MILLAR, Michael Jason Millar

Passed away peacefully with family by his side in his 48th year. He was deeply loved by and leaves behind his loving parents, Gary and Carole Millar, sister Lauren Thompson (Bob), nieces Emma & Eva, nephew Finn, and countless friends.

Born on July 9, 1978, in Napanee, ON, where Michael spent his early years. His family eventually settled in Oshawa, where he attended Harmony Heights Public School and Eastdale Collegiate, where he made friends with ease. He was loved by his Mud Turtle Camp May 24 Crew, a group of 8 close friends who have connected annually for the past 30 years.

Michael went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts in History and English from Queen’s University, where his housemates remained lifelong friends. He later attended Centennial College’s Book and Magazine Publishing post-graduate program, launching a remarkable career in Canadian publishing. Michael worked with many notable publishers such as HarperCollins Canada and Penguin Random House of Canada Ltd. In addition to his Freelance Communications Specialist work, he held titles such as Senior Publicist, Publicity Manager, eventually becoming a valued Communications Officer with TSN Bell Media. He was immensely proud of his public relations work, travelling across Canada with many notable authors and sports legends, including Buck Martinez and Curtis Joseph.

In his youth, he made his parents proud as a Little NHL Hockey league Goalie and developed into an avid outdoorsman and multispecies angler. Michael fished in every season and weather condition, competing in Canadian Sport Fishing League and Ontario Kayak Bass Trail events. As part of Rapala Pro Staff, he enjoyed promoting the outdoors with youth. He enjoyed reading, craft beer, recently took up birding, and never missed an opportunity to make a great dad joke. His photography captured nature as he saw it, full of beauty, heart, and fish.

Michael travelled coast to coast across all Canadian provinces, ventured through Spain, and had just returned from an East Coast adventure with his beloved wife Kristy and their new puppy, Arnold. Michael had a lifelong love of dogs, from his childhood companions Rajah and Pal to his adult best buddies Roscoe, Bruno, and now little Arnold.

He was a proud member of countless communities, including the Oshawa Curling Club, where he served on the Board; Durham Ultimate Frisbee; and enjoyed volleyball at the YMCA.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the extraordinary doctors, nurses, and staff at Mount Sinai Hospital and Princess Margaret Hospital for their compassion and care.

A private family service will be held, with a Celebration of Life planned at a later date.

In Michael’s memory, donations may be made to: · Keep Canada Fishing Program to sponsor a young Angler who might not otherwise get to experience the joy of fishing. · Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation through Kristy’s Ride to Conquer Cancer Campaign · Kedron United Church

“Don’t cry because it’s over. Smile because it happened.”