Howard Dale McMillan

Howard Dale McMillan died peacefully in his home the morning of Monday, Aug. 17, 2020 in Kalispell. He was 87 and surrounded by his loving family.

Howard was born in Denver in 1933 to father, Clarence and mother, Viola McMillan née Armburst. He attended Georgetown High School and graduated in 1951. He attended Western State College in Gunnison, Colorado, on a skiing scholarship. In his junior year he was drafted by the U.S. Army and served two years on the front during the Korean War.

While skiing at Berthoud Pass, Colorado, he met the love of his life and best friend, Nickolyn McMillan née Grillo. They would marry in 1957 and lived in Idaho Springs, Colorado, before settling in Whitefish in the early 1960s.

Howard was an avid skier, hunter, and all-around outdoorsman. In his younger days, he was a ski patrolman, ski jumper, and avalanche hunter. His early life was influenced by many teachers, especially Oren Shockley.

Howard was a member of the Forest Service and worked for the Glacier View District of Flathead Forest. There he used his passion for the outdoors to lead firefighters, conserve forest resources, and build cabins and bridges for public use. He ultimately retired in 1997 after 41 years of service. Howard was a devoted husband and father and was especially delighted in his grandchildren Breanna, Carly and Hunter. He was a dedicated member of the NRA and taught many young people how to safely use firearms. He was a member of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation.

Howard was predeceased by his parents, Clarence, and Viola; brother, Michael; his sons, Kennan, and Corey; and granddaughter, Carly.

Howard is survived and will be deeply missed by his wife, Nickolyn, of Kalispell; brother, Harold and his wife Jerry, of Polson; son, Bryan and his wife Torrie, of Bothell, Washington; grandchildren, Breanna of Kennewick, Washington, and Hunter of Bothell; his nieces, Vickie of Polson, and Marylyn of Pahrump, Nevada; nephew, Lee, of Frenchtown; as well as numerous extended family members and friends.

The family would especially like to thank Dr. Timothy Stutzman, Dr. Timothy Nuce, and the people of Kalispell Regional Medical Center and Immanuel Retreat for their care and compassion.

A celebration of the Holy Sacrament of the Mass will be held at Risen Christ Catholic Church in Evergreen Montana at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 25.

Honor donations may be made to the American Diabetes Association. Columbia Mortuary in Columbia Falls is caring for Howard’s family.