It is with deepest sadness that the family of Joseph Robert "Bob" MacMillan (83) of New Glasgow announce his passing on Sunday, July 9, 2023 at home surrounded by the love of his family.

Bob was born in New Glasgow on February 27, 1940, one of five sons of the late Neil S. and Sarah A. (Forbes) MacMillan.  Bob was educated in New Glasgow, starting with St.  John’s Academy through to High School. At a young age, he started his working career with the CNR as a telegrapher.  He then was hired with Doane Raymond Accounting Firm on their work/study program, and with a semester at McGill University, gained his accountancy credentials.  In 1971 he started his employment at Sobeys Stores Limited in Stellarton, and in 1973 was appointed Company Secretary and later Director of Market Analysis.  He subsequently was employed with the Auto Trader Group, and eventually was a self-employed accountant working until his retirement with Williams Heavy Hauling in Barney’s River Station.  

Bob was a faithful member of St. John the Baptist Roman Catholic Church until the pandemic and his ill health prevented his regular attendance. He was a Life Member and devoted Brother of the Knights of Columbus. He was Past Grand Knight in the Third Degree New Glasgow Council #1667 and Past Faithful Navigator in the Fourth Degree Msgr. Moses M. Coady Assembly #2222.

Bob served on the Board of the Children’s Aid Society, the Heart and Stroke Support Group of Pictou County, Bluenose Curling Club, and was a former President of the Abercrombie Golf and Country Club.  He enjoyed curling and was involved with the Nova Scotia Mixed Curling Association over the years serving in various capacities. Many can attest to his light finesse skip shots that put his teammates' sweeping abilities to the test.  He also enjoyed a game of golf, especially with his long-time friend Jim Woods. His hole-in-one at Abercrombie Golf Course was a source of great pride.

Bob was predeceased by his parents, brother, Richard MacMillan, father-in-law, Jock Alexander, mother-in-law, Mary Alexander; brothers-in-law, Art (Peggy) Alexander and Bill Alexander, niece, Meghan and nephew, David Alexander.

Bob is survived by his wife of 33 years, Jane, and his sons, Michael, Paul and Shawn MacMillan of Halifax; his grandsons, Connor Sharpe-MacMillan and Carter Doiron-MacMillan; his brothers, Neil (Ann) of New Glasgow, Barry (Bridget) of St. Thomas, ON, and Vincent (Darla) of Kingston, ON; his sister-in-law, Judy (Sheldon) Dickie, brother-in-law, Robin (Frances) Alexander of Trenton, NS, and sister-in-law, Sharon Alexander of New Glasgow, NS. He is also survived by cousins and many nieces and nephews. He loved being "Great-Uncle Bob" to Hayden and Emmett. He thoroughly enjoyed their visits and always had little die-cast cars to add to their toy collection. He is also survived by chosen brothers, Andy (Joyce) Dupuis, Trenton, NS and John (Judy) Langley, Baddeck, NS.

The family would like to thank the Palliative Care Consult Nurse, Rachel MacDonald, who went above and beyond for us, and the whole Palliative Care Team. We are truly grateful that with their support we were able to grant Bob’s final wishes. We would also like to thank the VON Pictou County nurses who provided care, Steve, Evan, Peace and many others.

There will be a private family funeral Mass for Bob on Tuesday, July 18, 2023 at St. John the Baptist Roman Catholic Church in New Glasgow, NS. Interment to follow at Hillside Cemetery.

If you so desire, donations in Bob’s name may be made to the Pictou County Palliative Care Society, a charity of your choice, or a kind deed in Bob’s name. Arrangements are under the direction of R.H. Porter Funeral Home, New Glasgow.

In the words of a very wise little five-year-old:

"Bob’s spirit will talk to us in our dreams."