Gerald
"Gerry" F. Mills passed away peacefully, surrounded by
family, on Friday, June 8, 2012 in the Valley Regional Hospital,
Kentville, NS at the age of 79, following a struggle with cancer. Born
in Dartmouth, NS on April 20, 1933, he was the son of the late
Douglas and Geraldine (Whebby) Mills. A Staff Sgt. with the RCMP
serving most of his career in Newfoundland and Labrador, he retired to
Cambridge, NS in 1990. Gerry remained active during retirement
through his involvement with Citizen’s Patrol, tending his
vegetable garden, travelling and spending time with his dogs. He
valued all long-standing friendships as well as the relationships he
built with his neighbours and those in the community. Gerry was always
able to uncover a common connection with people he encountered. He often
attributed the continued quality of his life to his participation in
the fitness program for heart patients at the Valley Regional Hospital
and for this, the family is grateful. He is survived by his wife,
Helen (Furlotte) of Dalhousie, NB; sisters, Anna Howlett (Edward) of
Corner Brook, NL; Claire Kariker (Dave) of Arkansas, USA; children,
Sally (Colin) Goff, Peter (Sheila) and Pamela (Terry Boswell);
grandchildren, Shane, Dana Marie, Brad, and Stacy; great
grandchildren. He was predeceased by brothers, Fred (Marg), John
(Joan), Reverend Father Joseph and Donald (Joyce); sister, Mary
Williams (Guy). Cremation has taken place. Visitation will be held
from 3-5 and 7-9 p.m. with prayers to be held at 8:00 p.m. Wednesday,
June 13, 2012 in the White Family Funeral Home, Kentville. The funeral
service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, June 14, 2012 in St.
Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church, Kentville, Father Gerald
Saulnier officiating. A reception will follow in the parish hall.
Interment will be held at 12 noon on Friday, June 15, 2012 at Fairview
Lawn Cemetery, Halifax. Donations in memory may be made to Hope
Cottage - 2435 Brunswick Street, Halifax, NS B3K 2Z4 (902-429-7968)
www.hopecottage.ca. or the Valley Cardiac Rehab Society (Hearts on
Ice). Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the White
Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Kentville.
Condolences
Dear Pam, Helen, Donald, Linda and family,
It is with a big heart that I send my sincere condolences on Gerry's passing. He is not suffering, so a blessing. It is a big loss when we lose a parent, remember the memories. Take care this week, I will be with you all in thought and prayers. Love Noella
— Noella J. LeBrun
There are no words that are big enough or strong enough to guide you through the following days.
My heart and prayers are with each of you.
Memories flood back from our family holiday on the Rock in 1975 - August it was and then a couple of years later I went by myself for a week during winter.
Gerry always took time with us kids.
I can hear him roaring at the dog for not remaining sitting on the mat.
Family reunions. And more.
Thinking of you with love, all of you at this time.
With much love, LauraJ
— Laura J Richards
To Helen and family my condolences. I worked witgh Gerry in Grand Falls nfld. when he was a new Cpl. and I a Constable. Gerry was a policemans : policeman. As I recall hea the type of officer you wanted backing you up in a racket but was also kind and compassinate towards victims. I spoke to him several week ago over the phone and we reminiscenced about the jokes that we pulled on each other at the detachment. I will not forget my time stationed with Gerry. May God Bless you all: Gordon WEST S/Sgt. R"td.
— Gordon WEST
We would like to express our sincere condolences on the recent passing of your father. We didn't know your father, but to leave this world a daughter as great as you are is no small accomplishment, and for that alone we wish we could have known him. Please take comfort in knowing that you served him to the best of your ability during his critical corner.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this sad and difficult time.
Wishing you peace and healing
— Micheline and Glenn Robichaud
Sorry to hear of Gerry's passing. Maybe we could get together sometime. Prayers and thoughts are with you and your family at this time.
