Robert McMillan (9 May 1931 - 1 Nov 2019)

I was planning to attend Bob's Funeral to celebrate his life and say good-bye to a dear friend. Unfortunately, I have been laid low with a bad head-cold and am not well enough to undertake the journey, and I am aware that sharing my cold would not be a sociable thing to do either.

Bob was a friend for over 35 years. We met when Bob was building Aries, and putting together the same engine. We spoke many times about details on the engine, and then I started my boat Nyra. It was a bit of a race -- but Bob finished Aries the year before Nyra. But we spent many events in company and had a few notable adventures -- like travelling the whole length of the Thames from Lechlade down to Teddington, then up the Wey to home. And a long holiday on The Broads using a large Motor Cruiser as a floating hotel whilst we all set off in little boats to explore the rivers. Bob had plans to build a bigger boat for speed and comfort. and I designed & patterned a new engine that we were both building in parallel, with Bob arranging for the castings from a local foundry. Sadly, and probably, never to be completed now. I shall never forget the generosity and kindness that Bob showed me.

Please accept my deep condolences -- and Good-bye to Bob.

Trefor & Sue Milns

Bob was always there to help people new to the Steam Boat Association and many of reaped the benefit of his wisdom along with John Carter they were great friends to have on your crew. To all who look upon him as a close friend, this is a great loss. He was a great mentor to so many of us not only in working skills but also in life skills, I am honoured. to have known him and to have passed on the knowledge he gave me to others in my life. May the blackberries be best your side of the river Bob where ever you are. Ian Cross.

We save treasured memories of years gone by when we were undaunted.
Bob is very sadly missed.

Such a generous person, freely willing to impart his mechanical knowledge & skill. We have treasured his friendship, such a loss to model engineering & steam boating.