Ronald A. MacMillan – Duluth News Tribune

Ronald A. MacMillan, age 88, passed away peacefully on Friday, May 16, 2025, with his family by his side at Ecumen Lakeshore in Duluth, Minnesota.

Ron was born on February 26, 1937, in Duluth to Gertrude (Holt) and Charles MacMillan. He graduated from Central High School and married the love of his life, Diane Barnish, on May 27, 1961.

Ron spent most of his career as a supervisor for the Duluth Transit Authority, retiring in 1998. He had a lifelong passion for sports, especially hockey. As a youth, he played in the Portman hockey program and continued through high school at Duluth Central. Ron gave back to the hockey community throughout his life, serving in many roles within the Piedmont Youth Hockey Association, including helping build the new rink and assisting with rink maintenance. He was also a board member of the Piedmont Community Club, a dedicated volunteer at Mars Lakeview Arena, Grandma’s Marathon Volunteer, and a past member of the Lion’s Club.

In the winter months, Ron enjoyed downhill skiing, and in the summers, he cherished time with family at their cabin in Barnes, Wisconsin. He and Diane also spent many winters in Gulf Shores, Alabama, where Ron was an active member of the Oyster Bay Village community. Known for his warm heart and genuine interest in others, Ron never forgot a face and made everyone feel remembered and valued.

Ron was preceded in death by his parents; his daughter, Mary Peterson; brothers, Howard and Bruce MacMillan; sisters, Marjorie (Ben) Chaffey and Genevieve (Gordon) Middag; sister-in-law, Pat Shearer; and his in-laws, Marion and John Barnish.

He is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Diane MacMillan; his sons, Mike (Susie) MacMillan and Tim (Kristi) MacMillan; grandchildren, Jackie (Becky Thelen) MacMillan, Michael (Julie Chang) MacMillan, Madeline Peterson, Christian MacMillan, and Katherine MacMillan; great-grandchild, ACE MacMillan-Chang; sister-in-law, Jeanne (Rick) Rep; brother-in-law, Dan Shearer; along with Tracy (Botten) MacMillan, many cousins, nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

Memorial will be used for a bench at Brighton Beach. 

A visitation from 10:00 a.m. followed by an 11:00 a.m. funeral service Thursday, May 22, 2025 at Downs Life Celebration Center, 1902 N. 34th St., Superior, WI, with Pastor John Hartman officiating.  Ron will be laid to rest at Forest Hill Cemetery in Duluth.