Stuart Anthony MacMillan

After a long struggle with Alzheimer, Stuart MacMillan died peacefully at Grove Park Home on the morning of June 4, 2026.

Stuart is survived by his loving and dedicated wife, Terry (nee Keck), of 54 years; his daughter Sharron Langford (Rob) and their children, Robbie, Katelyn, Michael and Daniel; his son, Adrian MacMillan (Mary) and their children, Kaleigh and Shaelyn; his sister, Gladys Morin (Bill). Stuart was born on August 15, 1934 and is predeceased by his father, Allan; his mother, Kathleen (Cleary); his brothers, Everett, Charles and Kevin; and sisters, Sheila, Madolyn and Mary. He is uncle to many nieces and nephews.

Stuart grew up in a small community, called Harrison’s Corners, in the Cornwall area. Stuart’s father died when he was 15. At this young age, he took on a caregiving role in the family, which wasn't always an easy role to carry out in a family of seven. And yet, at some of the most challenging times in his life, his sister Gladys was there for him, which he was grateful for.

He graduated from Finch High School. He spent much of his time in his twenties, obtaining degrees, a Bachelor of Arts, with an English major, a Bachelor of Divinity, and a Master’s Degree in Marriage & Family Counselling. After some soul searching, he left his pastoral duties in Cornwall, and moved to Toronto to pursue what became a successful career in counselling. One could say, it was his passion. He headed up the Catholic Family Life Center from 1985 to 2004. In addition to counselling, he joined the Huronia Interfaith Committee, which broaden his understanding of other faith groups. When he retired, he worked as a volunteer with Hospice Simcoe, co-leading bereavement groups. He received a 10 year Ontario volunteer award. Following retirement, he maintained a small private practice for many years.

Stuart and Terry were married in 1972 and four years later, they adopted Sharron (Sharsy) at the age of 10 and Adrian at the age of 6. Both Terry and Stuart never looked back. The love they gave has been given back in spades, through their relationships with Sharron and Adrian, which was only enriched by the relationships they developed with their son-in-law and daughter-in-law as well as their six grandchildren.

Stuart had many interests, including reading and collecting books. He was always searching for the meaning of life, and poetry was a good fit. His reading style epitomized the expression, marginalia. He could often be found in his recliner, with a pile of books, a dictionary and an atlas beside him. Stuart loved intimate philosophical dialogue. He always wanted depth in conversation! A friend once said that his epitaph should be “never too deep.” But, he was gregarious by nature, and always managed to get people laughing with jokes or his quick wit!

Stuart loved travel, and walking with Terry, along with the family dogs. He especially loved being at the cottage, re-designing the deck, cutting and splitting wood. He was always on the search for logs that were “good” for burning. He also loved sports. When the family moved to Barrie in 1980, he picked up skiing, supporting both his son and daughter on the hill. He hung his poles up in his 85th year. He also golfed on a regular basis with friends.

He was the pied piper to the grandchildren, especially when they were little. He was not afraid to wrestle with them, play board games, hide and seek and fun activities of his own making. Cottage time was always special, as Grampa took them out in the canoe, exploring and having fun times in the water.

Stuart had a long journey through the various stages of dementia. Terry was always by his side, with encouragement and support. The family would like to thank the many friends, neighbours, personal support workers, from Royalty care, the VON and St. Elizabeth, who enabled his stay at home. And finally, special thanks to the staff of Grove Park Home, particularly the “A” team of the Aspen unit, as well as, Dr. McTurk, and the restorative care and program staff.

The funeral service will take place at 10:00 a.m. on June 19th, 2026 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 65 Amelia St., Barrie, Ontario. This will be followed by a lunch and a celebration of life at The Legacy Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, the family would ask that donations be made to Grove Park Home, ShareLife of the Archdiocese of Toronto, or The Council of Canadians. 

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