Retiring Pakenham Cemetery Trust secretary John McMillan flanked by vicechairman Don Duffy and chairman Edgar Trotter.THE man credited with making Pakenham’s cemetery such a dignified and beautiful final restingplace has been honoured for his contribution to the community.
John McMillan recently retired as secretary and administrator of the Pakenham Cemetery Trust after 15 years of service.
Trust members gathered at the Cardinia Cultural Centre on Saturday to pay tribute to a man who played a major role in developing the cemetery.
Due to ill health, Mr McMillan retired recently from the position he has held since being appointed by the then Department of Health (now Human Services) in 1990.
Pakenham Cemetery Trust chairman Edgar Trotter said Mr McMillan had done a fantastic job in helping to transform a facility once regarded as untidy and poorly maintained.
“John has played a major role in developing the cemetery where it is now recognised as a place of dignity and beauty,” Mr Trotter said.
“New toilets have been built, a gazebo erected for quiet meditation, a lawn graves’ section and children’s section established, and all maintained to the highest standard,” Mr Trotter said.
At a special morning tea, Mr McMillan was presented with a certificate of appreciation by the trust.
Mr McMillan’s wife Merle and daughter Kerry were also presented with tokens of appreciation for the support they had given.
The new secretary and administrator of the Pakenham Cemetery Trust is Marlene Broadley.
