Obituary of Royce Ripley "Rip" Mills

Born October 1, 1955 in Windsor, Ontario, passed away at home with his loving wife by his side in Guelph after a courageous battle with lymphoma, April 29, 2015. Much loved and devoted husband for nearly 30 years to Carol (Hendy). Proud father of Jonathon, Natasha and Emily. Cherished son of Helen Weaver (Roger) and the late Gerald Mills (1982). Beloved big brother of Malea (Kevin); Marilyn (Ken); and Sherene (Barkley). Loved son in law of John Hendy and the late Doreen Hendy (2011). Brother in law to Mark (Lily); Glenn (Faye); and Bruce (Pat). Best friend and work partner for 35 years to Danny Driscoll. Royce was "dad" and friend to not only his own children, but to their friends, neighbour kids and all his nieces and nephews. Royce grew up in Windsor and went to Forster High School and the University of Windsor, where he majored in History. On July 4, 1978, in the presence of his proud parents, Royce was sworn in to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and went on to serve with honour and distinction for 35 years, retiring from the Kitchener/Waterloo detachment July 5, 2013. He received the RCMP Long Service Medal, as well as his Bronze, Silver and Gold clasps. He was the recipient of both the Silver and Gold Queens' Jubilee Medals from the Canadian Police Association. Driven by a keen sense of fairness and equality, as well as loyalty to his fellow members, Royce was instrumental in establishing the RCMP Association and served as both its President and Vice President. This loyalty to service was also evident as he served on the Board of Directors of the Canadian Police Association as well as being involved with the creation of the Canadian Peace Officers Memorial in Ottawa. Never missing a Remembrance Day Service, he proudly marched along side his fellow officers both locally and on Parliament Hill. During his years with the force, Royce served in many sections, in both Toronto and KW. A natural story teller, some of his best involved recalling highlights from his frequent assignments involving security detail for an enviable array of people including HRH Queen Elizabeth and other members of the Royal Family; numerous Prime Ministers; Pope John Paul I and II, (from whom he had the honour of blessings bestowed upon him); International dignitaries, Hollywood stars and at many events such as the G8 and G20 Summits. A die hard Detroit Red Wings, Tigers and Lions fan, Royce the competitor, loved all sports and played in both the 911 Hockey League and Guelph Old Stars Slo Pitch League where he made many friends. Although a proud Police Officer, Royce was, at the heart of things, first and foremost a devoted family man. Married in June 1986 to his soul mate Carol, he was thrilled to become a dad—x3! Whether shuffling kids to sports or dance, boating with them at the cottage, taking in a game or a movie, Royce was at his happiest. He was fiercely loyal and protective; an astute judge of character, a compassionate listener--- his family and friends meant everything to him. Although admittedly not perfect, Royce embodied all of the best characteristics of a man: devotion, courage, compassion, and loyalty, a killer sense of humour and above all, love. All who came into his life, no matter how briefly are forever better for having known him. He will be dearly missed. Carol and the kids want to thank everyone for their kind thoughts and prayers during Royce’s illness—especially Bob and Terry Smith, John (JJ) White and Pete Merrifield and of course Danny, for being here for Rip. Thank you also to the excellent staff at Gilchrist Chapel, especially the wonderful Coreen for taking such good care of Royce. Floral tributes requested to be placed with Robinson’s Flowers, Guelph---1-866-402-3928. Friends may call at the GILCHRIST CHAPEL – McIntyre & Wilkie Funeral Home, One Delhi Street, Guelph (from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Friday, May 8 and from 2 to 4 p.m. on Saturday May 9). Complete funeral service will be held at the chapel on Monday, May 11, 2015 at 1:00 p.m. with Father Thomas Vaughan officiating. Cremation will follow. Memorial contributions to Wounded Warriors Canada, Canadian Peace Officers Memorial Association, or the Grand River Regional Cancer Centre (details available at funeral home) would be appreciated. We invite you to leave your memories and donations online. Service Information Service Date Monday, May 11, 2015 Service Time 1:00 p.m. Service Location Gilchrist Chapel McIntyre & Wilkie Visitation May 8th. 2 - 4, 7 - 9 p.m. Visitation Time May 9th. 2 - 4 p.m. Visitation Location Gilchrist Chapel McIntyre & Wilkie Burial Location Cremation will take place after services Requested Charity Wounded Warriors Canada, Canadian Peace Officers Memorial Association or Grand River Regional Cancer Centre