Donation to a Burlington cemetery part of a family’s legacy

Lorne McMillan poses with the commemorative rock that will be installed at Greenwood Cemetery, beside his family's longtime home.

Mayor Rick Goldring, far right, is joined by Ward 1 Councillor Rick Craven, third from left, and city staff in thanking Lorne McMillan for his generous donation of land to the city's Greenwood Cemetery.

Burlington, Ont. - Oct. 20, 2011-Lorne McMillan stands in the field where a commemorative rock will be placed, a solid reminder of 112 years of family farming on land near a Burlington cemetery.

The inscription reads: "The McMillan Block: This area was donated by Lorne J. McMillan to Greenwood Cemetery in memory of the four generations of McMillans who farmed the land from 1900 to 2012."

Today, Lorne McMillan hands over the deed to his property, valued at more than $2 million, to the people of Burlington to help expand the city's Greenwood Cemetery. The land was first farmed by Alexander Donald McMillan, born in 1837.

"The City of Burlington is touched by the generosity of the McMillan family," said Mayor Goldring, who received the deed along with Ward 1 Councillor Rick Craven. "The McMillans have shown their commitment to Burlington, dedicating land to help people honour their deceased loved ones."

City Council approved the donation in September. The details were made public once the papers were signed.

 "The cemetery needs a place to expand," McMillan said. "It is a nice tranquil place to be, especially when only a few minutes away, you are into the rush of everyday life. The cemetery is an asset we should be proud of."

Some plots in the Greenwood Cemetery date back to 1888. The Town of Burlington began operating the cemetery in 1968. The cemetery is located on 15 acres of land in the Aldershot community of Burlington.

"This generous gift will help us provide future internment sites for at least 25 years," said Scott Stewart, Acting City Manager. "I am pleased to be able to accept this gift on behalf of the cemetery team, including cemetery co-ordinator Dave Mott who has gotten to know Mr. McMillan very well through the years."

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