Obituary of Robert Lewis Millham

Bob Millham passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 16th, surrounded by his wife, children and grandchildren at his home in Orinda, California. Bob had battled Lewy Body Dementia and eventually succumbed to complications related to the disease. Bob was born in Scotia, New York on August 16th, 1939, the second son of Donald and Helen Millham. He grew up in the Albany (NY) region and spent his summers in Lake George, NY. He went to prep school at the Berkshire School and attended college at the University of Pennsylvania, graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Economics. After college, Bob enrolled in Officer Candidate School in Pensacola, Florida with the goal of becoming a pilot. He graduated flight school in 1961 and was assigned to the aircraft carrier Ticonderoga on which he flew the A-1 Skyraider during two tours of duty in the Vietnam War. He was a highly decorated pilot, earning the Distinguished Flying Cross and 9 other air medals for heroism in battle. He also survived being shot down during a mission over South Vietnam. While generally reluctant to talk about his time on the Ticonderoga in Vietnam, he would describe his service there as some of the most exhilarating and terrifying experiences of his life. While learning to become a pilot, Bob met Anne Dolan, who was literally the "admiral's daughter" as her father was Admiral John William Dolan, commander of naval shipyards around the country. They married on June 25th, 1966 in Long Beach, Ca. after Bob returned from Vietnam. After his discharge from the Navy, Bob began his career as a pilot for Trans World Airlines (TWA) and he and Anne settled into their life in Orinda, Ca. Over a 33 year career with TWA, Bob flew almost every plane TWA utilized, starting his career as a flight engineer on the 707 and finishing his career as a check Captain flying internationally on a Boeing 767. During his career, he wisely decided to pursue his law degree going to school at night as he was justifiably concerned about the financial health of TWA and his future as a pilot. Amazingly, he was able to obtain his law degree and pass the California Bar while working full-time as a pilot and flying 4-5 days a week. He was admitted to the California State Bar on December 1st, 1981. He practiced law during the remainder of his career at TWA, never able to fully give up on his love of flying for the legal profession. Bob and Anne had 3 sons, oldest Stephen and identical twins John and Brian. He was a devoted father and husband and the time he spent with his family was his most cherished. He was so proud of his 3 sons and their wives and children whom he adored. He was an avid skier and passed along his love of the sport to his wife, sons, and friends. Weekends in Tahoe skiing at Alpine Meadows (wearing his famous yellow parka) were his favorite way to spend family time. He also enjoyed hunting, spending time in the marshes and wetlands of the Sacramento Valley. Summers were spent at the family home in Lake George, NY water skiing, fishing, boating, and jumping off the roof of the dock, something he continued to do until a few years ago. After his retirement, Bob and Anne spent half of each year at Lake George, surrounded by a close group of friends, some of whom Bob had known since childhood. His children and their wives (and eventually his grandchildren) loved spending time with him at "the Lake" where there was never a dull moment. Later in life, Bob's passion for golf blossomed and he spent most of his time on the golf courses of Orinda Country Club in California and Glens Falls Country Club in New York. Again, he passed along his love of the game to his children and his favorite foursome was with his 3 sons, battling it out on courses all over the country. Bob is survived by his loving wife of 49 years, Anne; his son Stephen (AnnFerrell) their children-Dolan (12), Hayes (9), and Annabel (6); son John(Tracey) their children-Nick (17), Paige (15) and Ryan (12); and son Brian (Laura) and their children-Makenna (17), Katie (15), Bennett (14) and Matt (12). Bob was a fabulous story teller and was always ready with a joke to entertain his friends and family. He will be missed by many. Services were private and there will be a Memorial Service on Saturday, March 5th . In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Guide Dogs for the Blind, PO Box 151200, San Rafael, CA 94915-1200. You may also donate on line, please visit www.guidedogs.com or call 1-800-295-4050 X4160.