Obituary of William S. McMillan

Mr. William S. “Stan” McMillan, 96, formerly of 17 Highland Place, Canajoharie, died peacefully on Thursday, December 10, 2020 at the Palatine Nursing Home. Born on March 9, 1924 in Rochester, NY he was the son of the late William and Florence Smith McMillan.  He was a first generation American citizen, born to Canadian parents who sailed to America in 1923.

Stan grew up in Rochester and following graduation while working at Eastman Kodak Company, WWII began. Stan enlisted in the United States Navy and served until his honorable discharge in 1945.  During that time, he was stationed on the USS Bull and the USS Bates.  He was a sonarman on a destroyer escort where he made 14 trips across the Atlantic Ocean.  His ship was also part of the D Day invasion.  Following the Battle at Okinawa, where the USS Bates sunk, Stan was then assigned to Key West, Florida where he taught Sonar.

After the war, he earned a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Music Education and taught instrumental music in Canajoharie and Ilion Central Schools where he was the Music Department Chairman.  Stan had an extensive career as a music educator bringing his love of music to multiple generations.

On August 18, 1956 he was united in marriage to Judith Higgins.  Together for over 60 years, they had a wonderful life together built on faith, love and music. That union ended with her passing on April 10, 2018. 

Stan was a founding member of the Ayres Memorial Animal Shelter and a long time board member.  He was a past president of the Fort Rensselaer Club, a member of the White Iron Stone Collectors Association and a faithful member of the Canajoharie Reformed Church where he served as an elder.

Survivors include nieces, nephews and many dear friends.

A Service of Remembrance will take place on Saturday, August 7, 2021 at 1 o'clock in the afternoon at the Refomed Church of Canajoharie,

19 Front Street, Canajoharie, NY 13317.  All are invited to attend.

Private burial took place in the Canajoharie Falls Cemetery, where he will be laid to rest next to his beloved Judy.  Memorial contributions in his memory may be made to the Ayres Memorial Animal Shelter, 133 Hilltop Road, Sprakers, NY 12166 or the USS Slater Destroyer Escort Museum, 141 Broadway, Albany, NY 12202.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Lenz & Betz Funeral Home, 69 Otsego Street, Canajoharie, NY 13317.  Please visit the online memorial at www.brbsfuneral.com