William John Murray Scott Mills (September 27, 1931 – December 8, 2018)- It is with very heavy hearts that the family of Murray Mills announce his peaceful passing in his 88th year on December 8, 2018. Murray was predeceased by his wife of 47 years, and love of his life, Audrey Joan (nee Coombs) in 2007. Murray was the very proud father of Scott (Patti), Cathy Mills Dailey (Darrell Dailey) and David (Deanna) and grandpa of Matthew, Brandon, Aaron and Madeline Dailey, Parker and Griffen Mills, and Chauntelle Balicki (Tyler) and Janal Ferras. Murray was born and raised on a farm near Walton, Ontario before attending the University of Guelph where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture in 1955. Following his graduation, Murray began working full-time for Cockshutt Farm Equipment Co. in Brantford where he met Audrey. Murray was instrumental in the development of the rotary combine during his employment with Cockshutt’s, White Farm Equipment, Massey Ferguson, Western Combine and AGCO. Over the course of his career, Murray travelled extensively to conduct field testing, set up machinery and instruct dealers, farmers and mechanics on the operation, maintenance and repair of the combines. He enjoyed sharing stories of his ‘misadventures’ in Venezuela, Turkey, Russia, Kazakhstan, and Zambia, of teaching Neil Armstrong (the first man on the moon) how to drive a combine in Arizona, and of adventures in the many other cities and countries on every continent where he worked. Over the years, Murray enjoyed camping, boating and waterskiing at Killbear Provincial Park on Georgian Bay and, later, sharing his cottage on Lake Huron with his family and where he was actively involved in the Bogies Beach Cottage Association. Until recent years, Murray had been a long time member of the Brant Curling Club. Murray leaves behind a legacy of nicknames which stemmed from his mischievous sense of humour, he will be missed for his ability to fix absolutely anything (and have the tools to do it or the vision to fabricate what was needed), and being the Grandpa that shared an occasional Jager shot with his grandchildren just for fun! The family would like to extend sincere thanks to the staff of the Juravinski Cancer Clinic for Murray’s excellent treatment and care over the years, the Brantford General Hospital Palliative Care team and the staff of the Stedman Hospice Hankinson House. In memory of Murray, donations to the Stedman Hospice would be appreciated.
https://www.sjlc.ca/donate-now