We wish to extend our deepest sympathies to the family of Rosemary McCain McMillin upon her death. Rosemary spoke fondly and often of her family and just recently showed me an ad for RNS Netherwood, where her grandson was featured as part of the photo. Having just spent time with her last week, we spent most of the afternoon discussing a diary written by her mother in the 1920s and “how it just doesn’t seem that long ago”.
Rosemary was not only a mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother but she was also a friend to many who knew her. For Partners for Youth, Rosemary was a great supporter, not only in terms of her generosity but in terms of her interest, trust and encouragement to do more and do better. Rosemary was our Honorary Patron, a role she accepted with great pride – “you belong to me, we’ve built this together” was a common phrase for many years. Yes we did Rosemary, and we made a difference.
Having met Rosemary over 10 years ago when our organization was struggling to find direction and facing very difficult financial circumstances, she found great merit in what we wanted to accomplish and she wanted to be a part of it. So began our relationship – I visited often for chats and always tea, we talked politics (more American sometimes than Canadian), current events, family and about kids.
From building yurts and a well at our camp to establishing a Scholarship for Youth in Care seeking graduate studies, Rosemary was always willing to help. Her generosity knew no bounds and her kindness was unmatched by many. Recently, we had a long talk about the concept of generosity and philanthropy – and she worried, at times, if people would think that what she was doing was self-serving. She came to the conclusion that she couldn’t worry about that because the people she wanted to help needed her more than the people who clearly didn’t understand what she was trying to do.
We will remember you forever Rosemary – and although it does not seem like enough, we thank you from the bottom of our heart. Godspeed.
John Sharpe, CEO