Dennis Millard

It is with heavy heart that I, Mary Lee Millard the surviving wife of Dennis Millard, share my sad news that my husband Dennis transcended to the heavens as I held his hand on Monday, May 17. In the end, three major cancers were simply too much for Dennis.  Dennis passed away at home with family members at his side in Alameda, CA.

Dennis was born on a ranch in Poway, California to his parents Don and Norma Millard.  He graduated from Poway High School and San Diego State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in finance.  With a degree in finance, Dennis worked in project construction finance management for 30+ years mostly in the oil and nuclear industries as well as owning his own moving and storage business and getting a real estate license in retirement.

I was blessed to have had my love in my life for 37 married years and that we always threw the dock lines when we could. Dennis’ zest for life was infectious and mind boggling and I got to be with Dennis on an incredible journey. 

It started with our first date in Alaska when Dennis flew me down to Kenai in his tail dragger champ. That journey continued on as we sailed across oceans together on “our bottom” (s/v Lardo, Cal 39 sailboat), explored the celestial heavens with our telescope at many star parties, and traveled the globe to find a rare exotic bird.  Not to mention catching the big kahuna and chasing grizzlies, kayaking the remote regions of Alaska, and living in Mexico for a year.  Dennis loved to read, figure out how to fix things, play tennis, bicycle, grow roses, and hot rod in his Porsche. He enthusiastically loved all San Diego and Bay Area sport teams.  He packed it all in, in his short 76 years on the planet.

But best of all, was sharing your two wonderful sons Denny and Danny (wife Jane) and five awesome grandchildren Brenton, Alex, Maddie, Josh and Chloe. Dennis is survived by his siblings Jerry, Dave, Susie, Lydia and their lovely families; and is predeceased by his brother Mike. He is also survived by my family Cathy and Jim and their beautiful families. Dennis loved and cherished each family member.

A special thanks to all of our family and friends who provided love and support during Dennis long fight with cancer as well as to the staff at UCSF for their excellent care.
Donations in Dennis’ honor can be made to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society who were a great resource during Dennis illness.

Sail on my love, sail on for I shall meet you in the next horizon. But for now I will cherish our love forever in my heart until we meet again.

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