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Celebration of life planned for popular Richmond family man

A celebration of life is being held to mark the passing a former baseball player, who brought his family up in Richmond. Jack “The Whip” Mills passed away peacefully earlier this year, just four days shy of his 90th birthday.
Jack Mills
A celebration of life is being planned after the passing of Jack "The Whip" Mills earlier this year. Photo submitted

A celebration of life is being held to mark the passing a former baseball player, who brought his family up in Richmond.

Jack “The Whip” Mills passed away peacefully earlier this year, just four days shy of his 90th birthday.

His parents (John and Molly) left their beloved Ireland and travelled from New York to San Francisco, before settling in Vancouver, where they started the family business, Mills Paint, in 1930. 

Mills grew up in the Kitsilano area where, in high school, he apparently became a baseball sensation and earned the nickname, “The Whip.”

Eventually, he took over the family business and in 1959 began manufacturing paint and expanded the business across Western Canada and was very proud of the family business.

Mills met the love of his life, Doreen, and together they raised five sons. The family grew up in Richmond and were all very active in sports which Jack and Doreen loved to be a part of.

Over the years, Mills kept in touch with all his baseball buddies and once retired, he enjoyed getting the group together as often as they could, reliving their glory days.

Described by family members as a “dynamic character,” Mills loved to talk about sports, history and music.

“We will miss Jack and his rendition of ‘Mississippi Mud’ at our family gatherings,” reads in his obituary.

Mills was predeceased by his wife and survived by Grant and Carol, Greg, Dave, John and Bobby, Jim and Nancy, 15 grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.

His celebration of life will be held April 20, from

1-4 p.m. at the Coast Tsawwassen Inn, 1665-56 Street, Delta.