Tribute

Millie Lynskey was born in October 1923 as Millie Vickers. She was raised in Toronto, Ontario as the second oldest in a family of four children. Her father (Arthur) was able to support the family through the 1930’s depression by working as a postman. Her ambition was to be a lawyer but family circumstances dictated she learn typing and shorthand. She graduated from high school at 16 and began working as a secretary. This was at the time of the great depression and her paychecks went to help support her family until her marriage to Bill in 1944. Together they worked hard. With an initial purchase of a single truck they slowly created a small concrete block manufacturing and transport company in Toronto. Millie and Bill fashioned a life for themselves in Toronto. Her two boys (Glen and Jeff) were born in the 1950s and Millie was a stay-at-home mom becoming the heart of the family. In 1968 at age 40 she rejoined the workforce, her outgoing personality was a perfect fit for real estate. She began a 25-year career selling houses in Toronto, becoming a successful agent, then broker with Royal Lepage. After retirement in 1995, Millie and Bill moved to Powell River to be near Jeff, his wife Cindy, and their two grandchildren(Ben and Sara). The move also brought them closer to Whistler where Glen, his wife Heather, and their two children (Torin and Willie) lived. Soon she immersed herself in community activities including the Powell River economy shop, the Seniors Centre, and the Salvation Army church. She became known as the `cookie lady’ for her baking and the gifting of sweets about town. The death of her son Glen(2012) and grandson Willie(2017) left a hole in her heart. In her latter years despite slowly succumbing to Alzheimer’s disease she was able to maintain her warmth, generosity, humour, and kindness. It is the legacy she leaves to those who knew her. A tremendous thanks to the staff of Willingdon Creek who made her a member of their community and gave her a new home. Thank you to Dr. Burns for years of care and Dr. Bonsor for taking over care in such a kind, sensitive manner. There will be a private family gathering in the future to help remember Millie.