— Louise, Sherry & Noreen
Hi Helen and family,
Its been a lng time ago but what a great time - 1959 to 1970 in Corner Brook and Grand Falls and such wondewrful memories. If I spoke of all the fun, jokes and stories of that era - wow! He was a great guy and a very good policeman.
— Evelyn & Ernie Hawboldt
Hi Helen and Family:
Please accept our heartfelt sympathy on the passing of Gerry. I have many fond memories of Gerry in the early 60's at Corner Brook as he was my first boss in my first posting. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Roger and Pat Tinkham
— Roger Tinkham
Very saddened to hear od Gerry's passing. I recall many very good times spent with him in Corner Brook and St. John's. My prayers are with the family. Bob Russello
— Robert Russell
Sorry for the loss of your husband Gerald.
— Joyce Mills
The Mills Family
I was saddened to hear of Gerry's passing. I've known Gerry since the mid 70's, and worked under him during my stint in Corner Brook. He was a dedicated member of the Force for sure, and did much to help the members in his capacity as the Division Rep. He was alway 'up' for a good laugh. Please accept my sincere condolences.
Bert Waterman
Ottawa, ON.
— Bert Waterman
Helen and Family:
Please accept my condolences, I remember our days in Corner Brook working with such a fine member. He will be missed by all who knew him. Remember the good times.
Regards,
Dave Sear
— David Sear
please offer my condolences to helen and family. gerry was one of the best, one of the good guys. he will be sadly missed. sorry i never got to see him on his last trip to nfld.
— joe praught
My prayers and warm thoughts are with you in this difficult and sad time of Gerry's passing.I remember the long chats we had at our family reunion in 1999 in Nova Scotia.Gerry was dedicated,a consumate professional who will be missed.Do remember the good times and cherish the memories.Blessings upon you all.
— Kristine S. Furlought
Helen our thoughts and prayers are with you during this very difficult time. I have fond memories of Gerry during his career with the RCMP in Corner Brook.
— Joe & Dottie MacDonald
Helen and Family - We were very saddened to hear of Jerry's passing. We go back a long way with many fond memories over the years. We got together many times with Jerry and Helen in N.S. when we visited the area. I worked for Jerry in Corner Brook on GIS and found him to be an exceptional person who mixed hard work with fun along the way. As DSRR he worked very hard for all the members always putting them first and was there for any one needing any assistance. He was a valued friend and will be greatly missed by all who knew him. RIP Jerry - you deserve it.
— Anne and Perley O'NEIL
I recall Gerry vividly as a guiding influence on two stints at Corner Brook in the early and mid 60's. Calm and compassionate, he set a standard for many of us. May he rest in peace.
22163, Larry O'Brien
— Larry O'Brien
I remember Gerry very well when I was stationed in Nfld 1966-74. He was a great policeman, respected by all who knew and worked with him. He will be sadly missed.
— Glenn Trites
My heartfelt condolences to you all. Gerry was the best friend anyone could ask for. He & I had many great times together both in Labrador and NS. He will be greatly missed.
— Ron Bradley
Sorry to hear of Gerry's passing. We worked together from 1974 to 1978 at Corner Brook City. He was a great boss and friend during that time. Our prayers and thoughts are with the Family and Friends. Reg and May Woods.
— Reg Woods
So sorry we are unable to attend memorial service,as we are visiting our daughter in Alberta. Gerry was a remarkable individual, so strong and so caring for the welfare of others.
Helen, and family, our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Cheryl(from sorority) and Phil
— Cheryl and Phil Murphy
À toute la famille, je vous présente mes sincères condoléances. Gerry a été un oncle extraordinaire. Nous l'avons beaucoup aimé Mathieu et moi. Il restera dans notre coeur pour toujours. Never forget him !
Love xxx
Mathieu et Elizabeth
— Elizabeth et Mathieu Ferlotte
I met Staff MILLS when just out of training in CornerBrook Nfld in 1981 and we went to Goose Bay together in 1986. Men like Gerry built the reputation of the force that the rest of us enjoy today. Strong men with impecable leadership skills that were firm,fair and inspired those of us in the rank and file to try and achieve some semblance of those same qualities. Im glad to have been included in Gerry and Helens list of friends. Bob Walton and Pam.
