Colin Thomas Millar - b. Dec 16, 1932, d. December 30, 2016

Devoted friend, soulmate, and husband of 62 years to Barbara Millar (d. 2015). Father of Debbie (& Don) and Bette (& Troy). Grandfather of Brady (& Kristen) and Haileigh (& Patrick). Great grandfather of Ashley, Olivia, Emilia, and Jack. Sharing memories with his brothers’ families: Robert (& Betty), John (& Marge), and Gord (& Mary), and their children and grandchildren. Delighted by his dog Penny.

Colin's 37 year career in law enforcement spanned a variety of roles, including officer, instructor, rising to Chief of the Hamilton Police Service. In the early 1970s Colin was an instructor in criminal law at the Ontario Police College. He was later seconded to the Ontario Police Commission to assess police training programs. His unique approaches to police training soon became widely accepted by police departments throughout North America, Europe and Britain. Colin was also the first Canadian to be chapter president of the FBI Academy Graduates Association.

Since retirement, Colin has been in a great many volunteer endeavours including leadership in many successful fundraising initiatives, many of which benefited the poor and marginalized. Some of these included McMaster University, the Canadian Red Cross, The Salvation Army, Crimestoppers, the Good Shepherd, Rotary, Probus, Sertoma, and the Scottish Right.

Colin also made a 20 year commitment to the Board of St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton, serving as Board Chair, Chair of the Building and Planning Committee overseeing new developments including the new West 5th facility, and most recently Chair of the St. Joseph's International Outreach Program, among many other contributions. Colin received St. Joseph's highest honour, the Mission Legacy Award.

As a result of his extensive civic engagement in the Hamilton Community, Colin was also the recipient of the Hamilton Distinguished Citizen of the Year Award in 1994, and the Hamilton Gallery of Distinction in 2003. He also received an honourary Doctorate from McMaster University. Most recently Colin was a recipient of her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal.

Colin recognizes his close friends at Wednesday morning coffee club and on the golf course; his personal friend and former police partner Ron Joyce; other dear friends Allan & Myrtle Greve, Tricia Hellingman, Dr. Kevin Smith, Dan McLean, and Lou Franco among too many others to mention. Colin and the family give special thanks to his caregivers Shelley and Solange, friend Don Ross, and his final caregivers at St. Joseph’s Hospital.

Viewing will take place from 2:00 to 4:00PM and 6:00 to 8:00PM on Monday January 9th at Bay Gardens Funeral Home - "William J. Markey Chapel", 947 Rymal Road East, HAMILTON (905.574.0405) . A memorial service will take place at 11:00AM on Tuesday January 10th in the funeral home chapel. Donations are requested to St. Joseph’s Healthcare Foundation. Please sign the online Book of Condolences at www.baygardens.ca