WB Francis Millay obituary

Submitted by Secretary WB Rich Lathrope:

Brethren,

I am sad to report that we have received news from Grace Millay Ott (his daughter) that WB Francis died May 30^th of cancer at the age of 92 in Spokane. Francis was Secretary of Harmony from 1994-98.

Should you wish to send a note to Grace, her e-mail address is gott99204@aim.com

RWB Dave Owen and IPGM Tucker will be representing Harmony and Masonry at the funeral of WB Francis Millay in Spokane this Saturday. Our thanks to them and our commiserations to Grace and the rest of his family.

Fraternally, Rich

Francis Ernest Millay's obituary:

Born – October 25, 1916, in Lewiston, ID

Died – May 30, 2009, in Spokane, WA

Francis Ernest Millay, son of the late Francis Ernest and Ruth Stark Millay, was born and raised in the Lewiston Orchards, ID. Following graduation from Washington State University, he married his college sweetheart, Grace Barstow Millay. Francis enlisted in the U. S. Army, and served in England and France in the European Theater Quartermaster Corps during World War II. He retired as a Major.

A 32^nd degree Scottish Rite Mason for over 60 years, Francis was a member of Harmony Lodge #18 in Tumwater, WA and Past Master of Compass Lodge #24 in Yakima, WA. He was the 1998 recipient of Harmony Lodge’s Hiram Award for outstanding service to the Lodge and the Masonic Fraternity. Francis was a life member of Syringa Chapter #38 Order of the Eastern Star in Yakima.

Francis was a past president of the Selah Chamber of Commerce and Lions Club. His extensive community service also included work with Bethel 10 Job’s Daughters, Rainbow Girls, and DeMolay chapters in Yakima.

A people person, he had a successful sales career. Fulfilling a lifelong dream, Francis returned to college in his 50’s, obtained a teaching certificate, and taught high school DECA students the skills necessary to obtain jobs in retail and customer service.

Following retirement in 1975, Francis and Grace moved to Anderson Island, where he served on the Anderson Island Board of Directors for several terms, was president of the Anderson Island Community Church for two terms, and served on the Tanner Electric Co-op Board. When not delivering Meals on Wheels, he and Grace traveled extensively—favorite trips included Scotland, Thailand, Greece, Ireland, and Morocco.

Francis was preceded in death by his wife of 64 years, Grace Barstow Millay, brother Herbert Millay, sisters Margaret Henriksen and Mable Denlinger Barnhill. He is survived by his sister Elsie Mann, daughters Grace Millay Ott and Marjorie Millay, his beloved nieces and nephews, and his dear friends at A Peaceful Place Adult Family Home.

A celebration of Francis’ life will take place on Saturday, June 27, 2009, at 1:00 p.m. in the Alwin Chapel at Hazen & Jaeger Funeral Home, 1306 N Monroe Street, Spokane, Washington.

Contact: Grace Millay Ott

(509) 701-6268