— Bob Walton
Helen and Family: Our deepest sympathy to you all at this difficult time. Gerry was an amazing man in everyway, and the best neighbor anyone could ever hope for. He will be greatly missed. If there is anything at all we can do for you guys, please just let us know. Our thoughts are with you all.
Sheri and Andrew
— Sheri Legge and Andrew Dykens
Please accept my condolences on your loss.
I found comfort in the hope the Bible offers for our loved ones at Psalms 37:29 which says, "The righteous themselves will possess the earth, and they will reside forever upon it."
we are assured by God in His Word the Bible, that after the earth is cleansed of current troubled conditions, it will be restored to a paradise like th Garden of Eden as He originally purposed. Then our loved ones can return to life on earh in good health. (Isaiah 33:24)
Then there will be no more sorrow or pain as we are promised at Revelation 21:4. It reads, "He will wipe out every tear from their eyes and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away."
I hope these words will bring you a measure of solace in your time of loss.
— Sandra Sullivan
it hurts me that grandpa has past away like everyone who has ever met him would feel aswell, I have so many memories with him, it sadden's me that I cannot be with the family I send my condolence's to my family
— Danamarie Goff
The best man I ever worked with...Gander was a very difficult place to police from 1973-1977...Gerry was the man for the job and he was admired by everyone of us who worked for him...anyone who knew him or worked for him then will never forget him...a humble but great fellow...Gail and I send our deepest sympathy...Art Spray
— Art Spray
Helen and Family my condolences for your loss. I was an Auxiliary Member in Gander from '74 to '78 and Gerry treated me with respect and made me feel a valued addition to the Detachment. Lots of memorable experiences and of course, lots of laughs. He will be missed.
— John Patriquin
I was very sad to see Gerry's passing in the paper today. I had just called him a few hours earlier about his dear dog. He would bring her to me every month for her nail trim. I wanted to let him know I would not be there today.... I'm sorry he won't be in anymore. I will miss him. He was such a sweet man. He would bring his lovely wife in with him sometimes, such a sweet lady. My thoughts and prayers and with her and the family, as well as his beloved Dutchess. I know he will be dearly missed. Take Care
-Melissa.
— Melissa Lee
Please accept my heartfelt sympathy on Gerry's passing. I have fond memories of Gerry from when he worked with my late husband Lou Marshall in Gander, NL.(1973-1976). Gerry was a great policeman who was admired and respected by all members who worked with him . May God Bless you all at this sifficult time .
Eileen Marshall
— Eileen Marshall
Dear Mills Family,
May God's peace be with you in Gerry's passing.
I was blessed to serve and get to know Gerry when we were posted together at Darmouth Det. in the 60's.
As I recall, Gerry had been temporally posted to Dartmouth while his wife was in hospital at Kentville, NS.
Gerry was a great friend and a great police officer as I had occasion to be with him on a number of trying situations and I admired his calmness and wisedom in curcumstances.
I have never forgotten my relationship with him for the approx. 2 years we were together in Darmouth.
Al Myshrall
Retired Member
— Al Myshrall
Helen and family, I was shocked to read of Jerry's passing in a Force Dispatch. Jerry and I worked together for a few years in Goose Bay back in the late 80's and early 90's. He was such a very kind and understanding person who I respected. Our daughter Stacey who lived with us at the time still talks of Mr. Mills and our fishing trip and what a great guy he was. I am pleased I had the opportunity to speak with him not long ago. Again our deepest sympathys.
Al and Sandra Bunn
— Al & Sandra Bunn
Saddened to hear of Gerry's passing. I piloted the police plane in Labrador when he was the Subdivision NCO. He sat beside me on many flights and I marvelled at his understanding and respect for our members and the unique work they were doing.
— Tommy Hill
