Charles Wendell “Chuck” Millar

Age 85, of Chelsea, MI, passed away December 21, 2018. He was born June 10, 1933, in Lansing, MI, to Charles E. Millar and Pamelia Millar and is survived by his wife of 63 years, Susan Pirnie Millar; sons, Timothy (Debra) Millar, Stephen (Sandy) Millar and Peter (Thana) Millar; daughter, Elizabeth (Tony) Sensoli; 10 grandchildren; and 6 great-grandchildren.

Chuck graduated with a BA from Albion College, a Master of Divinity from Yale Divinity School and Master of Communication from Michigan State University.  After serving as an Episcopal parish priest, Chuck forged careers in consulting and public service, retiring from the State of Michigan as Director of the Michigan Public Service Commission.

What made Chuck such a special man was the exemplary life he led.  His deep faith was manifest in a life of service.  Active in the Civil Rights Movement, Chuck served in the front lines of Freedom Summer, the 1964 drive to register African Americans to vote in the south.  As a public servant, he was on the cutting edge in treating drug addiction and promoting energy efficiency.

In his personal life, Chuck never stopped examining the human condition and devoted himself to improving it.  He was a beloved husband, father and grandfather; Chuck was immensely proud of his children and grandchildren.  He was an active, engaged grandparent, giving of his time, energy and wisdom.  His hobbies included music, sailing and woodworking; he loved the out-of-doors.

There will be two funeral services for Chuck; Saturday, December 29, 2018, at 2:00 p.m. at St. Clare’s Episcopal Church of Ann Arbor and Saturday, January 5, 2019, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Lansing.

Memorial contributions may be made to Episcopal Relief and Development Fund, St. Clare’s Episcopal Church of Ann Arbor, or St. Paul’s Episcopal Church of Lansing.  Online condolences may be left for his family at www.EstesLeadley.com.

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17 Messages to “Charles Wendell “Chuck” Millar

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Michele Shafer
December 26, 2018 at 10:07 pm

Dear Sue: So sorry for the death of your dear Chuck. You guys welcomed me when I first joined Wild Ones. I lost my Dad 2 days before Thanksgiving this year and have stayed close to Mom as they celebrated 73 holiday seasons together. My heart is with you and family at this difficult loss.

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Ruth Wilson
December 26, 2018 at 11:06 pm

Thinking of you and hoping all the wonderful memories will bring you comfort at this difficult time.

With Love and Friendship,

Ruth and Tim Wilson

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Toni Petersen
December 26, 2018 at 11:24 pm

My cousin Wen showed us all how to live a life with love and grace.
There is a celebration in Heaven as he joins our other loved ones who welcome him home.

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Carol and Doug Miller
December 27, 2018 at 2:49 pm

Dearest Sue and Family-
Chuck’s gifts to this world are too vast to name. But, as friend and mentor, he always listened with care and never rushed to respond. I never felt judged by him, but rather affirmed for my own thoughts. His warm smile and kind eyes are embedded in my memory forever. What a privilege to count him as a soul friend.
Doug and I send our deep sympathy and love to you.

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MaryLea Benson
December 27, 2018 at 3:00 pm

One of my husband, Ed’s last long conversations was with Chuck. They talked about God and that neither of them was afraid of what was ahead. Actually looking forward to what was to come.

Thank you Chuck for being the beautiful human being you were and spreading God’s grace like you did.

I hope that I have half the faith you both had for I know I will see both of you and my Dad when it is my time to join you all with God’s Blessing.

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Carol Ingells
December 28, 2018 at 4:57 pm

Dear Sue and all–How privileged I was to know Chuck, to be his friend, his confidante, his fellow singer, his colleague in ministry, his fellow seeker. How sorry I am for you as you live through the loss of his physical body. Norris, Melissa and I all loved and respected him–and you. You are in my prayers today and in the days to come.
With love and sorrow,
Carol

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December 29, 2018 at 11:53 am

Dear Sue, Tim, Steve, Pete, Elizabeth and family: We are so grateful to have counted Chuck as a dear friend over many years. He approached life with such fervent faith, love, hope and peace–more than anyone else we have known. His ability to listen with his heart was transcendent, and we have been the blessed recipients of his willingness to offer that heart-filled moment, each time. He shared with us his beautiful voice–always offered for God’s praise. We thank God for the life of Chuck Millar–always remembered with love and gratitude.

