Kaniva’s John a ‘jack of all trades’

There is never a job too big or too small for Kaniva’s John ‘Jack’ Mills.

Mr Mills, who celebrated his 98th birthday with family on Thursday last week, is still enjoying a ‘happy and independent’ lifestyle.

His son Peter Mills describes his dad as a ‘jack of all trades’, who still to this day, is staying active.

Jack is living independently in the family home he built in his youth, while still visiting his wife of 70 years, Margaret Mills, in Kaniva nursing home.

“He’s fairly active. He is still driving – he quite regularly walks up to visit mum,” Peter said.

Peter said it would not be uncommon to see his dad trying his hand at anything in younger years.

Mr Mills worked as a plumber, fixed windmills with brother Bob and in his later years worked for the

Shire of Kaniva before it amalgamated as West Wimmera Shire.

He could also be seen behind the wheel of an ambulance or even a fire truck, serving the Country Fire Authority for more than 75 years, receiving a service medal in 2015.

“His community service is amazing. He’s also been involved in the local footy club, Rotary, and there’s probably few things I’m missing there as well,” Peter said.

“He was pretty handy. If someone had a building project on, he’d pick up work with that as well.”

The Mills family moved from Kalangadoo, South Australia, to Kaniva in the early 1900s.

Mr Mills, born in 1922, followed the family tradition, learning the trade of carpentry.

He later served in the Second Word War. He was deployed in Darwin,

Papua New Guinea and Bougainville Island before returning in 1945.

“Dad had to come back from the war early, because his mum had died,” Peter said.

“He got a call to come back and finished in the army – to support his family.”

Peter, now living in Warrnambool, said he and his siblings had a great upbringing in Kaniva.

“We had a fantastic life growing up in Kaniva, as a young bloke, it was just a nice place to be,” he said.

“Mum and Dad were terrific parents. I felt very fortunate because a lot of kids don’t grow up in that situation.

“They weren’t wealthy, but they provided me with every opportunity I required to get where I needed to go.”