KEY POINTS:
Christchurch-born John McMillan, 56, was one of New Zealand's most distinguished economists.
Finance Minister Michael Cullen paid tribute to his inspirational former Christ's College maths teacher, who died in the United States of complications caused by cancer. "Professor McMillan ... made an outstanding contribution to economic theory and practice."
The dean of Stanford University's graduate school of business in California, Philip Knight, said McMillan was a brilliant scholar.
John McMillan is survived by his wife, Patrice Lord, and stepson Tim.