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David and Beverly Lang
December 29, 2018 at 4:52 pm

Dear Sue: We send our heartfelt condolences to you and your family at the passing of Chuck. We were fortunate to have you as neighbors for nearly 20 years, beginning when we first moved from the suburbs to the rural area of Woodhull Township. We recall with fond memories the neighborly dinner party at your comfortable, woodsy home, and the long phone conversations with Chuck about local politics. We enjoyed being together at neighborhood picnics, where you taught us about managing invasive species and Chuck enlightened us about the geologic history of the area. You became our go-to person whenever we sought to identify a newly-recognized weed, plant, or tree. We know you and the family will miss him greatly, but will be comforted by many loving memories. God Bless, Bev & Dave Lang

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Shannon Fineout
December 30, 2018 at 11:35 am

Sue,
I’m so sorry about the loss of your dear husband Chuck. He was always so kind to me, and I know Bill counted him as a friend. My heart breaks for you, as I’m familiar with the journey you are on. Sending prayers for comfort.

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Julia Strimer
December 31, 2018 at 11:39 am

Sue and Chuck came to Chelsea Retirement Community, and immediately they shared their joy in each other with us. They have been members of our SPEIC committee (Social, Political, Environmental Issues), continuing Chuck’s long dedication to activism. Albert Schweitzer once said, “At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person. Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us.” I am so grateful to have known the spark of Chuck’s spirit, which has brought light to so many, especially Sue and the family.

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Janet Hershberger
January 2, 2019 at 11:34 am

Dear Sue and Family;

I am very sorry to learn of Chuck’s passing. He was a good friend and mentor to me when I attended St. Paul’s. You and he were always very gracious and encouraging to me over the years. I shared the news of his passing with friends, and a few who attended our wedding commented how much they enjoyed talking with you both, and how you both added to make our day special. I am so grateful that he officiated and you were there to read scripture. Blessings to you and all the family. Chris and I offer our sincerest condolences. Janet

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Richard Magee
January 3, 2019 at 1:33 pm

Dear Sue and Beth,
My deepest condolences on the passing of your husband and father. My life was greatly enriched while singing with Chuck at St. Paul’s.

God Bless,

Richard Magee

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Deb Tybinka- from Shiloh’s yoga class.
January 4, 2019 at 11:46 am

Sue,
I was so sorry to hear about your loss. It sounds like he was a very special man that will be missed greatly.

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Martin Kushler
January 4, 2019 at 3:54 pm

To Chuck’s Family,

I worked for Chuck for many years at the MPSC. He was a kind and thoughtful person, a great boss, and a true public servant. For many years after he left state employment, he and several of us who worked for him would gather for occasional reunion picnics. He will be missed.

Marty Kushler

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Mary Jane Schuon
January 4, 2019 at 10:47 pm

Sue, kids and all the family — So sorry to hear of your loss. I will always treasure memories of sailing on Grand Traverse bay with Chuck and the rest of the family. It was such a special experience with a family who made me feel so welcome. My prayers are with you through this challenging time as you move forward with your lives and treasure his memory.

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Ray and Micky Howe
January 6, 2019 at 11:34 pm

Elizabeth,Tony and family-we’ve been thinking of you all and the great loss you’ve had with your father passing. It is so painful to lose your parent. We are thinking of you all and are so glad you have the support and strength that comes from your family and loving friends. Our prayers are with you all.

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Boris Williams
February 4, 2019 at 12:02 am

To the Family of Mr. Millar. I didn’t know him . However, I do know Peter. We attended school together. Rember all of tne good things especially the wisdom that was imparted to you. He’s just stepped into a Brighter and Better land.

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