Dave Mills was a husband, a dad, a son, a brother, a farmer, a friend. He cultivated intentional relationships but his greatest harvest was the family he leaves behind. Surrounded by his family, Dave Mills peacefully went to his heavenly home on Tuesday, September 15,2026 at St. Joseph’s Hospice in Sarnia. Dave was born on the same farm he built a life with his wife Ellen (nee Murray) and four children – Jo-Anne (Nick) Koiter, John (Kelly) Mills, Connie (Steven) Mannering, and Janice (Devin) Drysdale. Love was multiplied with the addition of seven grandchildren whom he loved dearly: Abigail, Joshua, Madison, Kaelyn, Jesse, Liam, and Cody. Dave’s life was built on the foundations of faith & family and the quiet, humble way he lived impacted more lives than he realized. A farmer, first and foremost, Dave worked alongside his dad Stanley and mom Christena (Teenie) from the time he could walk. He cultivated the same close relationships with his own children working together on the farm, enjoying family trips, and many meals around the kitchen table. An avid outdoorsman, Dave enjoyed countless hours with a line in the water or in pursuit of “the big buck”. His attention to detail was profound in each carpentry project he completed, including beautiful furniture as well as the family home. Dave loved to see the countryside and travelled many miles with his co-pilot Ellen by his side. From family adventures in their motorhome, rugged trips with the truck and camper, to winter trips to Texas, he lived out Johnny Cash’s song “I’ve Been Everywhere”. Dave is survived by his sister Ilene and predeceased by parents and his brothers Cliff and Howard as well as his beloved sisters Jeannie and Kathleen (or Peggy as she was affectionately known). Visitation at Van Heck Funeral Home, 172 Symes Street, Glencoe on Tuesday, September 22 2pm – 4pm and 6pm – 8pm; as well as one hour before the funeral on Wednesday, September 23. Celebration of life will take place at Faith Pentecostal Assembly, 259 Main Street, Glencoe at 11am on Wednesday, September 23. Private family interment at Alvinston Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Joseph’s Hospice Sarnia or Teen Challenge Canada.
