Lee J. McMillan, 81, passed away Thursday, October 11, at MMH Nursing Home in Lewistown.
Lee was born May 4, 1931, in Helena, Montana. He was the first child born to Lee E. and Mary D. (Mougeot) McMillan. Lee played football at Helena High School, where he graduated in 1949. On March 2, 1953 he married his high school sweetheart, Patricia Waterland. Together they raised their three daughters, Chris, Karen and Kathy. Lee was also blessed with another daughter, Peggy.
Lee began working a very young age to help his widowed mother and siblings. Shortly after graduating, Lee enlisted in the Air Force during the Korean War. After completing his time in the service, Lee worked for various companies before fulfilling his dream of owning his own business. In 1969 Lee and Pat opened Lee’s Refrigeration. Lee loved racing stock cars at Valley Speedway and NASCAR. He enjoyed spending time with his family and friends; going camping, riding motorcycles, weekends at the family cabin on Canyon Ferry Lake, and trips to Las Vegas.
Lee worked and played hard all his life. We will miss his kindness and generosity to others, his smile and his laughter.
He is survived by his daughters Chris (Bob) Bartlett, Karen (Tom Reighard) Martin, Kathy Mortimore, Peggy (Marc) Murfitt; grandchildren Jeff McMillan, Michael, Erin (Joe Fournier) and Chase Martin, Kirsten, Jamie Raye Mortimore; Devan, Jake, Kehler Murfitt; great grandchildren Mackenzie, Payton, Braden McMillan; Dean Fournier; several nieces and nephews; and close family friend Bernie Martin. Lee was preceded in death by his wife, Patricia, parents, sister, Joanne and his brother, Don.
Lee’s family would like to thank the staff at the Masonic Home of Helena and the MMH Nursing Home in Lewistown for their compassionate care of Lee.
Viewing times will be held from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm Thursday, October 18, 2012 at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave. A Funeral Service is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. Friday, October 19, 2012 at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home. Burial with Military Honors will follow the service at Sunset Memorial Gardens Cemetery, Helena. A reception will be held at the Service Club on Ft. Harrison after the burial. Memorials in Lee’s name can be made to the Masonic Home of Helena, 2010 Masonic Home Road, Helena, MT 59602, or the Lewis and Clark Humane Society, PO Box 4455, Helena, MT 59604-4455. Please offer a condolence to the family or share a memory of Lee with the form below.
Service Schedule
Family and Friends Service
6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Thursday October 18, 2012
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Service
1:00 p.m.
Friday October 19, 2012
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Burial with Military Honors
Following the Funeral Service
Friday October 19, 2012
Sunset Memorial Gardens
7100 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the Burial
Friday October 19, 2012
Service Club at Fort Harrison
3687 Verterans Drive
Helena, MT 59636
Service Schedule
Family and Friends Service
6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Thursday October 18, 2012
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Service
1:00 p.m.
Friday October 19, 2012
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Burial with Military Honors
Following the Funeral Service
Friday October 19, 2012
Sunset Memorial Gardens
7100 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the Burial
Friday October 19, 2012
Service Club at Fort Harrison
3687 Verterans Drive
Helena, MT 59636
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MaryAnn Ranger says
Karen and family, so sorry for your loss. God be with during your time of grief. God Bless. MaryAnn & Jeff Ranger
Denise Hayden says
Girls, so sorry to hear about Lee! I have so many memories with Lee & Pat & all of you.
Bill & I am thinking of you all. Love you Denise & Bill
flossie says
I was sorry to hear of Lee’s passing. Know that my prayers and thoughts are with you all and that you find comfort in knowing that Lee and Pat are together once again.
Joyce Jensen Lutey says
So sorry to hear of your loss. I grew up with your mom. We were the best of friends, and also cousins. My mom (Belva) and Violet were sisters. Pat and Lee were so much fun to
be around. They could always make me laugh. My family moved from Helena in 1968 so
we missed out on all the goings on in our families. I just wanted you to know that I cared for your mom and dad. They were my friends.
Elaine Tuffli and family says
Was so sorry to hear about Lee. He is now with Pat and they are both Angels. I hope you all find comfort with each other in his passing. We love you.
Kyle and Esther Dearing says
We recently learned of Lees passing. We are sorry for your loss. Lee is now in heaven with his Pat and family. We have always had a special place in our hearts for both Pat and Lee even though we have been away from Helena for many years. Both Pat and Lee were part of our happy memories in high school and when we both got married.
Our blessings go to all of their family.