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RICHARD VERNON MILNE
Born: Jan 25, 1932
Date of Passing: May 13, 2026
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryRICHARD VERNON MILNE
It is with great love, sadness, and gratitude that the family of Richard (Rich) Vernon Milne announce his peaceful passing in Winnipeg on May 13, 2026, at the age of 94. Rich was a cherished husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, friend, and mentor.
Born in Regina, Saskatchewan, on January 25, 1932, Rich was the son of Charles and Kathleen Milne. His childhood, shaped by the backdrop of World War II and the warmth of a close-knit home, instilled in him the values of thrift, hard work, and loyalty. He grew up skating on creeks, playing hockey and many other sports, delivering groceries by bicycle, and tinkering with radios—early signs of his lifelong love of sports, the outdoors, and engineering.
Rich attended Davin Elementary School and Central Collegiate before earning his degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of British Columbia in 1953. That same year, he married his high school sweetheart, Margaret Connell. Together, they built a life rooted in family, service, and adventure, raising three sons while moving across Canada with Rich’s long and successful career with Canadian Westinghouse.
Rich held a number of senior positions in Saskatchewan, Ontario, and Manitoba, eventually becoming a Regional Vice-President for Westinghouse. He was a respected leader in the power sector, particularly in hydroelectric and industrial systems. A Fellow of Engineers Canada, Rich served as President of the Association of Professional Engineers of Saskatchewan, and was deeply committed to mentoring young engineers.
Beyond his career, Rich’s life was rich with pursuits and passions. An avid duck hunter, skier, golfer, and camper, he passed his love of the outdoors to his sons and grandchildren. He built a cherished family cottage at Pistol Lake, near Minaki in northwestern Ontario, where generations gathered for many years. Before the children grew up and left home for college, every summer brought epic family camping trips across the Rockies, the U.S., and Canada’s north.
After retiring at 60, Rich and Marg began wintering in Arizona. Marg’s passing in 1994 was followed by years of travel and companionship with his second wife, Luella, until her death in 2011. Rich remained active well into his late 80s—golfing, hiking, and photographing the natural world he loved.
Faith and community were central to Rich’s life. He was a longtime Rotarian, a volunteer at Grace Hospital, and a devoted member of St. Andrew’s Anglican and Charleswood United churches. His calm strength, kind humor, and quiet wisdom touched many.
In his final years, as declining health gradually limited his independence, Rich transitioned from independent living to assisted living, and eventually to Riverview Health Centre in Winnipeg. Though he could no longer drive and his world became smaller physically, his spirit never diminished. He remained deeply interested in people, enjoyed visits and conversations with family and friends, closely followed the Winnipeg Jets and Blue Bombers, and always looked forward to a good game of cribbage with his sons. Through these twilight years, Rich continued to show the resilience, optimism, humor, and appreciation for life that defined him so well.
Rich is survived by his sons Doug (Marcia), Grant (Peju), and Barry (Heather); eight grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; one step-grandchild; and extended family and friends across Canada, the U.S., and beyond. He was predeceased by his wives Margaret and Luella, his sister Betty, and his parents.
A celebration of Rich's life will be held on Thursday, June 4th, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Charleswood United Church, 4820 Roblin Blvd. with reception to follow. A private family ceremony will be held at Brookside Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to a charity of your choice or one close to Rich’s heart, such as Engineers Without Borders or a local conservation organization.
The family extends our gratitude to the staff at Riverview Health Center for their kindness and compassionate care.
Rich’s legacy lives on in the values he quietly modeled: integrity, curiosity, kindness, and devotion to family and community. His was a life well lived, and well loved.
A photo biography honouring Rich’s life is accessible through the 'tributes' link below.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 23, 2026
