Cork Millner

An Officer and a Gentleman

Cork Millner, Clayton Linville, or "Corky," as his father dubbed him because he was a "real corker," is no longer with us. Cork passed away at age 81, on August 13, 2013, at his home due to natural causes.

Born and raised in Newton, Kansas, with one brother, Robert, Cork was a student at Kansas State University, before he joined the Naval Air Cadet program. He became a Lieutenant Commander in the Navy for twenty-two years. As an aircraft carrier pilot, he made more than 850 landings. During his military career he and his family lived in Italy and Spain for ten years. It was there he developed his love for Sherry, which led him to write his first books on the subject. After retiring from military life, he moved his family to Santa Barbara, received his Masters Degree in Drama from UCSB and launched his career in writing.

Cork was married to Lynda Millner Seth for forty-three years and with her had two children. His daughter, Kim, married to Jorge Cavalle, has two sons Gabriel and Cody and they reside in San Diego. His son, Dane, married to Allison, run a bustling business near Sequoia National Park, in California. For two short years Cork was married to Jillian West Millner who died of cancer. His stepson is Brien Stanton. Cork was extremely proud of his family.

To his son, Dane, he was a basketball coach, fellow football fan and role model. To his daughter, Kim, he was her first dance partner, rodeo announcer, and financier of her horse habit. To his grandsons, Gabriel and Cody Cavalle, he was "Papa Cork," their soccer supporter. To many Santa Barbaran?s he was a writing teacher, mentor and winery tour guide.

So here is a toast to you, Cork, writer, teacher, photographer, actor and director of theater, funny man, wine snob, world traveler, lover of classic cars and polo: "Cork, may you enjoy your next destination in the big blue skies!"

Please join us for a memorial service on Mon. October 7, 2013 at 11:00, followed by a Military Honoring in the Sunrise Urn Garden at the Santa Barbara Cemetery, 901 Channel Drive, Montecito, and then a Celebration of Life at 3375 Foothill Rd. #1011, Santa Barbara Polo Fields.

Please RSVP miriam@weddingsantabarbara.com or 805-564-4414.

In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to The American Heart Association, 212 W. Figueroa St., Santa Barbara, 93101. The phone number for Memorial Contributions is (800) 242-8721.