Edward “Haji” Salmon Mills passed away on Christmas Eve at 10:40 pm while in St. Peter’s Hospital of natural causes. Ed was 79 years old. Pat, the boys and grandchildren were happy to spend this last day with Ed.
Ed Mills was born in Helena, Montana on October 18th during the 1935 earthquake. He was the second son of William and Ada Mills. He and his mother were rushed from the hospital to the family home at State Nursery in fear of the hospital collapsing during the earthquake.
Following his father’s footsteps, Ed attended school at Kessler, Hawthorne and Helena High. During his high school career he was a manager of the basketball team and participated in track and field. Doris and Walter Marshall coached Ed in the Frontier Town Players and the Brewery Theater. Breaking the Mills family tradition Ed attended U of M and enjoyed time at the Oxford and Stockmans.
The final day of the Korean Conflict marked Ed’s first day of his service in the United States Army. He was honorably discharged in February of 1957. By February’s end Pat and Ed had met and were to be married, November 16th 1957 at St. Helena Cathedral.
Ed’s professional career spanned fifty plus years at the State Nursery where he was of the third generation in the Mills’ family business. The nursery was fortunate to have Ed participate in all aspects of the business. Pat and Ed worked side by side for over twenty five years until the doors closed in 2003.
The family frequently enjoyed weekend road trips and the cabin at Canyon Ferry, often vacationing in Seeley Swan and the Flathead. Later snowmobiling, golf and weekends at the lodge in Lincoln were among the family adventures. Ed always had a special place in his heart for the numerous dogs they own throughout the years.
As life time member of the Elks and by active involvement in the Helena Exchange Club Ed showed support for the Helena community.
He was preceded in death by his parents Ada and Bill Mills, brother-in-law Dick Stose and sister-in-law Dee Dee Mills. Ed is survived by wife Pat, son Dan and partner Dean Evans of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, son David and wife Connie of Florence, Montana, son Dean of Helena, Montana; he is also survived by his eldest brother Bill and a younger brother Phil and wife Karen; and grandchildren Alex, Daylene (Mark), Alisa, Kaity, Jon and Josh. Ed’s great grandchildren include Alex’s son Jack, and Alisa’s children Amanda and Bradley. Additionally he is survived by sister-in-law MaryLou and husband Doug Sales of Seattle as well as many nieces and nephews and his stead-fast confidant, the family dog, Yogi.
Ed would be happy to know that memorials will be sent to St. Peter’s Hospital Cancer Center and St. Peter’s Hospice of Helena, Montana.
Haji will always be remembered by his family and friends for his honesty, loyalty, compassion and his “wonderful” sense of humor.
A Funeral Liturgy will be held 1:30 p.m. Friday, January 2, 2015 at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Avenue. A reception will immediately follow in the social center of the funeral home. Rite of Committal will take place in the spring at the Montana State Veterans Cemetery at Ft. Harrison, MT. Memorial in Ed’s name are suggested to the Cancer Treatment Center or Hospice of St. Peter’s both addressed to St. Peter’s Hospital 2475 Broadway Street Helena, Montana 59601.
Please visit below to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Ed.
Service Schedule
Burial with Military Honors
1:00 p.m.
Friday July 10, 2015
Montana State Veteran's Cemetery
Hero's Road
Fort Harrison, Montana 59636
Service Schedule
Burial with Military Honors
1:00 p.m.
Friday July 10, 2015
Montana State Veteran's Cemetery
Hero's Road
Fort Harrison, Montana 59636
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Terry Harris says
Pat and family so sorry about Haji he was a great freind and we had a lot of good times together. I will keep you in my prayers. Rest in peace Haji.
Jim and Sandra Gross says
So very sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Jeff Morrison says
Ed and I were friends since 7th grade when he came to Hawthorne from Kessler..
Helena high together and then our working and retirement years in Helena….
He was one of the “good guys”…he will be missed by his many friends…
Bill Gamble says
Pat, so sorry to hear about Ed. I just found out today. I will miss seeing and talking to Ed. If you need anything, you know where I live.
Jim & Jo Burrington says
Pat, We’re so sorry to hear of Haji’s passing. We will forever treasure the memories of fun times together. May he rest in peace and God give you strength to carry on. Condolences also to Danny, Dave & Dean.
Shauna Wenger says
Dean and family~
I am so sorry for your loss. I know all too well how hard it is to lose someone close to you at this time of the year. Hold the memories close to your heart and know that he is watching over you and will give you strength to make it through this difficult time. I will keep your family in my thoughts and prayers.
Tom Juhl says
Pat so sorry to hear about Ed passing away he and the Nursey were very good to me. My prayers are with you.
Corky Hull says
Memories so strong, High school, the golfing extravaganzas, wilderness wanderers, a strong friendship. Loved that man. Rest in peace dear friend Haji
MaryLou Sales says
Eddie, my brother, You always will be in my heart. I sought my soul, but my soul I could not see. I sought my God, but my God eluded me. I sought my brother, and I found all three.
See you Patty and family soon,
Love,
MaryLou
Vanessa & Chuck Tolson says
Pat & family,
We are saddened to see Haji’s passing. Our thoughts & prayers are with you all. He was a great man, Chuck will always remember the Moose Milk they mixed up for the famous Milk Mouse Tournament! He has very fond memories of those good golf times, it puts a smile on his face when he thinks of Haji.
