Archie Burt Milam Jr.

Archie Burt Milam, 91, passed away on January 3, 2015 at Parkview Memory Care surrounded by family and friends.

Archie was born December 16, 1923 to Archie and Mattie Milam in Livingston, MT. He spent his youth learning about cars from his father who was a mechanic at the local auto repair shop. He graduated from North Hollywood High School and enlisted in the Army Air Corps during WWII. He studied to become an airplane mechanic and repaired B-29’s. After the war, he attended Montana State College and earned a degree in Mechanical Engineering.

He returned to Livingston and drove a bread delivery truck. He delivered fresh baked bread daily to Yellowstone Park. This is how he met the love of his life, Helen Ritchey, whose father owned the bakery. They married in 1949 and moved to Cut Bank, MT where he worked for Montana Power. In 1956, he moved Helen and 3 daughters to Walla Walla, WA. He promptly bought a Lot on Frazier Drive and built a house for his family where he lived for 55 years. He worked for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for 26 years where he progressed to the position of Chief, Design Branch, Engineering division. He received many awards to attest to his dedication and professionalism.

He spent his retirement years restoring old cars, golfing, wood carving, dancing and dining, and touring with the Walla Walla Historical Auto Club. Archie and Helen vacationed on the Oregon Coast annually for 30 years. He loved helping family and friends repair anything mechanical. Archie was a fiercely independent and resourceful person. There was nothing he couldn’t build or repair. His sense of humor and wit will be missed by all who knew and loved him. I’m quite certain that he will inspect Heaven’s Gate for smooth operation before skipping through.

Archie is survived by his daughters, Debbie Woodruff of Sacramento, CA, and Jan McGowan of Haslet, TX; his granddaughters, Heidi Staudenmaier, Katie Grote, Courtney and Emily McGowan; grandsons, Drew and Matt Woodruff. Survivors also include sons-in-law, Scott McGowan of Haslet TX, Bob Boldman of Walla Walla, WA; four great grandchildren, Ryker and Brohgan Staudenmaier and McKinlee and Koleson Grote. He was preceded in death by his oldest daughter, Connie Boldman and his wife of 62 years, Helen Ritchey Milam; 1 brother, Harold Milam & 1 sister, Cara Mae Milam.

A celebration of his life will be held at 2:00 pm, January 17, 2015 at the Herring Groseclose Funeral Home, 315 W. Alder, Walla Walla. Memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association in his memory through the funeral home.