A final farewell
Northport community celebrates life of fisherman with parade of boats
NORTHPORT – The community of Northport came together to celebrate the life of a beloved fisherman this week by holding a parade in his honour.
However, it didn't take place on dry land.
It took place where Darrell (Daryl) Milligan loved to be on the water.
A procession of over 70 boats set sail together Wednesday morning to pay special tribute to Milligan, who died on May 10 in his home, surrounded by loved ones following a battle with cancer. He was 58.
Friends of the family, Lorna Doyle-DesRoches and Karla Profit, were close to Milligan. They provided a joint statement to The Guardian.
"Daryl was the kindest, most optimistic person. He was a family man first. Had a huge sense of humour."
"Myself and my husband, Matthew, and Karla have known the Milligans for years. He was a neighbour, a workout partner, a captain and, most of all, a best friend," said Doyle-DesRoches.
Milligan was a lobster fisherman, and Doyle-DesRoches said he loved his time with family and friends especially on his boat, Believe.
"People loved being around him, and he made friends everywhere he went. He enjoyed life to the fullest and had no regrets."
Due to the coronavirus (COVID-19 strain), a traditional wake and funeral service could not be held. But the family decided to celebrate his life with a fitting parade of boats on the water, and Milligan was then taken to the cemetery.
"It seemed a way that people could participate... while respecting the COVID-19 rules, especially all his fishermen friends and family," said Doyle-DesRoches.
She said Romey Fraser spearheaded the parade and that everything went off without a hitch.
The parade began around 10:15 a.m. on Wednesday, with over 70 participating boats involved with captains from the Northport area and surrounding harbours. It was organized through friends of the family sharing the campaign on Facebook.
"It was one of the most memorable moments most people will experience. It was nostalgic."
She said Milligan had been a fisherman all his life. He spent so much time on the water and around the harbour and welcomed everyone aboard his boat.
"It would be no surprise for him to meet a stranger in the morning and be going out to sea with them that afternoon. That’s just how he rolled. Everyone was a friend."
Milligan was the husband to Michelle Marie (nee Peters), father to Kelsey (Justin Schurman), Kalyn (Devon Bernard) and grandfather to two grandkids. He is remembered by countless family members and friends.
"He and Michelle’s doors were always open to everyone and anyone. They would help anyone ... and the Milligan family appreciates all the efforts from fishermen and community to help lay Daryl to rest."
Ella (Hutt) Harris, was at the harbour during the parade and captured it on video by a drone. She said Milligan was always smiling, and the parade is a testament to the community's connection.
"It’s an example of how resilient our community is to coming together and offering support and love the only way we are allowed to right now... There was something so peaceful – watching all the boats wait out by the lighthouse with their fishing lights on so bright."