Obituary

The family of Stephen (Steve) Claude McMillin is saddened by the loss of a beloved son, brother, uncle and cousin. Steve was a friend to many. He passed away at USC-Keck Medical Center in Los Angeles due to complications following heart surgery.

Steve was born in Kennewick, Washington on May 12, 1955. He was one of four children born to Gerald and Barbara McMillin. Steve grew up in Kennewick and graduated from Kamiakin High School in 1974. He then went on to become a pipefitter which became his life’s profession.

Some of Steve’s fondest memories were of spending summers fishing on Vancouver Island, snow skiing, learning to pilot an airplane, spending time in Montana at both his grandparent’s ranch near Libby and his sister’s cabin on Swan Lake. Steve loved his nieces and nephews and enjoyed talking to them often. He also enjoyed spending time with his friends (especially Hal and Bev Maxwell and Wanda Moyer) and was always asking how he could help out. Steve was one of the kindest people you would ever meet – no one was a stranger very long to him. While in Texas, he gained much pleasure from working with Habitat for Humanity. One of Steve’s greatest loves was his adorable boxer, Hannah. She will miss him dearly.

Steve joins in Heaven his beloved mother, Barbara; grandparents Donald and Florence McMillin and Peter M. and Ethel Jackson; Auntie Marlene Jackson; Uncle Ed Hoerner and brother-in-law John Kolendich. Steve is survived by his father, Gerald; brothers Peter and Donald (wife Lydia), sister Kathleen Kolendich (fiance Tom Gallagher), nieces Katy Shields (husband Corbin) and Katherine Kolendich; nephews Jerry McMillin, Johnny and Nicholas Kolendich and many very special cousins.

Steve’s funeral is Friday, January 20 at Mount of Olives Church in Mission Viejo at 10:30. He will then be cremated and interred at a later date next to his mother in Missoula, MT.

In lieu of flowers, donations to Steve’s favorite charities would be appreciated. They are Habitat.org, HumaneSociety.org and the Boxer-Rescue-LA.com charities. Special thanks to Dr. Mike Moran for helping give us more time with Steve. Steve’s humorous laugh, amusing stories, gentle spirit and warm smile will be missed and he will be in our hearts forever.

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17 responses to Stephen C. McMillin

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Lisa Albers says:

January 19, 2012

Wally we will truly miss you and your goofy laughter. I know Auntie Barbara and John are enjoying it right now.
With eternal love,
Lisa Jackson-Albers

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Michelle Evans says:

January 19, 2012

Much love to you at this very difficult time. Steve’s obituary was beautiful and a real tribute to what a wonderful person he was. Love, Cousin Shelley

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Pam Jackson says:

January 19, 2012

Steve you have such a special place in my heart and I am so sad we have had to say good-bye. You will be missed.
Love, Pam Jackson

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Cynthia Waddoups says:

January 20, 2012

Stevie was a great guy. When he would call he would only talk a minute acting like he was being forced through the smallest hole so almost every conversation seemed rushed so he could get on with whatever he was doing. Once in awhile he would take his time to converse and then we would say he had to go. Stevie was so proud to have been able to get up out of his hospital bed and walk one hundred steps then it was more and more. He was so excited for the next step and that was to go to Kathleen’s until he would receive his new heart. Steve and my husband, Gary were childhood buddies down in the old neighborhood. I have memories of cooking a meal for Gary and Steve knowing that they were enjoying it. What a great evening of conversation we had. The last time we saw Steve was when he rolled in from California on the train and we meant him in Pasco. We were happy to see him. It had been awhile and Steve was already experiencing problems with his heart so it gave us great joy to meet him at the train station. Of course, the first thing I saw was his big smile. So Gary and I feel that Steve did not leave us to deal with the problems of the world but has left us with a big smile and that we will see him one day soon. He is on his next journey which, who knows, may be something to do with communicating with the Heavens. My last words to Steve were that Gary and I loved him. He thanked me and that was it. We hung up. God Bless YOU, Stevie, we will always think of YOU. Thank-you for reminding me that I had gained some weight some several years ago. Love YOU, too!!!!

Keep Smiling!!!!
Cynthia Waddoups

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Joyce Comer says:

January 22, 2012

Those we love don’t go away, They walk beside us every day. Unseen, unheard, but always near, Still loved, still missed and very dear. …Wishing you hope in the midst of sorrow, Comfort in the midst of pain. My Condolences…Joyce Comer

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