Todd Milks

Family and friends of Todd Lionel Joseph Milks are deeply saddened to announce that he has left this earthly world. On January 18, 2021, Todd would have celebrated his 52nd birthday.

Beloved son of the late Anne (nee McBane) and Earl Milks, he is survived by his much loved sisters Stephanie Crete (Stephanne) and Sorna Musitano (Agostino),
well as his nieces and nephews Connor (Tiffany,) Zachary (Megan,) Gabrielle and Catherine, great niece Eveline, many aunts, uncles and cousins as well as his dear family of friends in Ottawa, Calabogie Toronto,  Montreal, Tillsonburg, Calgary, Doha, Qatar and Montpellier, France.

Todd lived a rich, sometimes complicated life. Born in Ottawa, and raised in Gatineau and Rockland, Todd attended Franciscan University of Steubenville in Ohio. After school, he returned to Ottawa and quickly became a favourite in the downtown scene of the 1990's.

It wasn't all discos and dancing for Todd, he embraced his love of antiques and collectables, opening a small shop on Bank Street in the Glebe. After Ottawa, he lived in Montreal before arriving in Toronto in 2001.

Most prescient, Todd was a pioneer in moving his antique and estate sale business on-line, creating Estatenet. Largely self taught, Todd was recognized as an expert appraiser and translated his love of beautiful old things into a thriving business. His taste was impeccable and diverse,  from Blue Mountain pottery to mid-century modern furniture to 19th century Catholic artifacts.

Todd was raised in a household where spirituality meant service to the community. He volunteered with and contributed to many organizations, too many to list. His giving spirit wasn't limited to organized work; many senior members of Toronto's LGBTQ2 community remember his informal philanthropy, like taking seniors for groceries and arranging complimentary admission and organizing visits to the ROM and other cultural institutions.

Todd was a dynamic, engaging individual, something that was very evident with his many appearances on television shows in Toronto and Montreal, particularly when he appeared with his friends Steven and Chris on CBC.

Along with the Milks family, Todd's energy and life force will be remembered by his chosen family of friends. In the best and the worst of times, his loyalty and fidelity were as constant as his legendary humour. His ability to make you laugh,  and his openness to to cry with you, were hallmarks of what the people close to him will remember most.

Todd will be interred with his parents at Dales Cemetery in Cumberland, Ontario with a private family service in the spring. Todd's family of friends are hoping to gather together this summer, COVID permitting, to celebrate his life.

Family and friends would sincerely appreciate memorial donations to the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health at camh.ca or the Canadian Foundation for AIDS Research canfar.com two organizations which Todd heartily supported