Obituary of Kenneth Cyril Mills

Kenneth Cyril Mills, age 59 of Sydney, Nova Scotia passed away unexpectedly January 27, 2023 at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital after a brief illness. Born in Glace Bay, he was the son of Joan Collette and the late Cyril Mills. As a teenager, Kenny moved with his mother Joan, step-father Omer Collette and brother Shawn to Texas where he lived for the next 27 years before returning to Cape Breton. He was an extremely proud Texan who fully embraced the Texas lifestyle, with legendary and sometimes astonishing stories of escapades he and his friends got up to, which often made him marvel that he’d survived as long as he had. He never forgot his many friends and loved ones in Texas, with whom he still kept in close contact. Kenny had a huge sense of humor and his reputation as a prankster was infamous. He loved nothing more than planning out the perfect practical joke, which many of his poor, unsuspecting victims can attest to, but it was all done with love and in good fun. He loved deeply, was always willing to lend a hand, and had a heart as big as his beloved Texas. Kenny could strike up a conversation no matter where he went or who he ran into and had the natural ability to put new people he met at ease. He and Arlene had many adventures together, especially travelling down wrong roads and getting lost, but every new trip was just another chance to hang out and have fun. Kenny worked for many years at Robertson Print-Craft in Glace Bay where he made many lifelong friendships, and most recently at Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, a new adventure for him which he thoroughly loved. Kenny is survived by his mother Joan Collette, spouse Arlene Kennedy, step-son Tyler, brothers Shawn Collette (Varsha), Las Vegas, NV and Cyril Mills; sister Cheryl Allin; nieces Ellie and Lexa Collette, Parents-in-law Janice and Jeep Kennedy, sister-in-law and brother-in-law Leona and Billy Gillis. Also survived by countless aunts, uncles cousins, and close friends. He will be sorely missed by his fur babies Jax, BamBam and his little princess Mischa, but we know he’s been happily reunited with his beloved buddy Woody. Kenny was predeceased by his father Cyril Mills, his uncle Daniel (Butch) McDonald, cousins Jason McDonald and Cathy McDonald. Kenny was a die-hard Dallas Cowboys fan and took all the good-natured ribbing he received with a laugh, while adding a derogatory remark or 2 himself, but he never gave up on them. Go Cowboys! As per Kenny’s wishes, there will be no service. His family will gather in the summer to scatter his ashes in his favorite place. Cremation has taken place under the care and direction of T.J. Tracey Cremation & Burial Specialists, 6 Churchill Drive, Sydney, N.S. 902-539-7175. Words of condolence may be made to the family by visiting www.tjtracey.com. How lucky were we to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.