Leland G. MacMillan, known to friends and family as "Lee," age 81 of Farmington Hills, passed to eternal life peacefully on Saturday, September 14, 2024, with his wife by his side.

Lee was born of Scottish heritage in Detroit, MI, November 26, 1942, the son of the late Hilda and Clarence MacMillan, of Glengarry, Ontario, Canada. Lee grew up with many loving cousins in Detroit and Canada, where visits "down to the farm" were like going home.
Lee was a second-generation milkman with an inspiring work ethic. His introduction to this nostalgic profession began in his youth, assisting his father on his Twin Pines milk route, and following in his footsteps to build a career rooted in integrity and dedication. He brightened the day of his customers with his great sense of humor, becoming an honorary part of the families he served with "worry-free, home delivery." True to character, Lee's arduous, daily deliveries to multiple school systems gave him an opportunity to bring cheer to busy kitchen workers with good-natured teasing.

Lee was a freedom-loving American, who served his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam era.

His generous heart and his genuine personality endeared him to those who knew him.  He ordered his time well, not squandering a chance to share a laugh or help someone out.

Lee attended Catholic grade school and high school and was a regular at Masses throughout his life. At Mass he pledged himself to faithfulness. Similarly, he clung to his maxim, "it's not about comfort, you've got to remain cool."

Lee displayed this as an avid car enthusiast, who as a lad back in the 60's regularly cruised Woodward Avenue in his own or his best friend's muscle car. The youthful duo of Lee and "Oz" made memorable road trips out west in classic cars.  They did most everything together and forged a bond of brotherhood for life.  A boyhood meeting between Lee and Eric in the fifth grade enkindled a lifelong friendship.  From paper routes, playing football, weekend visits during boot camp, weddings, to the end, they shared a brotherly love for 70 years.  Lee and Gary met 30 years ago as car buddies and became close friends, enjoying each other's company for hours at a time engaged in conversation.
Along Lee's life journey, his enthusiasm for Harley-Davidson motorcycles, and his youthful exuberance, led him to attract new "bike" friends, and by God's providence, to meet his wife, Mary.

Rolling along the highway together, these became "old friends" who are a part of great memories.

Lee felt our greatest happiness comes from friendship. The joy of a good marriage is the joy of friendship. Lee is the loving husband and best friend of Mary for 45+ years. They journeyed through life together including traveling all 50 states with the windows rolled down and the wind in their face.

Lee is the cherished brother of the late Janice Walter (Robert), the wonderful uncle to his nieces and nephews, and the coolest cousin to them all.

He stood up to battle sickness, fought a good fight, then trusted Jesus to bring it to a happy end for the glory of God and the good of his soul.

A Mass of Resurrection will be held October 28, 10 am (gathering at church 9:30 am), Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church, Farmington.  Immediately following Mass, the Army honor team will perform military honors to further honor Lee's service to the country.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made for Mass intentions and for the benefit of the Knights of Columbus in Lee's memory.

Please keep his entire family in your thoughts and prayers at this time.