MILLS, Donald

MILLS

It is with profound sadness that the family announces the sudden death of Donald Robert Mills, age 62 of Berwyn, Alberta, February 13, 2018, in a motor vehicle crash in Peace River, AB. Born in Lethbridge, AB to Kenneth and Evelyn Mills, Don grew up in a loving home with his three siblings. As a young man, he was active with his friends, baseball and archery. Don attended Gilbert Paterson Public School, Lethbridge Collegiate Institute, and Lethbridge Community College where he studied Wildlife Conservation. At LCC he met a spitfire named Merna Pittman whom he married in 1978. Don and Merna lived and raised their family primarily in Berwyn, AB. As a family they enjoyed many outdoor activities: canoeing, building projects, birding, and archery. Don was a man of strong faith, who led and sang often in his church. He was a great storyteller and his children/grandchildren fondly remember him reading to them at bedtime. Don worked in Wildlife Conservation and for a short time with Cargill Grain. After an industrial injury he changed careers. Don combined his interest in wildlife, especially birds, and taxidermy hobby into a livelihood – Boreal Taxidermy. Predeceased by his mother Evelyn Alice Mills, Don is survived by his loving wife Merna, daughter Aarin [Myles Gillespie] of Lacombe, son Matthew [Brandi] of Lacombe, son James [Annette] of Ryley, father Ken Mills of Lethbridge, sister Ruth Mills [Todd Smaridge] of Ottawa, brother Glenn Mills [Eleanor] of Lethbridge, sister Janice Blumhagen [Lyle] of Drumheller, precious grandchildren Alice, Wolfric, Olivia and Barrett. A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 pm Friday, February 23, 2018 at First Baptist Church, 8602 98 St, Peace River, AB. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alberta Birds of Prey Foundation. Go online to http://www.burrowingowl.com/support/ or call 403-345-4262 to donate.