Starling) and Stuart Mills and father-in-law Michael Neimer.
Mike was born and lived in Hamilton during his formative years. At age 20, he met his soul mate, Betty and were married a year to the day they met. They made their home in Oakville for most of their life raising their daughters with great pride and then retired in the Wasaga Beach and Collingwood area where they became involved in numerous activities and built lasting friendships. Puerto Vallarta held a special place in Mike and Betty's hearts with its beaches, food, music, and hiking and is where they chose to spend their winters once retired.
Mike began his professional journey as an accountant, which eventually led him to share his wisdom as a beloved university professor at The University of Toronto. He later ventured into entrepreneurship, establishing his own business, Zippy Print, before embarking on a well-deserved retirement in Operations Management at Pitney Bowes. Mike was a past President of the Oakville Executive Organization and, more recently, served a term as President of the Lighthouse Probus Club in Collingwood where his commitment and passion extended to diverse subgroups, notably the cycling club, where he often guided a group of fellow enthusiasts, drawing upon his uncanny sense of direction.
Mike was an early adopter with an insatiable curiosity for technology. He avidly kept up with the latest gadgets and trends and was instrumental in developing the computer platform for the Lighthouse Probus Club. His commitment to personal growth led him to avidly consume books and podcasts on the subject. In his 50s, he delved into long-distance running, earning many medals including a marathon achievement.
Mike personified an approachable, and grounded nature and embodied an easy-going, down to earth spirit. His sense of humor, inquisitiveness, and leadership qualities will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
A celebration of life will be held Friday, October 27, 2023 from 2:00-5:00pm at Carruthers & Davidson Funeral Home, 509 River Road West, Wasaga Beach. Words of remembrance will be shared starting at 3:00pm. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Mike to the Hospice Georgian Triangle - Campbell House would be appreciated by the family. To sign his Book of Memories, please visit www.carruthersdavidson.com