Joseph Barr Millar, age 87, was born in Ballymena Northern Ireland. He passed away on February 10, 2023, in Langley BC Canada.
Joe was one of the original Irish Rovers and toured extensively with the band for 41 years from its beginnings in 1964. He won the hearts and brought many a tear to the eye of the expatriates around the world, with his mellow vocals of old Irish Ballads. Joe also played the button-key accordion, harmonica, and bass guitar. After a well-earned retirement in 2005 he took to the golf course, pursuing one of his favorite pastimes. He also never lost sight of his roots and loved going back to Ballymena to visit his family and friends where he was usually found starting a singsong at The Front Page Pub.
He was preceded in death by his sweetheart Joan, his sister Jessie and brother Hugh. He is mourned by his daughter Joanne, his sons Ian and Roy, his grandchildren Ashley, Melissa, Jennifer, Alyssa and Linden, great grandchildren – Jaxon, Lyric, Emersen, Riley and Theodore, siblings Jean, Nancy, Hannah, Billy and Jim, extended family, friends, as well as his former band mates and countless fans around the world.
In these times of uncertainty and unrest, we’ve lost a kind, considerate, loving gentleman, everything the world needs right now. Joe has finally escaped his prison of Alzheimer’s disease, which he fought valiantly for the past few years. There’s no doubt he’s already singing “Kellswater” with the heavenly band. Rest in Peace Dear Joe. You will forever live in our hearts.
Listen to Joe’s beautiful ballads here on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/playlist/04QVXtGFHC8fc9Iyp6QQsM?si=55159f8f46824807
December 31st, 2023
I met Joe on the annual Holy Grail golf tournaments in Port Ludlow, Crowne Isle and Whistler. And then there's 'the Dew' of course. It was always a lot of laughing and a steady stream of great stories.
Thank you Joe for all the joy you brought to life. 'Big Ron'
December 25th, 2023
I met Joe through a mutual friend who I played golf with. I played many a game of golf with Joe and shared more than a few 'Harps' with him.
Joe was a lovely man who always put a smile on my face whenever I would see him. Bright, cheerful and just a wonderful person to be around.
Thanks for the memories Joe.
June 17th, 2023
I was very saddened to hear of Joe Millar's passing, 4 months later. I was raised on the Irish Rovers and can still remember watching them as a child in the early 1970s, on their TV show. Can still remember Joe's marvelous voice singing 'Bonnie Kellswater', 'The Summer Time is Coming', 'Isle of Innisfree', as well as 'The Little Match Girl' and 'The Flower of Sweet Strabane' through the years. No doubt Joe has reunited with Jimmy Ferguson as well as Joan, and is singing those Irish ballads again that he was so famous for. Thank you Joe, for the music and memories.
April 22nd, 2023
Found out today that two old friends from many years ago have left . I'm am sitting here in my living room with such sadness and tears remembering all the times that we had together . And then a smile . ❤️🙏
March 2nd, 2023
Rest easy Uncle Joe. I know you, Aunt Joan and my Mum will be singing your hearts out up in Heaven. Gone but not forgotten. 💔
March 2nd, 2023
My parents loved the Irish Rovers and saw them many times in Vancouver. I still have my first record The Unicorn. Condolences to all family and friends.
March 2nd, 2023
Thank you Joe for sharing your talent, music and culture . I have very fond memories of being entertained by the Irish Rovers since the 1960s. A few years ago, I had the honour of meeting Joe in person, a true gentleman and a ready smile.
March 1st, 2023
Joe was a true gentleman who I got to know many years ago as a young musician starting out in Vancouver, BC playing the old Irish songs. I got to share a few pints with him and hear some great songs and stories while doing so. About five years ago, I visited him a few times at his care home and we enjoyed singing a few songs together - a real dream come true for a kid who grew up on Irish Rovers records. Rest in peace, Joe and thanks for all the inspiration you and the Rovers provided me as a young man.
God bless,
Pat Chessell.
March 1st, 2023
Joe Millar, was for my wife and myself not only a wonderful singer but he had become a friend over all the years we had followed the Irish Rovers. We are thankful for all the music he gave to us in person and that which he left us on all the recordings.
His voice when listening to his ballads was very smooth and he could evoke wonderful emotions, we were sad when he retired but happy for a wonderful life he had given to all of us with his music.
ALZ was the cruel part of the last few years Joe had with his family but he was loved and cared for by a wonderful family, so he was also a blessed man during those years.
Thank you Joe Millar, for sharing your talents with all of us around the world and for those of us who got to know you a little bit, we are so grateful we got to know you.
We hope you and Jimmy are singing happily away with maybe a wee one waiting for you on the breaks.
March 1st, 2023
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