It is with overwhelming sadness that the family of Daniel Sym McPherson Millar announce his passing on September 22, 2024 at the age of 83 years.
Dan leaves behind his loving wife, Fran, of 49 years, his children Stirling (Jodi) Millar and Tami (Devin) MacNevin, his grandchildren Tucker and Chesney MacNevin, his brothers Bill (Helen) Millar and John (Leanne) Millar and his nieces and nephews to grieve his loss. Dan joins his mother Flora, his father Dan, and his infant sister Elizabeth in the next life.
Life started for Dan on April 21, 1941 in Outlook, Saskatchewan as the first child of Flora and Daniel Millar of Broderick. He was soon known around town as a determined child with an impish streak, often being near mischief but never admitting the cause of it nor squealing on his friends. His love of animals began early, and his backyard was soon filled with his chickens, and two pet crows.
As time went by, Dan gained employment first hauling gas for a local gas station, and shortly after working on the site where the Gardiner Dam was built. He also attended university but found that university was not for him. Dan was never one to allow someone else to tell him how to think. In 1964, Dan found his calling as a Moose Jaw City Police officer where he served for 37 years. While on the police service, Dan earned the nickname “Smiley” for his friendly, respectful and open demeanour and his ability to wear a constant smile even on the worst of days. He was also well known on the service for his impeccable memory and often was referred to as the service’s “computer”. When Dan retired in 2001, he could not pull himself away from the Moose Jaw Police and became a commissionaire to continue working near and for the service.
Dan’s dedication to his work did not take away from his personal life. In 1974, he began to date psych nurse Fran Rands and they were married in June of 1975. Children soon followed with the birth of Stirling in 1978, and Tami in 1982. He shared his many interests with his family. There was rarely a day when he couldn’t be found outside. In autumn, he would be in his large garden taste testing a purple carrot or snacking on an apple. In winter and spring, he could be found shovelling and breaking up ice on every driveway and sidewalk nearby. He spent his days in nature during the summer whether it was on his boat or outside taking care of his garden. Summer also allowed time for Dan to show his marksmanship skills at the trap and skeet club, or to fly his model airplanes at the radio control club. His love for animals never waned throughout his life. Neither did that impish streak and he often played pranks on his family.
A Funeral Service honouring Dan for the person he was will be held on Monday, September 30, 2024, at 1:00pm at the Alliance Church, 14 Neslia Place, Moose Jaw, SK. We invite all whose lives Dan touched to honour him with your attendance. Della Ferguson will officiate. A time of viewing and visitation will take place on Sunday, September 29, 2024 from 6:30 – 7:30pm at W. J. Jones and Son Chapel, 474 Hochelaga St W, Moose Jaw.
For those wishing memorial donations may be made to the Moose Jaw Humane Society, 1755 Stadacona St W, Moose Jaw, SK S6H 7K7 or the Moose Jaw Wildlife Federation, 1396 3 Ave NE, Moose Jaw, SK S6H 1G3.
In living memory of Dan, a memorial planting will be made by W.J. Jones & Son Ltd. Please sign the memorial register at website: www.wjjonesandson.com (Obituaries). Dayna Chamberlain- Funeral Director
