Robert 'Bob' McMillan, 88

Robert “Bob” McMillan peacefully passed away Dec. 9, 2024, at the age of 88 years old, surrounded by his family at Hospice of North Idaho. Born on Oct. 16, 1936, in Wausau, Wis., and growing up in Alhambra, Calif., Bob lived a life full of love and family. He graduated from Alhambra High School and enlisted in the United States Navy shortly after his graduation. He served proudly for three years and returned to his home in Southern California. Following his time in the military, he worked for the city of Pasadena as a painter and retired after more than 40 years.  

It was in Pasadena where Bob met his wife, Fredaine. They recently celebrated their 58th wedding anniversary Nov. 12. Bob and Fredaine raised two daughters, celebrated the joy of three granddaughters and, with open arms, welcomed a son-in-law and grandson-in-law into their family.

Bob’s passions included the nurturing of his plants and his appreciation for antiques. His own garden included orchids, palms and a bird aviary. It was with joy that he shared his blooming cymbidiums on Easter mornings. He loved to talk about the newest finds he had added to his many collections and found value in even the ones that needed a little love. In addition, he attended the Rose Parade just about every year and enjoyed ice skating during his residence in Pasadena.  

Bob spent eight of his retired years in Rancho Bernardo, Calif., where he enjoyed taking a daily dip in the pool and feeling connected with his loving aunts and uncles of years past. In 2015, Bob and Fredaine gave their daughters the gift of moving to Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. Bob’s flowers continued blooming, and his hugs and smile were closer to his granddaughters.

Bob is preceded in death by his mother and father, Leone and Daniel, his loving aunts and uncles, and his daughter, Debra. His surviving family includes his wife, Fredaine McMillan; his daughter, Kristin McMillan; his daughter, Julie, and her husband, Christopher Evans; his granddaughter, Jamaine, and her husband, Danny Hinde; and his granddaughters, Emma and Claire Evans.

Memorial services and a celebration of his life will be held at a later date during the upcoming summer. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hospice of North Idaho (www.hospiceofnorthidaho.org)

Yates Funeral Home is entrusted with final arrangements. Please visit Bob's online memorial and sign his guestbook at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.