William (Bill) James Mills

William (Bill) James Mills 1934 – 2025

William (Bill) James Mills passed away peacefully on October 5, 2025 at the Veterans Memorial Lodge in Victoria, BC at the age of 90.

Bill was born in Winnipeg to Olive and James Mills. He joined older siblings Keith and Donna, followed later by brother David.

At 17, Bill joined the RCAF and was selected for fighter-pilot training, a coveted posting that launched a lifelong love of flight. He trained on an array of aircraft from the Chipmunk and Harvard to the T-33 and Mitchell B-25, eventually piloting the F-86 Sabre, one of the era’s premier jets. He later served with the RAF in England, noting that the Canadians and Brits were very closely matched, often besting other Allied forces in exercises.

While posted in Europe, Bill met nurse Karen at RCAF Station Grostenquin as she treated the young airman suffering minor burns to his neck (something involving an off-duty contest with fellow pilots, lighter fluid, a match, and perhaps questionable judgment). They married in Copenhagen in 1957, living in the UK, France and Winnipeg before settling in Edmonton. They had four children, Cameron, Kevin, Tracy and Lise.

In 1960, Bill joined the British Antarctic Survey, travelling by boat from England to Deception Island, Antarctica — with the de Havilland Otter onboard that he would be piloting — he flew many missions over the frozen continent. His Antarctic diary describes awe-inspiring vistas, perilous takeoffs, penguins and camaraderie among explorers who navigated without modern instruments. After the South Pole, he reunited with the family in Edmonton and flew as a bush pilot in northern Alberta and Cambridge Bay.

In Edmonton, he continued with his education, earning a BA and then an MBA from the University of Alberta. He flew part-time with 418 Reserve Squadron at CFB Namao, proof that the flying bug never left him. He then joined the federal civil service as an auditor, pursuing efficiency and fairness with a gentle hand until retirement.

Bill’s home life was lively and full of laughter. He was famous for gathering the family for games of Scrabble, Boggle and Risk, and for hosting Boxing Day broomball matches on frozen ponds where, mercifully, injuries were few. He loved canoeing and would pack up the family to join relatives for multi-day canoe trips in northern Saskatchewan. The kids remember those trips with great fondness despite the mosquitoes, wet sleeping bags, and rain gear improvised from garbage bags. He enjoyed billiards, lawn bowling, and the friendly subterfuge of poker nights.

In retirement, Bill traded the skies for the seas, working aboard cruise ships as a social host and dance partner; always a gentleman, never short of stories. Bill and Karen would go on to find new dance partners, as both remarried.  In later years, he found comfort at Rose Manor, where he became known as “Bingo Bill” for leading the resident games and where his good humour made him a favourite.

Bill is remembered by his original crew: nurse Karen, children Cam (Janet), Tracy (Richard), and Lise. He was predeceased by both parents, siblings Keith, David, and Donna, and son Kevin.

Bill often spoke of his son Kevin, the “little firecracker.” For Kevin’s headstone, his parents chose Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star. For Bill, the family chose the RCAF motto Per Ardua Ad Astra — Through Adversity to the Stars. May they meet again.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the staff of Rose Manor for their care and kindness during his many years there, and to the devoted team at the Veterans Memorial Lodge who cared for him in his final months.

Bill asked to be buried under a tree and got his wish with a green burial at the Royal Oak Burial Park beneath clear blue skies— perfect weather for his last flight. A private celebration of life for family and friends will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please donate to a charity of your choice.

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