George Mills pictured with a youngster at the annual Kids’ Fishing Derby. (Photo: Sophiasburgh Recreation Committee Facebook page)
A well-known community volunteer with a big heart is being honoured at this weekend’s annual Sophiasburgh Winter Carnival.
On Sunday, George Mills, 69, of Sophiasburgh died suddenly at the Prince Edward Memorial Hospital. He is survived by his wife Janice.
At Tuesday’s council meeting, Councillor Bill Roberts expressed condolences stating the Sophiasburgh Recreation Committee, of which Mills was a loyal member, will be dedicating the popular festival to him.
In a tribute to Mills, the committee’s Facebook page stated, “George was an active and inspiring member on our committee and participated in all of our events. He was a true Sophiasburgh community ambassador. And a great friend. He will be truly missed in the ward and around the County.”
Roberts echoed the committee’s sentiments stating Mills’ favourite event was the annual Kids’ Fishing Derby because ‘he really enjoyed helping the little ones put worms on their hooks and/or take fish off their lines.’
Speaking of Mills’ dedication, Roberts said, “If we asked George to do something he always did it.”
A celebration of Mills’ life is taking place at the Emmanuel Baptist Church in Bloomfield on Thursday at 10 a.m. A service will follow at 11 a.m. The family is asking donations be made to charity.
The winter carnival in Mills’ name gets underway Saturday with a pancake breakfast prepared by the Friendship United Church from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. It’s $4 for adults and $2 for elementary children.
Also on the day: family skating from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m and 3 p.m. – 7 p.m.; a vendor craft sale inside the Town Hall from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.; kids’ games and crafts in the Town Hall from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.; lunch provided by the Demorestville Women’s Institute from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. ($5 for adults, elementary-aged children eat free); free wagon rides; a fish fry prepared by Demorestville volunteer fire fighters ($15 per person) and a Christmas Tree Bonfire at 7:30 p.m.
The popular Battle of the Blazes Hockey Tournament between the Sophiasburgh, Deseronto, Tyendinaga and Belleville fire departments runs from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
