Borden "Bordie" David MacMillan

“Blessed are the peacemakers, because they will be called sons of God” (Matt. 5:9)

With great sadness, we announce the passing of Borden “Bordie” MacMillan on January 9, 2025, in Huntersville, NC, at the age of 72. Borden, a cherished husband, father, and Puppa, was born and raised in Sault Ste. Marie, ON, Canada, to David and Rhoda (McCaig) MacMillan. He was a proud alumnus of the University of Windsor, where he met his wife, Sandy, during an exceptionally fortuitous weekend when she tagged along to support a friend who was breaking up with Bordie’s roommate. They raised two daughters and a series of spoiled cats in Rochester, NY, until they eventually relocated to Cornelius, NC.

A relentless peacemaker, Borden always saw the best in people and could happily talk to anyone about anything. His life followed one guiding principle: you always show up. No matter the inconvenience, the awkwardness, or the danger (see the mother-in-law mentioned below), you show up for the people who need you. Bordie was always there when we needed him. Always.

As a Dad, Borden never turned down an opportunity to chaperone a school field trip while looking dashing in a suit he ironed himself that morning. As a husband, he commuted every weekend from his work in Toronto to his wife and baby in Rochester while they constructed their future family home. As one of the last great salesman road warriors, he had a successful, 40-year-long career with Empire/EMCO of Buffalo, NY, fueled in no small part by his willingness to drive 10 hours for one meeting (because that’s how you keep a client forever.)

Borden will always be remembered on Castle Grove Drive for organizing years of weekly neighbourhood street hockey games for a rotating group of players of various skill levels aged 5 to 45. Rollerblades were optional. Bathing suits were worn at your own risk. Cups were strongly recommended.

Borden loved God, the Boston Bruins, the Buffalo Bills, holding his wife’s hand, giving his daughters’ advice, playing with his grandchildren, and cracking open a cold Canadian beer after working on the yard. His Catholic faith was quiet but strong and present at his last moment.

He is greatly missed by his loving wife, Sandy (Galbo); his daughters, Jamie Taddonio, Kellye MacMillan-Wills and husband Iain; grandchildren, Cameron and Quinn Wills; brothers Morris MacMillan, Armand MacMillan and wife Helen; brother-in-law, Joseph Mangione, and many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his Mother and Father; Mother-in-law, Dorothy Galbo, who (eventually) loved “that Canadian Stunad” like a son; and Sister-in-law, Florence Mangione.

A special thank you to the team at the Levine & Dickson Hospice House in Huntersville, NC - especially Holly, Natalie, and Brenda. Your thoughtfulness, kindness, and guidance in a dark time will not be forgotten.

In lieu of flowers, please hug your loved ones and consider a donation in Borden’s memory to the Muscular Dystrophy Association or the University of Windsor.

Calling hours will be held 4-7pm Thursday January 16 at Farrell-Ryan Funeral & Cremation Services 777 Long Pond Road. Funeral mass 10Am Friday at St. John the Evangelist Church. Interment Holy Sepulchre Cemetery.