April 26, 2021
The passing of Dr. Stanley A. Milner is a great loss to our community. Throughout his esteemed career, Dr. Milner was an active and passionate participant in civic, charitable, business, education and military pursuits. The recipient of numerous leadership honours, including the City’s Certificate of Meritorious Service, Dr. Milner’s commitment to Edmonton and city building was deep and lasting. It is fitting that his name and the memory of his generosity and support will live on in the heart of the city at the revitalized downtown branch of the Edmonton Public Library and at Village at Griesbach on Milner Crescent.
“From his work as a member of City Council, to his leadership roles with numerous civic institutions, Stanley Milner helped shape Edmonton into the uplifting and enterprising city we enjoy today,” says Mayor Don Iveson. “Stan’s support and passion for veterans and the military was legendary, and was central to building the reputation Edmonton has with military members and their families as a welcoming and caring home base.”
“Stan Milner was a beloved Edmonton giant, a true gentleman and a friend,” said City Manager Andre Corbould. “His connection and service to our community was outstanding and his contributions will have a lasting, uplifting impact on our city for generations to come,” Corbould said.
Dr. Milner served a term on the
Edmonton City Council from 1962 to 1963 and was chair of the
Edmonton Public Library (EPL) Board from 1963 until 1968. During this time, he successfully advocated for a new central downtown library which opened in 1967 and named in his honour in 1996. Dr. Milner’s innovative and entrepreneurial spirit significantly impacted the growth and establishment of EPL services. For more than sixty years, he remained a steadfast supporter and friend of the Edmonton Public Library. His pioneering vision was aptly captured on the plaque that adorned the 1967 Centennial Library: “The Edmonton Public Library, A Centennial gift to all seeking knowledge, inspiration or recreation.”
“Stanley Milner was the Edmonton Public Library’s greatest champion,” said EPL CEO Pilar Martinez. “Mr. Milner recognized the importance of establishing the library as a central community anchor and had the vision to build a library system for Edmontonians to foster learning at all ages. EPL remains grateful to him for his business acumen, generosity and leadership. As we celebrate the life of a brilliant businessman, dedicated philanthropist and good friend, we can be certain that Mr. Milner’s impact on EPL and the city of Edmonton will be a lasting legacy.”
An avid community builder, Dr. Milner’s generosity was extended to community organizations around the city, as a leader and champion for many of the city’s organizations, including the Boards of Edmonton Northlands,
Edmonton Symphony Orchestra and the Edmonton Football Team.
Flags at City Hall will be lowered to half-mast in his honour from 9 a.m. Monday, April 26 until sunset Tuesday, April 27.
The City of Edmonton and EPL send our deepest sympathies to the Milner Family and all who are impacted by this loss.
