An award-winning filmmaker who previously lived in Sudbury has died in Australia at the age of 54.
John Alden Milne was known for his production company, Greenboots Media, in which he produced shorts, music videos (including for the likes of well-known Southern Ontario band Great Lakes Swimmers), corporate work and the Sudbury-shot feature film “The Savage Tales of Frank McGuffin.”
His family confirmed to Sudbury.com that Milne died Nov. 26 as a result of a stroke. Milne had been living in Australia since 2019. Several of Milne’s family members live in the country.
“As many of you know, John was a man of incredible talent — he was an award-winning filmmaker who was respected and admired by his peers. His talents spanned art, writing, cinematography, landscaping and painting,” his sister Angela Goward wrote in a Facebook post announcing his death.
“He had a natural charisma that drew friends from all over the world. Raised in Canada and finding his haven in Australia, his travels took him many places, including India, Mexico, Europe, Southeast Asia, New Zealand, and Costa Rica, where he created lasting memories and connections.
“His travels around the world inspired his work and connected him to so many people … A bright and artistic soul from a young age, John made an impact on everyone around him, and his spirit will live on in the work he created and the hearts he touched.”
She told Sudbury.com in an interview that her brother, who she said had a beautiful smile and blue eyes, could “light up a room.”
“You also sensed a deepness within, a complexity,” she said. “He would take the time to ask great questions and draw out things from people, whilst maintaining a very independent mind.”
Milne lived in Sudbury from the mid-2000s until 2017. Graduating from film school at Ryerson University in 1995, he began working at Science North in 2006, developing and procuring large-format documentaries and travelling exhibits.
“He loved Sudbury, he really did,” said Goward, in an interview with Sudbury.com.
“I think that's what he does best. He's very choosy. He'll find a community and then really embed himself in that community and get to know people.”
The family said they are appreciative of the messages of condolences they’ve been receiving from the Sudbury arts community.
“It's lovely to see the comments that people are making,” said his mother, Mary O’Brien. “He’s touched people’s lives everywhere he has gone more than I really realized. The comments have been beautiful.”
“We're just heartbroken, but we're so thankful for the Sudbury community for the kind words that they're saying about John,” said Goward. “We do hope that his work does live on.”
Goward said in her Facebook post that Milne is survived by his parents John and Mary, his son, Orson Milne, his siblings Susan, Rich and Angela, his in-laws Stephanie, Tim and Yvette, his nieces, Charlotte and Juliette, and his nephew, Orlando.
She said he will be deeply missed by Connie and Anne, and all who loved and knew him.
Heidi Ulrichsen is Sudbury.com’s assistant editor. She also covers education and the arts scene.