Making a Difference

As teachers and farmers this couple experienced the building of a farm in Eastern Ontario. Immigrants themselves they purchased a 200 acre farm that had not been worked for many years. The hours were long and the rewards small but the satisfaction was immense. John became the founding President of the Ontario Cow/Calf Association and the President of the Ontario Horse Owners Association. On the professional scene he was chosen as the Chief Negotiator for the Elementary Teachers in his School Board. Jan, equally as involved professionally, became the President of the Women Teachers' Association in the same School Board. After retirement from their profession, they chose to live in Baja, Mexico for the winter months and lived close to the poor in that nation.Both Jan & John were directors of the Eastern Ontario British Home Child organization, an organization that participated in causing these children to be recognized, in Ontario, through a day designated in their name. September 28th is the designated day and people all across the province can now celebrate a connection with their historic roots. This is a couple who have rubbed shoulders with those who were relocated from the slums, those dwelling within the inner ring roads of a large British city. The folk from the slums, lacking wealth, were relocated to an unfamiliar environment, a British Council House Estate. Jan & John became involved in the emergence of this community into the mainstream of British society....

"Blessed is the man who can love all men equally."-St. Maximus the Confessor

In a colorful description of his experiences over the forty years he has lived in Canada after emigrating from his native England, John Milnes takes us on a journey through the many challenges he has faced. Over the decades, he has worked to make his community safer and better prepared. He served as a teacher, a farmer, a motocross promoter and referee, an equestrian show judge in Ontario and northern New York State, a political organizer, and as an occasional columnist for the local newspaper. After retiring from teaching, John got involved in environmental activities on a full-time basis; in acknowledgment of his rich experience, perspective, and skills, he was recruited as a top consultant for an international company.

John has always sought to make a difference in the lives of those with whom he has come in contact. Always aware of social needs in his home community and his travels throughout North America, he lives his life improving the lives of those around him in every possible way.

This is his story.