PASSAGE

We fondly remember Dr. Brent Mills. Born and raised in Scarborough, Ontario, Dr. Mills earned a Master’s degree in Anatomy from Queens University, and graduated from CMCC in 1987. He was also a Fellow of the Canadian Chiropractic Specialty College of Physical and Occupational Rehabilitation. Mills moved to Kingston in the late 80s and set up his chiropractic office in his home on Bath Road. He eventually moved the practice to the old schoolhouse on Purdy’s Mill Road and served the residents of Kingston and surrounding area for 34 years.

In his spare time, Dr. Mills was an avid reader, golfer and traveller. He was an accomplished pianist and violinist, sang with Cantabile and danced in numerous “Father” dances with I’ve Got Rhythm Dance Studio. Brent loved to cook, make wine, beer and cheese. He enjoyed travelling with his family and spending time at his family cottage on the Big Rideau with a book and a beer.

He is survived by his wife and coworker of 32 years Gilda, children Fiona and Peter (Kay-Lee), and mother Dorothy.

Mills returned to CMCC to serve on the Board of Governors from 2006 to 2011 as the Ontario Representative to the Board. His colleagues remember him:

Remembering Dr. Mills

Dr. Kelli Blunt

I first met Brent in the mid-1990s when he asked if could help him with the Hands on the Future capital campaign for CMCC in our southeastern Ontario region. This would begin a most meaningful, fortunate and long relationship with a colleague, mentor, confidante, and friend. We would later serve on the Board of Governors together from 2006 to 2011 after Brent was elected Ontario Representative to the Board. We served on various committees together but what I hold dear are the wonderful conversations we had driving to the meetings. We shared stories about our clinical successes and challenges, our families, our goals and aspirations for our clinics and the governance of CMCC.

After the business of the Board was completed, the members would appreciate the conversations, encouragement, and mentorship as we talked about CMCC, practice and life. These were the times when I learned more about Brent’s enjoyment of time with his family, at their cottage, and his love of food and music.

Each year as Dr. Ron Brady would challenge Board members to outperform each other in raising funds for the CMCC Backs in Motion Run/Walk, Brent would be my walking partner. One year, Dr. Scott Haldeman began a further challenge, with added proceeds for CMCC in the event he could speed walk the fastest 5K. Brent and I held a steady pace with Dr. Haldeman through to the final kilometre, but we were no match as he breezed ahead and waited to collect our donations!

Later, I would become Brent’s patient and he would honour our friendship by treating my family who lived close to his practice. It was not hard to witness his professionalism, devotion, kindness, loyalty, and dedication to serving within the walls of his thriving practice. He was indeed an asset to the Board in his values, work ethic, and “service above self” and I greatly appreciated having Brent on the Board while I was Chair.

Dr. Mark Symchych

At the Board level, I remember Brent being very happy to be on the bylaws committee. We were rewriting them at the time and he felt his greatest contribution was his writing skill! Since I was heading up that committee I was very happy to have his skills at my disposal.

More than anything, I remember how important family was to Brent. We would have many chats about his son, Peter, over a tasty beer. I was recently looking at a photo of Peter standing in front of a pub while on holiday in Croatia I believe, with Peter pointing at the sign. The sign was advertising a beer that Brent and I often had when we were together following Board meetings.

Dr. Richard Mercier

I had the privilege to get to know Brent during our four years at CMCC; we were proud classmates from the Class of ‘87. Since our last names were very close to each other, I had the opportunity to meet him frequently during technique labs, and other classes. We always had a lot of fun discussing all kinds of things, even hockey. I think he was a Maple Leafs fan and I am still an avid Habs fan.

During a Diagnosis lab where we were learning how to take blood samples from our fearful colleagues, Brent caused quite a stir in the class when he suddenly passed out, hitting his head on a table on his way down. Fortunately, everything ended very well for him but I always liked to tease him about this incident.

It was Brent who reached out to me in 2011 about the potential to become a member of the CMCC Board of Governors and I will always be very grateful to him. He left the Board six months after my arrival; I always hoped I was not the reason why!!!

Brent was a very special guy, always in a good mood, very respectful and always ready to help. No doubt these qualities allowed him to be the exceptional father and chiropractor that he was.

SALUT BRENT!!!