Tom McMillan, much loved husband, father, brother and 6th grade teacher passed away on Saturday, February 22, 2014.
Tom was born to Ross and Shirley McMillan at the Old Sister’s hospital (now a parking lot across from Dream Inn) in November of 1934. He was the oldest of three with 2 younger sisters, Nancy and Mary. Tom enjoyed Scouts and as a young boy he loved the freedom he found in Santa Cruz where could ride his bike all around town and fish off the wharf at night.
Tom spent 2 years in the Army and served during the Korean War working a tele-type controller moving huge ships in the harbors of Livorno, Italy. He worked as a park ranger at Henry Cowell following his service and then moved on to college.
Tom and Donna met at San Jose State and married in 1958. They moved to Santa Cruz in 1961 to raise a family in his hometown. As teachers on a budget and lovers of the out doors, Tom and Donna spent summers camping, painting houses and fishing. Tom and his partner Brendan Baer began “Moonlight Enterprises”, house painting to put his kids through college.
Tom and his teaching partner, Beverly Peterson, were the first to teach FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION (sex Ed) in SC County. He always laughed about stirring controversy over sex education in public schools! He poured his free time into fly-fishing and was one of the founders and first presidents of Santa Cruz Fly Fisherman’s Association.
Tom celebrated 35 years of teaching in Santa Cruz at Westlake, Bay View, and Branciforte where he himself attended through 9th grade. Tom remains one of the most loved teachers in the county and was often greeted around town with an enthusiastic “Hey Mr Mac!”
Tom is survived by his wife of 55 years Donna, his son and daughter in law Peter and Lynda (Rogers), His second son Bruce and his Daughter and son in law Teddi and Chris Pettee and his two favorite grandchildren, Hannah and Nate Pettee and Tom’s younger sister Nancy.
Tom was predeceased by his mother and father and his younger sister Mary McMillan Garcia.
A celebration of Mr. Mac’s life will be held on Saturday, March 8, 1:00pm at High Street Community Church, Santa Cruz. All are welcome!
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you please consider giving generously to
High Street Community Church www.hscchurch.org
Hospice of Santa Cruz www.hospicesantacruz.org
Measl on Wheels www.mealcall.org/meals-on-wheels/ca/santa-cruz.htm