George “Ron” Ronald Millican
DATELINE: WEST KINGSTON
George Ronald Millican (known as Ron) 8/30/1940 – 2/12/2022
Ron had a good life and had a good death. Beloved by his wife Laurie Heineman, his daughters Annie and Yulan and his late son Nico Millican, Ron lived a full and varied life. After a 10+ year journey with Alzheimer’s, COVID-19 led to a swift five day decline and he passed on near dawn in no pain. He was cared for by his family and the angels of Beacon Hospice. Ron loved to dance and in his final days he was surrounded by music, singing, love and with family photos nearby. All who knew him remember his enjoyment of dressing with his own style, so his family added a lace pocket square for his transition to RI hospital, where his brain was donated for Alzheimer’s research as he desired.
Ron was born in Norfolk, VA to Agnes Norine (Williams) and George Millican and spent most of his early life in North Carolina and on Navy Bases. While working his way through UNC Chapel Hill, he waited tables during summers at a hotel in Nantucket where he received advice from one of the patrons. “Try a career for two years, and if it doesn’t feel right, try another.” So after being a navigator on Navy supply planes during the Viet Nam war era, he worked in advertising in New York City, and then at Citibank with a stint in London in the early years of venture capital investing. Later Ron developed and sold real estate on Long Island and in Manhattan, including housing for the elderly. In 1995, after getting his MA in teaching, he, Laurie, and their girls, moved to Kingston, RI where Ron worked for the East Bay Collaborative, Rogers HS, and he completed his career at The Education Alliance at Brown.
Due to COVID, we will have no gathering now. When it is warm enough to be outside together, we will share memories and Celebrate Ron’s life, once in Rhode Island, and again in NYC.
In Lieu of Flowers, contributions to Alzheimer’s Association, RI Chapter, 245 Waterman St., #306, Providence, RI 02906 or Doctors Without Borders USA, PO Box 5030, Hagerstown, MD 21741-5030 would be welcome.
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Shalom Memorial Chapel
1100 New London Ave
Cranston, RI 02920
(401) 463-7771
(877) 463-7771
Fax: (401) 463-7850
ShalomChapel@aol.com
I am so sorry to hear this. I remember Ron with a big smile and a beautiful friendly nature. A Stylish dresser and a lover of life.
So sorry to hear about Ron. We have lots of fond memories from the early years at bjs and many many nice chats on Broadway. Sending love to you and the girls. Xo donna and Billy
We send our condolences from Munich. We remember Ron from 92nd street , London and Dominica, many years ago. We will not forget him. Dear Laurie and your daughters, we send you Strenth.
Cathy and Gabor
To Laurie and family – I will always remember the calm demeanor Ron brought to yoga class, his willingness to encourage others, and his ability to “go with the flow.” He clearly loved life and his family. Peace to you all as you grieve this loss; may that journey be gentle for you.
Laurie, Annarose and I send our deepest condolences to you and
Annie and Yulan. This is a difficult time. May it be full of love and support and may you feel some ease.With love.
Ron was one of my favorite library patrons. I so enjoyed our discussions when he came in . I can picture him with young Yulan browsing the stacks for the perfect book. His gentle spirit touched us all.
Dear Laurie, Annie and Yulan
I can imagine how hard it is to have a loved one witter away over many years to finally die.
I cannot imagine the pain it would be to lose your partner for over 40 years.
I feel the bright spot is that he died without pain surrounded by the people who loved him the most.
Love
Cousin Anders
Dear Laurie and family,
I was so saddened to read of Ron’s death. I fondly remember our commitment to Barack Obama’s campaign for president, trips to NH, phone banks and later, Ron’s disclosure that he was participating in an Alzheimer’s study at Brown. He was a good and kind man.
I am truly sorry for your loss.
Thank you each so much. His reach was far and wide and we love hearing from you.
Laurie, Annie, Yulan
Dear Laurie & family;
Nid & I are deeply sadden learning of Ron’s passing. May you find comfort in God’s love during this sad time in your life.
Sincerely,
Ron (Navy friend in VR-3) & Nid (Kay) Windy