Obituaries

GAYE MCMILLAN (nee JOHNSTON) May 29, 1946 – March 1, 2014 On a bright and sunny prairie winter day, our Darlin’ Gaye was surrounded by loads of love as she peacefully passed away at Riverview Health Centre. Mom always said she was blessed with a wonderful life, full of loving family and friends. Mom was born and raised on the family farm near Oak Lake. As a teenager, she moved with her family to Minnedosa where she completed high school and met her future husband, our dad, Richard. Mom moved to Winnipeg to begin her working career, hitch-hiked through Europe, and then married Dad in 1970. Our family moved to Regina in 1976, and after nine great years, moved back to Winnipeg in 1985. Gaye’s story cannot be told without the love of her life, Rich, her fuzzy guy. Theirs was a real love story. Almost 50 years full of adventure, laughter, teasing, and so much fun. Their love has left a lasting imprint on their kids, family, and friends. Gaye’s life will continue to be celebrated by her daughters Robin, Jillian (Damian Rocke), Carly (Jeff Demchuk), and her best friend and son, Scott. With the arrival of her four grandkids Owen, Emett, Oliver, and wee Ellis Gaye, she became Gaydie. She showered them with endless kisses and hugs, and spoiled them rotten. She was so proud of them, and created a bond that they will remember forever. To Mom, nothing mattered more in life than her close-knit family. Mom will be immensely missed by her incredibly devoted and supportive siblings Shari Johnston (Bernie Beaudry), Kim Johnston (Susan), Cindy Hogle (Roger), April Johnston (Kent Ulrich), and Lisa Nolan (Brian). They are a wild and crazy bunch, and we can’t thank them enough for all the wonderful memories and great times they shared with Mom. She was just so proud of and grateful for each of you, and loved you all so very, very much. We could not possibly get through this time without you. We must include a special mention of Mom’s close relationship with Auntie Tom (Doreen Jenkins) of Brandon; and her friend and cousin, Judy McLean of Winnipeg. Left to miss Mom is her Uncle Larry Curry of Manitou; Aunt Shirley Curry of Manitou; Aunt Rose Gibney of Yorkton, SK; brother-in-law John B. McMillan (Blanche) of Burlington, ON; plus her numerous cousins, nieces and nephews that brought her so much joy through their stories and visits. Mom will be so happy to be reunited with our brother Cody (1983); her dad Ross Johnston (1975); and her Mom Audrey Johnston (2003). Every moment of our lives involved our Mom. We just miss her so much already. We couldn’t have imagined a day without talking to or hearing from her. She filled every inch of our lives with love, happiness and made everyone around her feel so special. Mom was gorgeous with a magnetic personality that allowed her to quickly make friends with total strangers. She loved family gatherings, cuddling in front of the fireplace, and afternoon drives anywhere. Mom loved honey on toast and our Dad’s special porridge. Growing up on the farm she rode horses and desperately wanted to be a cowboy. She had a ridiculous fear of snakes. Her favourite colour was yellow and she always wore pink lipstick and had her nails painted. Mom loved being at the lake with the sun on her face and getting up early to tend to the beautiful flowers in her yard. She loved to get cozy and was infamous for getting the giggles at the worst times, having a beautiful smile and some hilarious sayings. Mom loved to dance, wear wedge heels or go barefoot. She was a great cheerleader at her kids and grandkids soccer games and track meets and so enjoyed the Terry Fox Run with Scott. If only everyone could be blessed to have a Mom like ours. She was carefree, protective, feisty, generous, athletic, truly optimistic, a great listener, spontaneous, wise, so kind and a thousand things more. In 1989 Mom was diagnosed with a rare genetic lung disease, Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency. Despite spending the last eight years on oxygen, Mom lived life to the fullest. She got herself a nifty backpack for her oxygen tank, a scooter so she could head to the fields to watch soccer games and her portable unit to use at the lake, on trips, or visiting family. The last two years when Mom was under Palliative care and unable to leave her home, truly showed the courage, strength and grace she possessed in spades. Mom always smiled, loved life and never complained. Every day of these past two years was her special gift to us. We are forever grateful to Dr. Homik and all the wonderful, caring medical friends Mom made over some 24 years that allowed her towards the end to stay in her home that she loved so much. A special hug and thanks to Louise, Wendy and Suzanne. As per Mom’s wishes, on a sunny summer day, when the leaves are on the trees and the flowers are in bloom, there will be a private family service and picnic at Johnston Cemetery near Oak Lake. We will then take Mom to the rolling hills of her childhood and scatter her ashes. A fun family event was our annual St. Patrick’s Day get together. To continue the tradition, we invite family and friends to drop by for a coffee and visit on Saturday, March 15 at the Headingley Community Centre (5353 Portage Ave HWY #1 West) anytime between 1:00 p.m.- 5:00 p.m. just lift your face, feel the wind in your hair. That’s me, my sweet baby, my love is right there. In lieu of flowers we ask that you please make a donation in Gaye’s name to Jocelyn House Hospice or The Manitoba Lung Association. Wojcik’s Winnipeg Funeral Chapel & Crematorium, 2157 Portage Avenue, 204 897 4665, is in care of arrangements. wojciksfuneralchapel.com   As published in the Winnipeg Free Press on March 08, 2014