Peter Alexander Mills (October 18, 1927 to June 26, 2023) passed peacefully at Hospice Simcoe in Barrie, Ontario. He was predeceased by his beloved wife of almost 65 years, Dana (McWilliams), his parents Paul and Clara (Chisholm) of Toronto, and his sister Rosamond Austin. He is survived by his four children and their spouses, Jonathan (Lisa Richmond), Alex (Cay Weir), Becky (Karl Butler), and Tom (Jeannie Padfield), as well as nine grandchildren, Austin (Macy), Peter (Lyndsey), Sylvia, Matthew (Madison), Simon, Dana (Ben), Jacqueline, Evie, and Ruby. He welcomed a great-grandson, Rowan, last November. Peter is also survived by his niece Elizabeth Austin. Peter was a loving and enthusiastic husband, father, father-in-law, grandfather, great-grandfather, and uncle.
Peter was born and raised in Toronto. He attended University of Toronto and Osgoode Hall Law School. He married Dana in 1952, and they moved to Barrie to work and raise a family in 1956. He had a full and successful career as a lawyer at Stewart Esten Law Firm, practicing mostly estate and family law until he was 78 years old. He was awarded the Queen’s Counsel designation in 1997 and received the Queen Elizabeth II’s Golden Jubilee Medal (2002). He held strongly to values of fairness, diplomacy, and kindness, and he was deeply patriotic. Through the years, he participated in various committees and community organizations. This included the Committee of Adjustment and Land Division for the City of Barrie, Deputy Judge for Small Claims Court, Bencher for the Law Society of Upper Canada, Public School Board Trustee, Gryphon Theatre’s Board of Directors, Director of the Canadian Cancer Society, and Canada Pension Appeals Board Member. Peter also sang in the King Edward Choir for over 30 years.
Apart from his family and his career, Peter had many passions and interests. He enjoyed bridge, downhill skiing, tennis, boating, gardening, travelling, and playing the piano. His workbench was the site of many projects, and his creations were enjoyed by his whole family. He attended services at Burton Avenue United Church, sang in the choir, taught Sunday school, served on the board, and was devoted for decades to this community. His spirit will no doubt remain at his cherished cottage on Ahmic Lake near Magnetawan. His time spent and relationships formed at Ahmic Lake over his long life were deeply important to him. It was the source of many fond remembrances as he later reflected on his life. We will forever remember him out in a canoe, a sailboat, or a motorboat.
Peter and Dana moved to Roberta Place Retirement Lodge in 2016, and he lived there until just a few months ago. A gregarious and friendly person, Peter knew all the staff and many residents whom he liked to chat with and tease. He continued to show the same curiosity and caring toward the staff at Hospice Simcoe. We would like to thank both organizations for their devoted care and attention.
He will be remembered by his family for his humorous and adventurous side. Taking his kids hiking on the challenging Chilkoot Trail and jumping off the boathouse roof at age 80 are just a couple of examples. To his family and friends’ delight, he realized his wish to fly in a glider just four years ago. His positive outlook on life was an inspiration, and he will be dearly missed.
A celebration of Peter Mills’ life will be held at Burton Avenue United Church in Barrie on Saturday, September 16th (visitation at 10:30 am, service at 11:30 am, with reception following). Donations can be made in his memory to Hospice Simcoe, or to the Heart and Stroke Foundation.
Arrangements entrusted to Adams Funeral Home