May God Bless You All.
TILLY AND DANIEL POCHA says
To Pat Mills and Family,
Pat & Family I’m truly sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. I wish there were words to take away the pain of losing a love one. Hold his memory close to your heart. Ed was a kind and loving gentleman. Every time I ran into Ed, he always gave me a big hug and smile. Those moments of reminisce, the good old days at the State Nursery were fun and precious to chat about. We have been blessed to known him. May God bless you all. Daniel and Tilly
Max & Morris Burner says
To Pat and sons.
We are so sorry for your loss and please know that we are thinking of you during this sad time. Ed was a great friend and will not be forgotten.
Fred and Judy Bakke says
To Pat and family,
God bless you and your family, we think of you often, We were so sorry to hear that Ed had passed away, I have so many memories of working at the Nursery,
Ed was such a kick, I will remember him and smile.
Jeff and Sharon DeBoer says
Pat, Dan, Dave, and Dean,
We are so very sorry for your loss.
Bev and Don OPITZ says
Dear Pat and family, We are sorry to read of Haji’s passing. Hugs to all of you at this stressful time Cherish all the good memories you have.
Dean Evans says
I wish I could argue about the locks on the explorer once again, laugh about it again, remember …… or hear how much Ed quietly spoke over and over again “I love you Danny” while they disagreed over the small stuff …. I will forever have that man in my heart and I am so blessed to have had the time with him.
Terri luft says
I love you all . You have all been a big part of my life I will miss Ed he always made me smile.
Deana Reuss says
You are all in my thoughts and Prayers. I loved Big Ed and all of you , My life was forever changed by working at the Nusery. Thank you for all the memories and forever friends that were and still are a big part of my life today………love and peace to you all.
Jim & Linda Price says
Pat, Dan, Dave & Dean and family. We are so sorry for your loss. Haji was a good man and will be missed. God’s peace be with you! Jim & Linda
Phil & Lois Ranf says
We are so sorry to hear of Haji’s passing. Our sympathy goes out to you and your
family! He will be missed. What a great sense of humor he had. God Bless!
Phil & Lois Ranf
Loren and Tina Crea says
Please accept our thoughts and prayers during your time of loss.
Brian & Jean Peacok says
Hi Pat and family, we are sorry to learn of Ed’s passing .He will always be remembered for all the good times at Green Meadow G.C. – especially our Men’s opener ” Moose Milk” I always had Haji pour my milk so that I knew it had been thoroughly “shaken” ! Thanks Ed for the good times.
Brian & Jean Peacock
Art & Clara Gilreath says
Our condolences go out to Pat and family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of sadness.
Carol Bridge says
Pat and family, It was truly an honor to be of service to you and Ed during his time with us in the cancer treatment center. You are very special people. Blessings in the coming year and always of Peace, love and healing. Carol, Volunteer CTC
Barbara barnes says
Dean I’m sending prayer and thoughts to you and your Mom and the kids as well as your brother.
Bob and Patsy Petrino says
Dear Pat, Dean and Family
We are so sorry about your husband, father and Grandfather We are thinking of all of you
This is such a hard time of the year, please know you are all in our prayers.
flossie shaw says
Pat and Family:
My thoughts and prayers are with you. Hold memories close and they will comfort you in this time of need.
kelly schroeder rhimer says
Danny, so sorry to hear about your dad. I dread the day myself. Hope all is well with you. Love you always.
Brown & Crocker Family says
Dearest Mills Family ~
We are sending many thoughts and Prayers your way. Ed was one of my very favorite Bosses and your family always made Charlie, John and I a part of your family. Thank You for that.
May Ed rest in Peace. I know there are no instructions for grieving, but know that I ask God to Bless You All to help heal your Hearts.
I believe Ed has reached Heaven and probably playing a game of golf right now. I am sure Pete Brazier, Charlie Brown and many other loved ones and friends have been showing him around. He w/be missed by many — RIP and may the memories live on!
May God Bless,
Pam, John & Charlie Brown
Steve Crocker & the Crocker Family
Helena, MT & Spokane, WA
Gina Beneventi Tweden says
Dearest Danny and David,
Sending many thoughts and prayers to you and to your mother. Please know I am thinking of you and all of your family, what a great dad you had!!!!!
Much Love
Gina Beneventi Tweden
Don Tweden sends his love too!!!
Lesley Johnson says
I have so many great memories of Aunt Pat and Uncle Eddie growing up! I always loved to visit Helena and Uncle Eddie ALWAYS made me laugh. He had the best sense of humor and was always so much fun to be around. Even though he is gone he will never be forgotten by so many. I feel fortunate for having known him and my thoughts and prayers are with you Aunt Pat, Dan, Dave and Dean. Love, Lesley
Doug Baus says
Aunt Pat, Dan, Dave, and Dean,
I have so many fond memories of Uncle Eddie any you during summer visits to your house growing up. He had so much presence, great sense of humor, and always so kind. I am blessed to have known such a great sprit! My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Love,
Doug
Matt & Mary Kunnary says
Dear Pat & family – Matt & I were so sorry to hear of Ed leaving us. We want you to know that are prayers are with you and your family. He will be missed.
God’s Blessings to you Pat & your family.
M&M