Cecil McMillen "Mac" Love
July 21, 2026
LOVE, Cecil McMillen “Mac” – Passed away peacefully, at his home, surrounded by his loving family, on Tuesday, July 21, 2026 in his 100th year.
Beloved husband of Shirley (née Pinnell) Love just shy of 68 wonderful years. Loving father of Alison Love and her husband David McIlvride of Kelowna, B.C.; Kimberley Love and her husband Glen Drummond of Owen Sound; Shelley Love of Owen Sound; Wanda Love and her husband Denis Hainault of Waterloo; Krista Love and her husband Dominic Tarascio of Richmond Hill; Shannon Love and her partner Lee Archachan of Surrey, B.C.; Corinne Love and her husband Darren Eaton of Hamilton, and son-in-law Murray McIntosh of Mount Forest. Cherished grandfather of 15 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. Dear brother Laverne Love and his wife Elease of Southgate Township. Also survived by his many nieces, nephews and their families. Predeceased by his parents Harold and Ada (née McMillen) Love, brothers Lambert (Christina) Love, Raymond (Gloria) Love, Aubrey (Gladys) Love, sister Lorraine (Ben) Firth, daughter Meredith Love, granddaughter Chloe Love and grandson Brent MacLennan.
Mac's roots ran deep. He was the first child to be baptized at Hopeville United Church, a fitting beginning for a man whose life would be defined by faith, family, and the land. He farmed 300 acres for 53 years, taking great pride in the work and the life he and Shirley built together.
Mac considered being the father of eight daughters one of life's greatest blessings. While he wasn't shy about putting them to work on the farm over the years, those who knew him also knew how deeply he loved and admired each of them. His quiet work ethic, gentle nature, and unwavering example left a lasting impression on his family and everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.
Mac enjoyed life's simple pleasures. He rarely missed Hockey Night in Canada, had a lifelong appreciation for classic Buicks, and never lost his enthusiasm for old Farmall tractors, especially the red ones. At 65, he fulfilled a childhood dream of travelling to Switzerland, beginning many memorable trips through Europe with Shirley. There wasn't an overseas adventure he didn't enjoy.
Mac will be remembered as a kind, humble, and hardworking man whose greatest joy came from his family, his farm, and a life well lived.
Our heartfelt thanks are extended to the dedicated staff at Louise Marshall Hospital, as well as to Dr. Winfield and Dr. Rowley, for their unwavering compassion, exceptional professionalism, and the thoughtful care they so generously provided. Their kindness, skill, and support brought comfort during a difficult time and will always be remembered with deep gratitude.
A memorial service will be held at the Mount Forest United Church, 175 Queen Street East, Mount Forest on Sunday, July 26th at 2:00 p.m. Immediately following the service, everyone is invited to the church hall for a reception.
Those wishing to make a donation in memory of Mac are asked to consider the Canadian Foodgrains Bank, Woodland United Church, or Louise Marshall Hospital Foundation. Online condolences and donations may be made at www.englandfuneralhome.com
Condolences
My most sincere condolences to the Love Family. Et AL.
Condolences David and Linda!
My condolences to the Love family as well. I remember in the 70s when my dad know as Mac as well they had farm topics in commom.
Shelley Hendry
My condolences to the Love family. I will always remember Mac's smile and his gentle nature with everyone. (In my youth, he was the “other Mac” that liked Farmall tractors.)
Shirley, Alison, Kim, Shelley, Wanda, Krista, Shannon, Corinne, & Families
Our hearts and thoughts are with each of you during this sad time. Mac will be remembered as a hardworking, respectable, honest man, husband, father, and grandfather, who loved each of you very very much.
Remember the little things, like shared laughter, warm hugs, shared smiles, and stories. These memories will help you in the days ahead.
Sorry we didn't make it to the funeral. We actually just found out today.
Rest in Peace Mac.
Hugs,
Gail & Terry McCauley
Our deepeat condolences go out to the whole family. Mac was a kind and respectful man.
— Nazz and Elysa Tarascio, July 26, 2026DEAR. SHIRLEY AN GIRLS SORRY FOR UR LOSS HE WILL BE MISSED VERY MUCH HANG ON TO ALL THE GOOD MEMORIES THE LAST TIME I SAW MAC WAS WHEN I USED TO PICK SHANNON UP TAKE HER AN LESIA PLACES WHEN THEY LIVED IN Hopeville.
— CHRISTINA PATTERSON SMITH, July 26, 2026Dear Shirley and family, my condolences to you on Mac’s passing. He certainly lived a long life to the fullest. I remember fondly hauling livestock to market from the Love brothers farms with my Dad. As well, my brother and I enjoyed our stay at Lambert & Christina’s, working in the sugar bush and, after bed & breakfast, being amazed to go to the sugar shack and discover that Mac had been boiling all night. He was a fine hard working gentleman with a great sense of humour and tremendous love for his family. It was a pleasure to know him.
— Ted Acheson, July 26, 2026My heart and my condolences go out to Aunt Shirley, all of the Love girls and the very extended family. I wanted to share a memory of Uncle Mac. When I was 12, I had the opportunity to stay with Uncle Mac and Aunt Shirley at the farm for a week. It was haying time, and at first he wanted me to drive the lead tractor (I had never driven anything in my life). Unfortunately, I was too short to use the clutch, so one of the Love girls drove the lead tractor, and I was on the hay wagon with uncle Mac behind the bailer. He would grab a hay bale with a hook, and toss it behind him. My job, with a few others, was to stack the hay bales on the trailer. What a great experience for a city boy that never had farm experience. You can tell, this memory has stuck with me. The trust and faith that uncle Mac placed in me to try to drive the tractor and to help on the hay wagon speaks to his character and what a kind man he was. I was very happy and proud to take my wife and oldest son to see the last ‘family’ farm many years ago now. He was a great man and will be missed. Sincerely Jeff, Jodie, Jaxson and Mitchell Cunning
— Jeff Cunning, July 25, 2026Dear Love Family,
My heartfelt condolences for the loss of your father ..he was a sweet man with a constant smile.
