Cyril Leslie George Mills, better known as Ces, died peacefully in his sleep, at home in Okehampton, Devon, on April 18, 2024.

Ces was born and lived most of his life Salisbury, retiring to Devon in 2012.

He served his engineering apprenticeship at C.D.E.E Porton Down and went on to become a mechanical design engineer working at various design firms in and around Salisbury, notably Wallop Industries Ltd, Hi-Flex International, and Giltspur Engineering Design Ltd.

In 1982 Ces, together with his wife Dr Marie Mills opened Assisi House, a residential home for the elderly, in Manor Road, Salisbury.

Together they specialised in providing expert care to advanced dementia and Alzheimer sufferers. Assisi House was one of many community-based care homes effected by legislative changes in 2000 that saw a shift to purpose built facilities away from town centres.

It’s closure in 2001, was keenly felt by the resident’s families, Salisbury Hospital and the wider community.

Ces was a devout catholic and both he and Marie were active members of St Osmund’s and Holy Redeemer congregations in Salisbury and latterly St Boniface in Okehampton.

He was also an enthusiastic patron of Laverstock and Ford Social Club where he enjoyed socialising with fellow members.

He loved live music and was especially fond of going to concerts, in and around the Wiltshire and Hampshire area, to watch his son Jeremy gig with his various bands.

Ces was passionate about Outward Bound having attended Moray Sea School, Burghead in 1962, an experience he credited as being life changing, so much so he encouraged both his son Jonathan and grandson Jensen, to also attend similar courses in Aberdovey, Wales.

Thanks to Ces’ sterling efforts in 2018 and the generosity of former staff and students, £3,000 was raised to erect a commemorative plaque and two information boards at the former site of Moray Sea School in Burghead.

It was fitting that the unveiling was the last memorable journey that Ces undertook. Ces is survived by his wife of 58 years Dr Marie Mills and his three children, Jeremy (Jem), Jonathan and Anne-Marie and his seven grandchildren.

Salisbury Journal: Ces Mills

Ces Mills, January  30,1942 - April 18, 2024