William F. MILLIKEN

William MILLIKEN Obituary

MILLIKEN - William F. July 28, 2012, died peacefully at home at the age of 101, beloved husband of Barbara A. (Roesch) Milliken; loving father of Douglas L. (Donna S. Lewis), Ann B. and the late Peter C. Milliken; dear brother of the late Cooper Milliken. No prior visitation. Private services will be held at the convenience of the family. Memorials may be made in Mr. Milliken's memory to the International Motor Racing Research Center at Watkins Glen, 610 South Decatur St., Watkins Glen, NY 14891-1613. Online condolences at www.beachtuynfh.com

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Published by Buffalo News on Jul. 29, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for William MILLIKEN

11 Entries

August 7, 2012

My deepest condolences to the family of Bill Milliken. He was an outstanding thinker, developer of ideas, organizer of research, exemplary citizen, and, most important of all, an engineer who knew all aspects of his field, from concept to design to instrumentation and testing, to recognizing the complex physics of a system, to field experience. He was also a great teacher, a witty speaker, a man whose knowledge of his field was unsurpassed, and he had an ability to draw out the best efforts of anyone fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with him.
During my years at the late great Cornell Aeronautical Laboratory I did not have the opportunity to work directly with him, but had the greatest admiration for him and for the accomplishments of those who did work with him. In those years I recognized that he was a major contributor to the field of aeronautics, but it wasn't till later years that I learned of his work in understanding Road Vehicle Dynamics, and of applying the wartime lessons learned about stability and control of aircraft to the performance of road vehicles. In more recent years as a faculty member at UB I had the opportunity to offer an elective course in Road Vehicle Dynamics, using as a text the book Race Car Vehicle Dynamics, written by Bill and his son Doug. The material in that book is both broad and deep, and when I had difficulty following it I had the rare opportunity to speak with the authors in person. The course was also greatly improved by Bill's appearance as a guest lecturer - I have never seen a classroom so filled with interest as those to whom he spoke. He was not only informative, but inspirational !
His Autobiography is an example of the best that the 20th century offered, in terms of its depth, its value, and its impact on society. And all of this is spelled out with an honesty and wit that mark him as a major contributor to the lives of the many who knew him, and who can take consolation at his passing by the memory of what he leaves behind.
Bill Rae, Cornell Aeronautical Laboratory

Annette Palmerton

August 1, 2012

A man that I truly admired. I will remember him at "his" corner at Watkins Glen forever may he rest in peace. A pioneer in engineering and a true friend.His books are adored by my grandchildren and myself. Gods speed Bill Milliken, ride that Bugatti in Heaven.

Ron Abrams

August 1, 2012

Dear Family of Bill Milliken,
Please accept my condolences for the passing of Bill. I had the opportunity to hear Mr. Milliken and Brock Yates speak at Towne BMW in 2006 - One of the finest speakers and fun stories I have ever heard. God Speed Mr. Milliken and thank you for all you did.

Mike Smalley

July 31, 2012

It's always too soon when we lose those we look up to and respect. Gods speed to you Bill, as we say good-bye to a true gentleman and innovator of the racing community. Smalleys Garage, Watkins Glen NY

Dan Kmiec

July 31, 2012

Your friends at Ford Racing wish to express our deepest condolences on the passing of Bill Milliken. He will always be recognized as a pioneer in motorsports and an inspiration to us all. Thank you for all you have done for the sport.

Denny Cornett

July 30, 2012

So sorry to hear of the passing of Bill. He was a true legend and good friend of my father's, Denver Cornett. They can now race together and roll cars together like they did on the streets of Watkins Glen.

Adrian Ketchum

July 30, 2012

Sincere condolences on the passing of one of the greatest men I've ever had the privilege of knowing. A true gentleman, a friend, whose legacy will live forever, Godspeed Bill!

July 30, 2012

Doug,
I was sorry to hear of your father's passing. He was a wonderful man whom I liked very much My best to you and your family.

Antenor (Will) Willems
SAE, retired

Otto Linton

July 30, 2012

Please accept my sincerest Condolences for
passing of good longtime fried Bill.
His passing will leave an irreplacible
vacancy for the whole auto industry and
especially for motorsport.

Sue and Ray Wardynski

July 29, 2012

Dear Barbara, Doug and Ann: We were saddened to read of Bill's death and write to express our sincere sympathy. Our thoughts are with you as we remember a friend and long-time neighbor.

July 29, 2012

Dear family of Bill Milliken,
Please accept my condolences for the passing of Bill. He had a long and fruitful life. GOD said his work was done and called him home. May he rest in peace.
I worked at C.A.L./Calspan and got to know him and talk about the Spiral Jump. Peace Be To You All.
sincerely,
Conrad Johnson

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