Hugs and much love
Venessa and Alan Peralta
I am sorry to hear of Mac's passing. Mac brimmed with kindness, intelligence, humour, patience and love. My thoughts and prayers are with Shirley and the rest of Mac's beloved family.
— Sheryl Spencer, July 25, 2026Sorry for your loss. What a lovely tribute. He left a legacy of strong women, and his spirit will live on.
— Lisa Bahan, July 25, 2026I am so saddened after hearing of Mac’s passing. He has been a pleasure to know over the last while. My condolences to the whole family, I know his presence will be greatly missed ❤️
— Krystal, July 25, 2026❤️🙏 family and friends Jim Edith and Franklin Taylor
— Edith Mary Taylor, July 24, 2026Sending sincere condolences as you grieve, and celebrate, the life of a wonderful man. Take good care.
— Yvonne Pallister McCutcheon, July 24, 2026Mac, you are the finest gentleman we have ever known and we are proud to be able to say that you are our friend.
Rest in Peace my friend.
Mrs. Love, Allison, Kim, Shelley, Wanda, Krista, Shannon and Corinne. I am so sorry for your loss.
— Margaret Echlin, July 24, 2026My condolences at Mac's passing. Definitely lead a good life. John Dow
— John Dow, July 24, 2026Shirley (Mrs. Love ~ Grade 4) Girls and families. I’m so sorry for the loss of Mac. My fondest memories of late are sharing Birthday celebrations with my Mom and your Dad at Pebbles. We missed you this year. @Krista I have great memories of being on the farm when we were kids. He left a legacy that is for sure. Hold your memories close. Thinking of you all.
— Lisa Lougheed, July 23, 2026Thoughts are with you Shirley and your girls and their families. You have many memories to cherish. He was such a gentleman.
— Lorne & Carol Riddell, July 23, 2026Shirley and family, I never really believed this day would come. I enjoyed every time I stepped through the doorway of your home to see Mac. The warmth of your family was always evident befitting your family name. I am so sorry for the loss of Mac from your family circle. He will be supervising, with his vision fully restored, as you move forward in life without his gentle presence. Mac I am grateful for the privilege of knowing you, and the great conversations we had. May the Grace of our Creator walk with you all through this challenging season.
Holding you in the Light
My deepest sadness to the family. It was wonderful to have as friends in my early years in Hopeville.
The Hood Sisters
Nancy, Jane and Peggy
Shirley & Families, I am so sorry you loss. What a wonderful life he lived, so rich in family, memories, and his farm. Any of us should hope to live a life so full of greatness. His peaceful passing, in a place he loved so much, I hope brings comfort and peace to a life so well lived. Thinking of you all.
— Ashleigh Milliner-Cowan, July 23, 2026Our thoughts are with all of you during this difficult time. We hope that in the days ahead, you find comfort in the many wonderful memories you shared, the stories that will continue to be told, and the love that surrounds your family. Sending our heartfelt condolences to each of you, and especially to Alison & David, and Krista & Dominic. With deepest sympathy, Angie & Bill Scott
— Angie Mercier, July 23, 2026💕🙏 Shirley and family I'm Edith and Franklin Taylor ❤️
— Edith Taylor, July 23, 2026Shirley & family, please accept my sincere sympathy in your loss of a great man. I have fond memories of you & Mac coming for "Diner's Club" that I hosted when I worked at Birmingham Retirement many years ago. Cherish the wonderful memories that no one can take away. Big hugs!
— LINDA SINCLAIR, July 23, 2026As you remember the love, as you mourn the loss, may you also celebrate the life. May the healing hands of time and the timeless love of God carry you gently through the coming days. Mary Eccles.
— Mary Eccles, July 23, 2026Dear Shirley and family,
Please accept my deepest condolences on the passing of Mac.
It was truly an honour to care for him. Mac was a wonderful man, a loving husband, a devoted father, and someone whose kindness and wisdom left a lasting impression on me. I will always remember taking him to the Gazebo, where he loved to relax, and the valuable advice and stories he shared with me. His lessons and gentle spirit will not be forgotten.
May the love of family and the precious memories you shared bring you comfort during this difficult time. May Mac rest in eternal peace.
With sincere sympathy,
Emmanuel.
My condolences to Shirley and all of the Love girls comes with an admiration of the life Mac lived, his impact and reputation, his wonderful family that Shirley and he raised. What a great and long life lived. Worthy of much celebration.
— John Witkowski, July 23, 2026Shirley I'm so sorry for your loss to you and all the girls and families...my thoughts and prayers are with you all...to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord...we have that hope of seeing Mac again...so many memories at your place as kids..growing up with your kids..you coming to mom &dad's......I'm so thank full I saw you both last summer...love it out at the gazebo..so beautiful and peaceful...we will continue to connect and hope to see you before winter..I'm coming home Aug. 28th and staying with Colleen
— Marie Walker, July 23, 2026Shirley & family. Deepest sympathy in your loss. Cherish the memories. Dona Cove (Coulter).
— Dona Cove (Coulter), July 23, 2026