Raymond Vance Milligan

R VANCE MILLIGAN, KC
On Monday, September 25th, 2023 (Raymond) Vance Milligan, KC died at his oceanside home
in Sechelt, B.C. He spent his last days enveloped in the love of his immediate family; wife
Maureen, son Jeremy, daughter-in-law Megan, beloved grandchildren, Norah and Caleb, and
sister Karen.
Born in Calgary, Alberta on February 17th, 1952 to David “Ernie” and Joan Milligan, Vance was
the third of four children - he is survived by his siblings Lynne, David and Karen.
Vance graduated from the University of Alberta Law school in 1978 and celebrated with a
motorcycle trip down the Pacific Coast. He sustained a significant spinal cord injury while
body surfing and began his life as a quadriplegic at the age of 26. He was determined and
worked hard at his year-long rehabilitation in Toronto. He bravely moved away from family
support to live alone in Calgary and forged an independent life. Vance commenced his articling
position with Bennett Jones LLP a year later than planned, where he remained as a proud
partner until retirement. He was a very respected lawyer, corporate department head, board
director and the prime mover in many Alberta charities and non-profits. He chaired the Calgary
committee for the Rick Hanson Man in Motion World Tour and created The Alberta Paraplegic
Foundation which has distributed more than $17 million dollars for spinal cord research and
rehabilitation for those challenged by spinal cord injuries. His generosity was boundless and
renowned.
In 1985 Vance began his most important chapter when he married his wife, Maureen and they
created their “small but mighty family”. Vance’s family were his everything and he made sure
they knew that. Most recently, he relished his latest role as “Da” to his adorable grandchildren,
Norah (5) and Caleb (2). He was so proud to be a husband, father and grandfather. Vance was
also a wonderful son, brother, uncle, colleague and friend.
Vance’s quality of life was extended by his joy for living, his strong social connections and his
commitment to maintaining his health. The last five years presented him with a cascade of
health challenges and the physical limitations he had historically transcended became unstable
and ultimately insurmountable. Typical of Vance, he never complained or felt sorry for himself
but rather lived in gratitude and genuine appreciation for his “lucky” beautiful life. He will be
lovingly remembered by many. Vance has left us wanting more time together. We are thankful
that his life long desire to deepen connection led us to memorable quality time, rich
conversations and open-hearted expressions of love.
A Celebration of Life will be held at The Brownstone, 221 - 10th Avenue SE #120, Calgary, AB
on October 6th, 2023 from 1-4pm. Please join us to celebrate the wonderful man we are so
proud of. If you cannot attend we ask that you think of your fondest memories and wish him
well into the next chapter. Flowers are gratefully declined. For those who wish, memorial
tributes may be made in honour to Spinal Cord Injury Alberta at https://sci-ab.ca/donate/

For Live Streaming please tune in to this link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IpUmY644DmU on October 6th at 1:00 PM MST/12:00 PST

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