Kenneth MILLIKEN

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MILLIKEN: Kenneth Beverley (Bev) Milliken, Husband, Dad, and Grandpa passed away on Friday February 5, 2010 at the Willowview Personal Care Home in Reston, Manitoba. Bev was born on June 16, 1929, the youngest son of William Milliken and Grace (McMurchy) Milliken, at The Meadows farm north of Reston, Manitoba. During his growing up years he spent his time at the farm and attended school in Reston. He grew up a farm boy and most of the stories we, his family, were told were about picking stones and harvest time. He enjoyed hunting along the Pipestone Creek that ran through the farmyard. He was the proud owner of two Harley Davidson bikes and loved to share stories with his children and grandchildren how fast he and his long time friend, Peter Baldwin could drive and make it to Redvers, Saskatchewan. He married Mary Boulton on July 15, 1950 and to this marriage was born four children, Wendy, Kenneth, Ann and Robbie. Their married life was started in the Kinloss district, followed by time spent in the Hillview district – moving finally to the Donald Farm on the Stoney Creek in 1960. He retired from farming in 2001. In the summer of 2008, Bev and Mary moved to the Town of Reston. In early 2009, Bev suffered a heart attack and spent the last year of his life at the Willowview Personal Care home. Over the years, Dad was an avid supporter of his children being in 4-H. He was a 4-H beef leader and taught Hunter Safety. When he sold the milk cows in the mid-60’s, he started driving a school bus – later becoming a school bus driver with the Fort La Bosse School Division for over 34 years – retiring from the school bus in 1997. He had a great impact on the many young people who rode his school bus over the years. Bev was also a long-time director with the Pipestone Albert Ag Society, a board member of the Linklater elevator – being involved in the moving of the Ewart elevator to the Linklater elevator site and a member of the Canadian legion. He enjoyed playing pool at the drop in centre in town. During his entire life, Bev loved to sing – he sang at weddings, funerals and in various church choirs. He sang at his daughter, Ann’s wedding. Later in his life after many years of square dancing with his wife Mary, he began to call for square dance clubs. He loved the music and the opportunity to laugh and be with friends. For many years, Bev and Mary taught square dancing to the Grade 2 class in Reston. He and Mary were presented with the Crocus Long Service Square Dance Award in 2008. His grandchildren remember it being easy to track down Grandpa on the farm as he would be singing or whistling. He was extremely proud of all of his family and along with Mary took special interest in their nine grandchildren’s activities – Grandpa and Grandma were always there to support the “wee lassies and laddies” Camping and traveling were an experience that Bev enjoyed doing – many trips were made out west to Penticton and other spots including California to visit his sister and her husband. Camping with his grandchildren at Cactus Hills was a highlight for all and each of the grandchildren have special memories of times spent camping with Grandma and Grandpa. Bev will be missed by his wife Mary of 59 years, daughter Wendy Bulloch of Brandon, grandchildren Colin and Dianne of Winnipeg and Cameron of Whistler B.C.; son Kenneth and Eileen Milliken of Reston, granddaughter Jennifer and grandson Derek, both of Brandon; daughter Ann and Brent Patmore of Virden, grandchildren Keenan of Winnipeg and Kaitlyn of Brandon; son Robbie and Dale Milliken of Reston, grandsons Dillon and Cody at Reston and granddaughter Jessica. He is survived by his sister Roberta Lappin of Glendale California, and a sister- in-law and brother-in-laws, as well as numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. A celebration of Bev’s life was held on Friday February 19th at the Pipestone Community Hall in Pipestone Manitoba – Reverend Dwight Rutherford officiated at the service with organist Vivian Henuset and a joint choir from the Reston Anglican, Reston and Pipestone United churches providing the music. Jennifer Milliken and Kaitlyn Patmore delivered the eulogy, full of many memories and stories, in honor of their grandpa. A power point show of Bev’s life was shared with all in attendance. The Mennonite choir from Sinclair sang Amazing Grace. Pallbearers were Bev’s six grandsons, Colin and Cameron Bulloch, Derek Milliken, Keenan Patmore, Dillon and Cody Milliken and flower bearers were his granddaughters Jennifer Milliken, Kaitlyn Patmore and Jessica Milliken. Interment was in the Reston cemetery. A time of fellowship was enjoyed over lunch – served by the Pipestone Guild and Square Dance Members back at the Pipestone Hall. If desired, a donation may be made to a charity of your choice.

As published in Brandon Sun on Mar 06, 2010