ROBERT MCKINLEY MILLMAN

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ROBERT MCKINLEY MILLMAN

March 27, 1943 - October 10, 2025

As shared in an October notice, Bob experienced a peaceful path to eternal rest in the loving and supportive presence of the special people in his life. After a decade of significant health challenges and the impact of a stroke in May 2025, Bob confirmed his wish for the MAiD process to experience a safe and dignified closure to a life he so frequently described as “wonderful”.

He was born in Montreal, Quebec to Hartley and Roberta Millman. The family’s move to Winnipeg had them living in St. Vital during Bob’s childhood and later moving to River Heights. The passage of his young mother was a significant challenge for Bob, his older brother Hart, and his younger sister Alison; his memory of her suffering was a major influence on his own decision to advocate for a passage of safety and dignity. His father’s unwavering compassion and strength instilled lifelong admiration and gratitude in Bob, who graduated from Kelvin High School in 1963.

Newly married and with a young family, Bob committed to a career pathway that would ultimately define him as an outstanding contributor to public education. After one year at Teachers’ College, he began teaching in the St. Vital School Division at Lavallee School and obtained his Bachelors’ degrees of Arts and Education between 1965 and 1975. His focus on psychology and sociology during his studies was of significant value; recognized for his potential as an educational leader he was transferred to Windsor School in St. Vital as its vice-principal in 1968.

His dedication to supporting teachers and learners led to the opportunity to open Darwin School as its founding principal in 1974. This was a memorable stage of his professional life because it allowed him to develop a learning culture from the literal “ground up” supported by a staff of diverse gifts and great dedication. In 1987 history repeated itself; he was again selected to open Samuel Burland School in South St. Vital. The result was a second school culture supported by a new community who deeply respected his leadership. During his tenure at this school, he also served as President of the St. Vital School Administrators Association and was notable for his respectful and open communication with the divisional leadership team. Bob led the staff of Samuel Burland until March 1998, fifteen months after a cardiac episode required a stent implant. His retirement event confirmed attendees’ profound appreciation for a leader who balanced positive mentorship with commitment to the integrity of the teaching profession.

Bob enjoyed many activities that provided quality and meaning to life outside his career. Parenting his children to be their best selves was his highest priority; retirement provided more opportunities to enjoy them and his grandchildren. Pre-retirement years had included experiences on Martineau Island in Shoal Lake, as a cottage owner, sailor, fisherman, and vegetable gardener. He enjoyed aviation after obtaining his pilot license. Sports interests included badminton, golfing, a TV viewer for sport, and care provider at Victoria Beach as a child sailor advocate for responsible community policies. Winemaking was a hobby in the 1970s and 80s. His love of his Labrador Retriever pets had him breed them for a few years with every effort to find all the puppies loving homes; he also participated in shows that demonstrated his capacity as a trainer. Hunting on a property he co-owned at Oak Hammock Marsh had him consume meat products for which he was responsible rather than depending on factory farm produce. Travels took him to various parts of Canada and Cuba, Mexico, Florida, Hawaii, Boston, the Dakotas, Minnesota, and Montana, where ski experiences for a decade provided wonderful memories until his medical concerns intensified in his 70s.

Immediately following retirement Bob had dedicated caregiving support for a cousin and aunt with great sensitivity for their needs and circumstances. As a homeowner in Ritchot for 30 years he also provided respectful feedback about community matters such as flood preparation to the municipal council. Owning a rural property gave him great joy and new friendships and he dedicated himself to lovely landscaping.

Diverse challenges affected Bob’s health in the decade preceding his passage, he avidly researched their implications. Profound gratitude is offered to the team of physicians who provided steadfast professional guidance and extraordinary empathy and to the staff team of the Deer Lodge Rehabilitation Centre for their care during the final months of his life. While accepting inevitable realities, Bob sustained appreciation for loved ones. He will be remembered in the hearts and minds of his children Rob (Marjorie) and Trish (Murray) and their mother Jane; Chris (Kayla) and his mother Susan; brother Hart and nephews David and Ted; sister Alison and nieces Susan and Christine; grandchildren Nichola, Jacob, Gabriella, Devun, Riley, Shaelyn, River, Sarah and Amy; cousin Margie; brothers- and sisters-in-law and their families; and his loving partner of thirty-seven years, Linda Chernenkoff.

While cremation occurred in October, a celebration of a life defined by integrity, generosity, compassion and love of family and friends will occur on March 7, 2026, at 2 pm. Friends and former colleagues who wish to attend the event are requested to reply to Linda via email at celebrate.bob.millman@gmail.com In lieu of flowers donating to the Winnipeg Humane Society at 45 Hurst Way, winnipeghumanesociety.ca can be a kind tribute.

Tribute Link: www.glenlawn.ca

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 17, 2026