Obituary of John "Jack" Millikin

It is with deep sorrow that the family of Jack Millikin announces his passing on November 26, 2006 at the age of 84. Jack was born in Scotland in 1922. He was first and foremost a musician - from the age of four when he moved to Canada - until the day he died, on November 26, 2006. He was also a family man. In 1945 he married Doris Hopkins, a piano player, and for 33 years worked on the railroad to support her and their four children, all the while playing for dances and musical events in the Big River area. After retiring from the CN at age 55, Jack and Doris continued to play until Doris passed away in 1990. Jack's life took a new direction at this time. It was the beginning of what was to become the Ness Creek Music Festival and Jack was there. He was there with his banjo, bottles and saw for the next 16 consecutive years. For some, he was a highlight of the Festival. In January 2005, Jack had a stroke, followed by several more in the coming months. It was this, along with a heart attack that finally took his life. He will be greatly missed. Jack leaves to cherish his memory his son Stan (Geri) Millikin of Big River, SK & their children: Rhonda (Clay) Cowan & their children Bailey & Drew; Kevin; his daughter Leslie Belle Millikin of Vancouver, BC & her son Sheldon (Lisa) & their daughter Hanna McLean of Calgary, AB; his son Don Millikin (Gwen Woodley) of Saskatoon, SK & children Gavin, Lyndsey & Leslie; and his daughter Cheryl Millikin of Calgary, AB; his sisters Cathy Marten of Kamloops, BC and Eva Martin of Richmond, BC; a brother in law Alec Pukanski of Edmonton, AB as well as numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He was predeceased by his loving wife Doris, a daughter Janice Lee, a granddaughter Ashley, his parents John & Catherine, his sisters Mary (Forrest) Hardy, Annie Pukanski, and Jean and Mede (Amede) Chamberland, his brothers Bill (Marg), Andrew and George (Irene). The funeral service was held on Thursday, November 30th, 2006 at 2:00 p.m. from the Big River Community Hall with Rev. Brian Maitland as the officiant. The eulogy was read by Gordon Olson and the musicians were Rockey Lakner & daughter Kamila. Honorary pall bearers were all relatives and friends who shared in Jack's life and active pall bearers were Butch Cowan, Norman Gunderson, Gordon Gunderson, Harvey Young, Kevin Olson and Rob Warriner. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation. Jack was laid to rest in the Big River Cemetery.