LACONIA - John J. Millar died suddenly on May 2, 2017 at the age of 89 while celebrating a family event which was fitting as family was John’s world.
John was devoted to his wife Evelyn (Westover) of 65 years, his daughters Lynn Richards of Gilford NH, Sally Reilly of Wakefield MA, and grandchildren Casey & wife Melissa Richards of Bow NH, Jillian Richards of Somerville MA, and Matthew Reilly of Wakefield MA. He also had a definite twinkle in his eye for great grandson Kealan.
After growing up in Plymouth NH, John was an alumni of UNH and remained an avid UNH sports fan attending hockey games and cheering with his grandchildren. He was a patent engineer with Scott & Williams and used those skills to start a business, Salyn Industries, manufacturing newborn baby hats for hospital maternity wards. John also enjoyed a career in real estate with Coldwell Banker for many years.
John was an accomplished woodworker and avid sailor with a lifelong membership at the Winnipesaukee Yacht Club. He was on the Gunstock ski patrol and loved both downhill and cross country skiing – in fact he was a member of the UNH ski team. He traveled with his wife on many trips with Prestige Plus(e.g., Rockies). John also served on many committees at the Congregational Church including Diaconate.
Along with his immediate family John is survived by his sister Elizabeth Howard of Laconia, sister-in-law Barbara Millar of Kittery ME, sons-in-law Mark Richards of Gilford and Tim Reilly of Wakefield MA and many nieces and nephews.
A celebration of his life will be held at 10:30AM on Friday, May 12th at the Laconia Congregational Church, 69 Pleasant Street, Laconia followed by a graveside service at Riverside Cemetery in Plymouth NH.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Diabetes Association , 249 Canal St, Manchester, NH 03101 or at www.diabetes.org or to the Congregational Church of Laconia -Dorcas Fund-18 Veterans Sq., Laconia, NH 03246
Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 164 Pleasant Street, Laconia, N.H. is assisting the family with the arrangements.