William (Bill) passed away at North York General Hospital on September 13, 2023 at the age of 88. He had been experiencing declining health for the past several months.

Bill was predeceased by his loving wife of 51 years, Carolyn, his parents David and Lorene Milliken of Winnipeg, his brother David Milliken of Vancouver and his special friend Ann Jones of Toronto.

Bill is survived by his son Ross (Violet), daughters Debbie and Laura (Alex Trass), his grandchildren Emily (Andrew Iachtchouk), David and Christopher Milliken, his great grandchildren Luke, Luna, Lucy and Nova Milliken-Iachtchouk, his brother-in-law Ed Reed (Johanna Brand), his sister-in-law Doriel Milliken, and nephews Max Reed (Althea Hayden), Michael (Larra) and Rob Milliken. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Born in Winnipeg, Bill received his B.A. degree (1958) from the University of Manitoba, completed post-graduate studies (1959) in Industrial Relations at Queen’s University, and obtained his CHRP designation from The Human Resources Professionals Association of Ontario.

Following graduation and marriage, he and Carolyn lived in Montreal before returning to Winnipeg where their children were born. The family moved to St. Catharines in 1967 and then to the Toronto area where he lived since 1969.

Bill enjoyed a fulfilling professional career in human resources management and held progressively more responsible roles across a variety of sectors including brewery, manufacturing and educational broadcasting. Bill retired in 1990 from his position as Director, Human Resources at TV Ontario. Beyond his professional career, Bill and Carolyn owned a successful video retail business in the 1980s.

Bill enjoyed reading non-fiction on a wide range of topics including current events, history, politics and world and cultural issues, and sharing his insights during lively discussions with family and friends. Bill had a passion for painting, focusing on subjects of personal significance. He enjoyed discovering new recipes and cooking.

Bill was very devoted to his family and was enthusiastically involved in the lives of his children. He especially enjoyed the time he spent with his family at his summer home in Southampton, ON.

In retirement, he derived great satisfaction spending time with his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren through many family gatherings. Bill enjoyed travelling extensively with Carolyn and latterly his friend Ann. He and Carolyn had a particular fondness for the south of France where they spent several winters. Bill had an active social life in the Market Square and Bayview Gardens communities, enjoying bridge clubs, lectures, coffee gatherings, and many other formal and informal events.

Bill exuded positivity with a welcoming style that made those he met feel valued and accepted.

Friends and family may call at the Mount Pleasant Funeral Centre on Thursday, September 21st from 12:30-1:30 p.m. A private service for family and Bill’s friends will be held afterwards at 1:30 p.m. Flowers gratefully declined. If desired, donations to a charity of your choice would be appreciated.