Mick
Lawson (Mick) Millett
1930 – 2023
Mick Millett grew up in an orphanage. His mother had two girls from her first marriage, and when Mick’s father left them, his mother could not look after him, so she placed him in the orphanage. It was a different time in the 1930s, and women faced even greater challenges than today. This is not an excuse for her actions, but simply a reflection of the era.
He lived in the orphanage until his early teens when he was placed with a family on a farm. Mick was essentially a serf to the farmer; however, he was free from the orphanage and enjoyed farm work.
Mick on the left
The farmer was cruel and did not want Mick to be part of his family, but rather just a worker on his farm. So, when Mick came of age, he left the farm and joined the Royal Navy.
He served in the Royal Navy all over the world and saw action in the Korean War. He was proud of his service and would often tell stories of his time at sea to my brothers and me. Unfortunately, he learned to drink heavily in the Navy.
While in the Navy, Mick met my mother Matilda in England. They married shortly thereafter. He stayed in the Navy for a short time, and then I was born, followed a year later by my brother Lawrence. Matilda already had a son, John, who completed our family.
Matilda
Mick and Matilda wanted to leave England and move to Australia. And so, in 1960, the family emigrated to Australia.
Mick now had three sons, a wife, no education, and little experience in this new and strange country. However, Mick found work in many jobs and always supported his family. These were very difficult times for Mick, and he did behave badly at times, but the family stayed together.
Much later, when Matilda became very ill with Parkinson's disease, Mick dedicated his life to caring for her until her death.
Mick was very lost when Matilda passed away. He had spent 20 years caring for her and much longer than that married to her.
Mick and Matilda
Eventually, he met Verna, and they lived together on Verna’s property for many years. Mick’s new home took him back to his days on the farm, and he loved looking after the small property.
Mick died on February 26, 2023, of complications from hip surgery. He had been healthy and active for most of his life.
He had had a hard life, but a good one. He overcame adversity and addiction and became a wonderful person. He had a crazy and wicked sense of humor. He loved his family, and we will always remember him.
Verna, Mick, and me
Goodbye, Dad.