MacMILLAN, William "Bill" - November 9, 1950 ~ August 28, 2025. It is with great sadness we announce the passing of William (Bill) Colin MacMillan, 74, of Eastern Passage. Born November 9th, 1950 in Inverness, Nova Scotia, to William and Mary (Matheson) MacMillan. Bill spent his childhood in East Lake Ainslie with his three younger siblings where his love of geoscience began.

Bill attended the Eastern Institute of Technology (now Cape Breton University) graduating from the Mineral Technology Program as a geological technologist in 1972. Bill left Cape Breton after graduation accepting employment with the Geological Survey of Canada (GSC) located on the campus of the Bedford Institute of Oceanography (BIO) in Dartmouth, working in their palynology laboratory. His dedication to laboratory processes led to Bill being a co-recipient from the GSC of a Logan Medallion in 2019.

Through his career, Bill gained skills in the development of graphics, providing graphic work on many publications, field guides, and conferences, as well as major contributions to three books, two editions of The Last Billion Years: A Geological History of the Maritime Provinces of Canada and Four Billion Years and Counting: Canada’s Geological Heritage.

Bill served on the Atlantic Geoscience Society Council for several years, and played an active role in the preparation of the first version of the Nova Scotia Highway Map, eventually retiring in 2010 after almost 40 years of service.

Bill was just as dedicated to the sport of Golf, being a significant contributor to the Nova Scotia Golf Association (NSGA) since 1985. Throughout his tenure he acted as a Referee, Course Rater, National Board Member, NSGA Executive Committee Member, President, and Vice-President, Governor with Golf Canada, as well as Chair of Golf Canada’s Handicap and Course Rating Committee. Additionally, he assisted with the establishment of the NSGA Player of the Year points system and NSSAF Golf Tournament.

Bill was a long standing member at Hartlen Point Golf Club, serving on the Executive Committee for 21 years, and recipient of the 2019 NSGA Distinguished Service Award and 2019 Golf Canada Volunteer of the Year.

Bill is survived by his sister, Marie of Kenloch, brother, Allan (Kathleen) of Camrose, sister-in-law, Beverly of Margaree Valley. Nephews and nieces Nathan, Nadine, Nelson, Dawn, Chad (Holly), Jessica (Ryan) and Grand-nephew Kade. He was predeceased by his parents, brother Kevin, and brother-in-law, Donnie.

Special Thank you to Billy’s neighbours Paul & Debbie and his co-workers Rob & Graham. 

Private family service to take place at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, and in honor of Billy's love for sports please consider a donation to a youth sports program of your choice.