Helmsdale ‘rocked’ by death of village stalwart Garry MacMillan
Tributes have been paid to Helmsdale man Garry MacMillan, who died suddenly at his home in Golf Road last week.
The death of popular village stalwart Mr MacMillan, who raised thousands of pounds for the Royal National Lifeboat Institution’s (RNLI) Wick lifeboat and gave freely of his time to other community causes, is said to have “rocked” the community.
He was a former member of the village’s community council, development trust, community transport group, and Christmas lights group. He was also the chairman of Helmsdale Community Centre and Food Share.
In his younger days, Mr MacMillan played football for Helmsdale United and then became a referee and linesman for the North Caledonian League, the highlight of which was officiating the 2007 Highland Amateur cup final between Avoch & Point at Grant Street Park, Inverness.
He was also a model maker and made a large model of a lifeboat - even acquiring the correct coloured paint from the Wick lifeboat station - as well as a small fishing boat, which he installed at the harbour .
He placed a collection box beside the lifeboat and two years ago revealed that he had raised over £19,000 for the RNLI Wick. Just prior to Garry's passing, this figure had surpassed £31,000.
He also built a model timber lorry which is positioned beside the road at Kinbrace.
Mr MacMillan, who begun his working life on a fishing boat, found a new role with the Forestry Commission for 10 years until his redundancy in 1989. He then worked for British Rail until 2022, before finally driving the Brora mobile library van for two years prior to his retirement in October 2024.
Timespan Museum and Arts Centre posted the following on its social media page: “We are deeply saddened and shocked to hear of the loss of Garry MacMillan, a man with a huge heart who was dedicated to his beloved village of Helmsdale and community causes.
“These included the Christmas lights, the Food Larder, the community minibus, and the wonderful lifeboat displays at the harbour, which raised thousands for the RNLI in Wick.
“We will cherish the memories of our conversations about the local fishing boats and the kindness and generosity he showed to everyone he met.
“Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family and friends during this difficult time.”
A post on the Helmsdale, Land of the Helmies Facebook page reads: “Sometimes there are just no words. Anyone who knew Garry knows how much he did for his community over the years.
“Christmas lights, the Food Larder and fundraising for the Wick RNLI through his display at Helmsdale Harbour, to name just a few.
“This sad news has rocked our wee village and beyond.”
Helmsdale Community Council chairperson Allison Cowie said: “Garry loved having a laugh and making people laugh. He will be sorely missed within the community, and our thoughts are with his family at this sad time.”
Mr MacMillan, a grandfather, is survived by his wife, Lorna, and two sons, Shaun and Chris.
The family is now raising funds for the RNLI Lifeboat Wick in his memory.
A JustGiving page has been set up, and earlier this week it had raised £3,590 from 97 supporters.
Chris’s wife, Alison MacMillan, said: “By supporting the RNLI in his name, we hope to honour his memory and ensure that this vital service continues to protect lives along our coasts.
“Garry spent countless hours and immense efforts fundraising for this vital service and expected nothing in return.
“The RNLI is made up entirely of volunteers, ordinary people doing extraordinary things, who risk their lives to save others at sea. Garry’s passion and commitment to supporting these brave individuals were unwavering.
“Every donation, big or small, helps keep their boats afloat and their crew equipped to answer the call. Thank you for helping us celebrate Garry’s life in such a meaningful way.”
Mr MacMillan’s funeral service takes place at Helmsdale Community Centre on Friday, May 23, from 11.45am and thereafter to Helmsdale Cemetery.
Family flowers only and donations, if desired to RNLI Wick lifeboat.
