We regret to advise of the death of Chief Warrant Officer Ray Charles MacMillan, CD in Sydney NS on 20 July 2020 at age 51 after a short battle with cancer. Ray was the Regimental Sergeant Major of 36 Combat Engineer Regiment and served with the Canadian Military Engineers for 34 years.
Ray was born in New Waterford NS and, from an early age, he had a keen interest in anything military. Joining the Militia with 45 Field Engineer Squadron (FES) at the age of 17, Ray rose to the rank of Chief Warrant Officer over his 34-year career.
Ray was the Regimental Sergeant Major of 36 Combat Engineer Regiment. He was a great leader and mentor to countless sappers. Ray deployed for missions and exercises across Canada and into the USA with his most significant missions being the Swiss Air Recovery, the Ontario Ice Storm and the Hurricane Juan Cleanup. At the time of his passing, Ray was employed full-time for the Nova Scotia Health Authority as a Buyer. He served as a Vice President of Acute Care Local 8920 of the Canadian Union of Public Employees since 2015.
Ray had a great knowledge of modern military and was an avid Military Scale Model Builder who participated and placed in many competitions. He was a member of Royal Canadian Legion Branch 62 Louisbourg where he and his troops helped out on many occasions and never failed to attend their Remembrance Day services. Ray also volunteered as a coach for Sydney Minor Hockey and Whitney Pier Soccer and served on the Board of Directors for Whitney Pier Soccer.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, 26 July 2020 from 2- 6:00 p.m.at Sydney Memorial Chapel. The funeral service will be held on Monday, 27 July at 3:00 p.m. at the Victoria Park Armouries in the Coriano Building, 10 Garrison Road, Sydney. Memorial donations may be made to Cape Breton Metro VON or Palliative Care. Online condolences can be sent to the funeral home.{khJul2020}
