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June 23, 1954 - December 24, 2024

Michael (Mike) Joseph MacMillan passed away peacefully on December 24, 2024, at the University Hospital of Northern BC in Prince George, with love reaching him from family and friends near and far. With determination and resilience, he navigated complications from amyloidosis, a rare and challenging disease.

Born on June 23, 1954, in St. Catharines, Ontario, to Clifford and Marjorie MacMillan, Mike was the second of eight children. His early adventures included serving in the Canadian Militia and working aboard ships on the Great Lakes, where he developed a love of being on the water.

In 1973, during orientation day at Confederation College in Thunder Bay, Ontario, he met the love of his life, Donna (née Pendziwol). They married in November 1974 and spent one memorable summer in the Yukon before temporarily relocating to Thompson, Manitoba. Returning to the Yukon in their converted school bus, they spent two years as Parent Members at the Carcross Community Education Centre (also known as the "hippie school"). Afterwards, they settled in Whitehorse, where their family grew, and they formed lifelong connections.

Mike was a hard worker, dedicating his skills and time to various jobs in the Yukon. As an aircraft maintenance engineer, he worked at Alkan Air, Whitehorse Air Maintenance, and Ross River Flying Services. He brought his versatility and expertise to his work with White Pass and Yukon Route Railway, MRC Company, Narrow Gauge Contracting, and Ketza Construction.

A lifelong tinkerer, Mike had a knack for fixing or building almost anything. He found joy in repurposing recycled treasures. After reading a book on timber-frame construction, he built his family's home using reclaimed beams from a dismantled bridge. On a smaller scale, he even made jewellery for his daughters from heirloom spoons. He could always come up with an ingenious (or harebrained) solution, which brought him great satisfaction and a quiet laugh.

Mike was involved in his community and had a number of hobbies. He volunteered as a hockey and soccer coach, served as a board member and sound technician for the Kluane Mountain Bluegrass Festival, played hockey in the Whitehorse Old Timers Hockey League, and sailed in the Yukon, Greece, and Croatia. He also played stand-up bass in a band and explored pottery, woodworking, and glass blowing. Known affectionately in his neighbourhood as "The Snow Plow Fairy," he was always ready to lend a hand.

Despite his rugged exterior, Mike had a gentle heart. His soft, sparkling eyes and belly-deep chuckle endeared him to everyone he met. He had a quiet sense of humour and took delight in life's small, quirky joys—whether gifting a goofy present, harvesting ditch rhubarb, appearing as a self-made Yukon Brewery beer model, acting in a short film, or dancing in an Air North video. His playful spirit brought joy to those around him.

Above all, Mike's greatest love was his family. He'd do anything for them and would often travel great distances to help out or spend time together. Though he wasn't always a man of many words, his actions spoke volumes. His steadfast presence and unconditional love were constants in the lives of his wife, children, and grandchildren.

Mike is survived by his wife of 50 years, Donna; his children, Leigh (Megan), Moriah, and Jodie (Mark); his grandchildren, Elaya and Clover; his siblings, Christine, John (Sabrina), Leanne (Tif), Paula (Stephen), Andy (Nadine), Dan (Moira), and Abbie (Michael); his mother-in-law, Eleanor Pendziwol; his siblings-in-law, Debbie (Howard), Richard (Jean), and Cindy (Brad); and numerous nieces and nephews.He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

The family extends their heartfelt thanks to all his doctors and the staff at Whitehorse General Hospital, Yukon Air Ambulance, and the University Hospital of Northern BC for their compassionate care.

In his memory, the family invites you to help a friend or neighbour, find joy in small things, or hang a pickle ornament on your Christmas tree.

A celebration of life will be held on June 28, 2025, from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. at Haa Shagóon Hídi in Carcross, Yukon. All who knew Mike are welcome to attend.

Service Details

Celebration of Life
Saturday, June 28, 2025
2:00 PM
Haa Shagóon Hídi, Carcross, Yukon


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