Former Standardbred owner/breeder John Andrew McMillan passed away peacefully at the Margaret Bahen Hospice in Newmarket, Ont. on Jan. 21, 2026 in his 83rd year.
Family was everything to John. He is survived by his loving wife Irene (nee Jonelis). Beloved father of Robbie (Diane), Debbie (Don) and the late Vickie. Proud grandfather of Ashley, Cody, Johnathon, Crystal, Sean, Clint and Samantha. Great-grandfather to 12. Son of the late Andy and Violet (nee Haugen) McMillan.
John graduated from the school of hard knocks. Family, hockey and horses were his life. He was an avid fan, owner and breeder of Standardbred racehorses since the 1980s, but "Mac" loved to play hockey -- right from his early youth it was an integral part of his life. He was a gifted player, in fact, he was able to make the Lakeshore Bruins Junior "B" team at the young age of 15. He later played professionally in the Eastern League in New York, New Haven and Knoxville. After deciding the pro life wasn't for him and his young family, he played 10 years of Senior "A" hockey in the Ontario Hockey League with the Barrie Flyers, Whitby Warriors and finally capping his senior career with the Brantford Alexanders. As player/coach with the Alexanders, he won the Allan Cup in 1977 (the Canadian Championship for senior hockey). His passion for the game continued several years later, playing old-timer's hockey with the Aurora Old Colts in the Thornhill Oldtimers League. It was a team with many characters, though none could match Mac, who loved to entertain "the boys" with his many stories and his off-the-cuff quips.
The family would like to thank the staff at Chartwell Park Place in Aurora, but especially the staff and volunteers at the Margaret Bahen Hospice of Newmarket.
Visitation will take place at Roadhouse & Rose Funeral Home, located at 157 Main Street South in Newmarket, on Tuesday, Jan. 27 from the hours of 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The funeral service will commence at 1 p.m. in the chapel. Following the service ,John will be laid to rest at the Aurora Cemetery, located at 14253 Yonge Street in Aurora.
A celebration of John’s life will be held in July of 2026 in Aurora. Details will be announced closer to the date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Margaret Bahen Hospice in Newmarket.
Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of John McMillan.