James Ian Milligen
January 14th, 2013
James Ian Milligen passed away in Didsbury after a lengthy illness on Monday, January 14, 2013. He leaves to celebrate his life memories; wife Ruby, children Patrick, Nancy (Joel), James, Scott (Joy), grandchildren Emma, Katie and Anya, sister Isobel Murray, brothers Vernon and David (Barb) plus numerous nieces and nephews. His father Robert, mother Sadie, sister Margie and brother Harvey predeceased him.
He was born in Acme on May 28, 1928 . He
grew up and attended Salem school in Sunnyslope. His career started in the oil
fields before moving on to the fire service at Suffield Experimental
Station. Always wanting an adventure he
took a position as the first Fire Chief in Moose Factory Island, Ontario. He
had to order a fire truck and train a volunteer fire brigade. This held him in
good stead for his next position in Frobisher Bay (Iqaluit) where he took a
position in the Fire Marshals office. He continued to train volunteers
throughout small communities in the North West Territories and Nunavut until he
retired his career in Yellowknife. He was active in various Masonic Lodges and
Shriners. Some of his favorite pastimes were flying his own plane, gardening,
planting trees, bike riding, and playing tennis. He was full of interesting conversation
with whoever would listen. After retirement they lived in Nampa, then Didsbury,
and spent winters in Yuma and more recently in Texas.
A memorial service will be held at the Knox United Church, 1406, 19 Avenue,
Didsbury on Friday, January 18th at 11:00am.
Hi mom/Ruby: Thank you so much for letting me stay with you and the family during the time leading up to the funeral, and after. It was great to reconnect with you, Pat, Nancy, Joel, and of course Scott and Joy. I know that you are going to have to take some time to adjust to your new life, but I hope you pursue the idea of staying in Arbour lake. I think that will be a great move for you. I most enjoyed being able to remember all the great stories of Ian and especially remembering his great sense of humour. His children loved him, and respected him, and that is the most important legacy. I look forward to visiting you in Arbour lake in the near future. Cheers Doug Witty