It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Joan Millar (nee Climenhaga) on September 2, 2020. Joan was born in Saskatoon, Sask., the first child of John and Grace (nee Garratt) Climenhaga. She grew up in Victoria. She was a serious student at Victoria High School and later studied Romance languages and literature at the University of Victoria. After her BA degree, she worked for a short time with CUSO in Trinidad and when she returned, studied in the Social Work program at UVic, which led to a long career in that field in such Northern British Columbia communities as Prince Rupert, Terrace and Smithers, and on Vancouver Island. Joan loved to travel and visited Europe several times. In 1985, she married Garth Millar of Victoria and they lived for a time in Alert Bay, where Garth served as Anglican priest and Joan was employed by the ’Namgis First Nation. After returning to Victoria in 1998, Joan returned to the B.C. Government. She retired from the government in 2004, although continued in a contract role for several years. She was active in the congregation of St. Barnabas Anglican Church, where she sang in the choir. She loved literature, especially that of Jane Austen, and was an enthusiastic member of the Victoria chapter of the Jane Austen Society of North America. Joan was predeceased by her parents, John L. Climenhaga and Grace (Garratt). She is survived by her husband in Victoria, her brother David Climenhaga in St. Albert, Alberta, David’s wife Luanne, and nieces Kathryn and Lily.
A Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, September 19, 2020 at 2:00 PM in the Sequoia Centre at McCall Gardens, 4665 Falaise Drive, Victoria. Due to restrictions on gatherings, in-person attendance is limited and is now at capacity.
Those wishing may attend virtually via Zoom by clicking the link below:
Those who wish to honour Joan’s memory may donate to the John L. Climenhaga Scholarship at the University of Victoria or the Alzheimer’s Society of BC in her name. Condolences may be offered to the family at www.mccallgardens.com.
19 Responses
I shall miss Joan’s cheerful, engaging friendship.
She was a very thoughtful and helpful person.
Joan enjoyed and treasured her Climenhaga and Millar family members,
also her close friends whether they were at school and university together,
worked with her, were from her church or were people she met during
her retirement. Joan stayed in touch with all these people by phone,
visits, letters or emails.
She kept active in researching whatever intrigued her as well as
supporting her church, The Jane Austen Society of North America,
The Book Club — a small group of avid readers here in Victoria,
her exercise classes and more.
I met Joan at The Book Club and we shared books and thoughts while we
went for walks in Gordon Head, as we drove to Tai Chi lessons or had
tea and laughter together with Garth.
Joan and I both grew up in Victoria and had many good memories of places,
times and events. We also both lived in Terrace, although not at the same
time, and we would share memories of living there as well.
Joan enjoyed life and was keen to give help to any who needed it. She also appreciated the help she received from others and spoke highly of the
people who had given her assistance.
She will be missed by many people.
My condolences go to Joan’s brother, David, and his family and my
loving thoughts go to her husband, Garth.
Jane Patterson
I was surprised and shocked to learn of the passing of my cousin Joan. She was a wonderful person, full of strength and goodness. My thoughts are with Garth, David and family during this difficult time. May your wonderful memories of Joan, sustain and help you.
Beth Paul
Dear David,
I was so very sorry indeed to hear the sad news confirming the death of Joan, when speaking with you.
Joan was a lovely person and I will miss her.
I am remembering you, Luanne and family and Garth at this painful and most difficult time.
I am so disappointed that unfortunately I have a previous commitment on Saturday, 19th. September at 2:00 p.m. and will not be able to attend Joan’s funeral, or meet you and the family.
With all good wishes ~ Marion Carroll
So saddened to hear of Joan’s passing. I’m sorry that I was just a first-cousin-once-removed who did not live close enough to know my father’s cousins. May peace be with you during this time.
Dear Garth,
I was so sorry to hear about Joan. I feel blessed having known her and know
you spent many wonderful years together – what a blessing for you both.
May God surround you with the love and peace only He can give at this trying time.
Warmest regards,
Sheryl
Joan and I met when Garth was taking the pre-confirmation classes at Christ Church Cathedral. I saw her on her wedding day just as she was about to enter the Cathedral. My condolances to Garth and her family. May she rest in peace.
My heartfelt condolences to Joan’s family and friends. I met Joan as one of the “founding members” of our book club over thirty five years ago and have shared wonderful and stimulating conversations over a glass of wine and delectable treats. We will miss her thoughtful and wise insights and the warmth of her laughter.
Dear Garth, David & family.
Joan and I attended Victoria High School, graduating in 1962. In 1972/73, I worked as a Public Health Nurse in Smithers & Hazelton, BC. We shared a dinner one might at gathering in Smithers.
Years later, I connected with her brother, David via Twitter.
I remember Joan as a smiling cheerful and kind person.
My condolences to Garth, David and family. I know her kindness and bright spirit will live on in
her family and friends.
Rest in Peace, Joan.
Garth, I am so very sorry to read of Joan’s passing…
My sympathies to you. May she rest in peace and rise again in Glory.
Every memory I have of Joan comes with feelings of warmth, kindness, support … and delightful humour! She introduced me to the joys of Jane Austen literature and started my daughter off early with a Pride and Prejudice board book at the age of 3 months. When I moved to Victoria at 17 to go to school, she was there with furniture, dinners, movies, company and food. Her support was unconditional, and available at any time. She was really one of the best, the definition of a good person, and those of us that got to have her in our lives are better for it. My heart goes out to Garth and the rest of Joan’s family, I am truly sorry to hear about her passing.
Ashleigh Ronald (nee Saunders), daughter of Berniece Saunders (nee Climenhaga)