Lynn Millar, wife of Canada's most frequent Olympian, Ian Millar, died Thursday following a long illness, at the family's Millar Brooke Farm in Perth, Ontario.
She had playeda fundamental role in developing the top-class training facility at Millar Brooke and in the training of Millar's mounts.
Lynn and Ian were married since 1969. She was a devoted mother of Jonathon, 33, and Amy, 31.
She was by the side of her horseman husband, assisting with the training for eight Olympic Games, eight Pan American Games and six World Championships and witnessed him receive the Order of Canada and induction into Canada's Sports Hall of Fame.
“This has been a long battle and is a very, very sad, tragic day for us”, Ian Millar said in a statement released by the family. “I would love more than anything to have Lynn by my side if I am asked to ride at this year's Olympic Games”, but he added that he does not plan on withdrawing himself from contention for that team. “Amy, Jonathon and I will move forward. That is the only way Lynn would want it.”
If Ian earns an Olympic team berth this year, it will equal the world record of 9 Olympic appearances. Jonathon Millar finished runner-up to his father in the last Canadian show jumping championship and Amy is on the Canadian Equestrian Team short-list.
Lynn Millar (nee Doran) was raised in Ottawa and settled in Perth, Ont., following her marriage to Ian Millar.