Mr. Roses and Flower in Bloom is what he was described to me as.
This was because on many occasions, they mistook me for the man that had the most beautiful block of homes on Bridge Street West, from the convenience store I believe used to be Max Milk Store at Centre Street, to the corner of Bridge Street West and Robert Street. It was inclusive of three bungalows and an apartment complex.
I came to know that the black man they mistook me for was none other than Mr. Martin Millin who later became a friend. I also came to know the woman that the story started with when he was invited to board at her family home on arrival from England in 1965. This just happened to be the year I migrated to Canada but from Antigua, I went to big scary old Toronto, whereas Martin went to Napanee, I believe because of his trade, as a Millwright, he was later employed at the Celanese Plant Kingston.
Being the community service person I was, I soon acknowledged that Martin was always ready and willing to support causes. When I did my first Hurricane Relief program in the 1980s , he came on board and teamed up with my friend Bonnie Sweet and the diabetic association. Martin offered his help and was happy to give his time to the country of his birth Jamaica. He did not hesitate when Antigua and Barbuda, needed help in the hurricane disaster of 2009. Along with the Napanee community Martin was there, He was also there for the many people with shortage of rent payments when things were bad. Martin was a help to the needy. It is now with great sorrow that I say Good Bye to a great friend and community icon Martin Millin. He will be remembered for his humanity, commitment to people in their struggles, rental, and equality for the less fortunate in our community. Martin was a positive contributor to the refugee program that was run and promoted by the Anglican Church. This program brought the Congolese family to Napanee.
Martin has been bedridden for many years and was cared for by a caregiver. During that period of time Martin lost his dearest and life long friend Kay Snider. May they now both Rest In Eternal Peace, and Rise again in Glory to the presence of our Lord and Saviour. Martin passed away on Jan. 4, 2024, at the Lennox and Addington County General Hospital in the presence of his caregiver Paula. His celebration of life service will be held at Wartman Funeral Home, Napanee at 2 pm. Saturday, Feb. 24, 2024. Donations can be made to Seniors Outreach Services or St Mary Magdalene Anglican Church Napanee Furnace replace Heating Fund, in memory of Martin Millin. Condolences and donations may be forwarded to wartmanfuneralhome.com
Rest in Peace.
Cortwright Christian
Founder and Past President of Napanee and Area Multicultural Association