Retired city lifeguard Capt. Joseph C. Mills Jr., a longtime Ala Moana Beach Park lifeguard and an advocate of lifeguard competitions and racing, died July 30. He was 69.

Mills retired in 1994 after 26 years with the city Ocean Safety Division. That year he was also honored as Quiksilver Waterman of the Year.

A 1954 graduate of McKinley High School, Mills served a tour of duty with the Army in Korea, then took a job with Dole Cannery.

He became close friends with a cannery co-worker named Eddie Aikau, another skilled waterman who would go on to fame as a big-wave surfer and Hokule'a crewman. The two decided to try out for the city's newly expanded lifeguard service and were hired.

Mills was promoted to captain in 1983 and was assigned to supervise the North Shore district. He was a strong supporter of lifeguard competitions because he saw the value in lifeguards maintaining high levels of fitness and preparedness. He earned eight medals in six national lifeguard championships.

Mills is survived by his wife, Leilani; son, Keo Chai; daughters, Yvonne Patcho and Joy Mills; brother, William; half brothers, Wilfred, Clifford and George Clarke; half sisters, Lucina Clarke and Hannah Salas; nine grandchildren, two-great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

Friends will hold a paddle-out in Mills' memory at 7 a.m. Wednesday at Sans Souci Beach. Friends may call at Kaumakapili Church beginning at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday. Service at 7 p.m. Private burial at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific at Punchbowl at a later date.