Jerome Milender, 36

Jerome Milender, 36, passed away on March 14, 2008. He was born June 22, 1971.

He is survived by his two daughters, Amanda and Alexis in Bennett, Colo., and his parents, Doug and Linda Milender, also of Bennett; a sister, Janette Eastep, of LaPine, Ore.; his grandmother, Madaline Phillippi, of Bozeman; along with several aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews. He also leaves behind his loving girlfriend, Kelli Gagnon, of Bennett.

Jerome grew up in Kalispell. He graduated from Flathead High School in 1989, after which he entered the Air Force and was on active duty for four years and then in the Reserves for eight more years. He spent two stints of duty in Saudi Arabia and was stationed at Offat AFB before leaving active duty and returning with his family back to Colorado. In 1995, Jerome started working for the Colorado Department of Transportation on a maintenance crew. During his tenure with CDOT, he managed to receive several awards and promotions for his performance, moving himself all the way to project manager for the department, a title he held at the time of his death.

Jerome was quite the outdoorsman. He loved growing up in Montana where he got to go hunting, fishing and spending time outside. He always said he thought he had the best childhood any one could ask for.

Living in Colorado and having children of his own, he was very conscious of giving his girls the same kind of opportunities. Living out in the country, they have been able to experience some of the same values.

Not only was he a terrific father, but he was a great friend to all that knew him and a great person to have as a boss. He was always friendly, courteous, and straight with everyone he dealt with and would offer encouragement whenever he could.

He will be greatly missed.

Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, March 21, at Newcomer Family Funeral Home, East Metro Chapel, 190 Potomac, Aurora, Colo.

Expressions of sympathy may be made at www.newcomerfamily.com.