Milton Routzahn

Milton Markwood ("Tim") Routzahn of Kodiak passed away at home on December 31, 2013. Born to George and Leela (Vaughan) 100 years ago, Tim grew up in Washington, DC, Puerto Rico, Maine, and Virginia. In his youth, Tim played football and rowed competitively, retaining life-long interests in both and in physical fitness. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy at 19 and served proudly for 30 years. Much of that time, Tim was stationed on destroyers, minesweepers, and aircraft carriers. A veteran of World War II, Tim was awarded the Legion of Merit Medal for distinguished service in combat. After retiring from the Navy, Tim worked at the Air Force Tracking Station in Chiniak, and then began a 21-year career with Sea-Land Freight Service.

Tim was a Master Mason (Scottish Rite 32nd degree and York Rite) and a member of several Masonic organizations and military organizations. He had a thorough knowledge of firearms and enjoyed discussing everything related to them. An avid reader, Tim had a remarkable ability to comprehend and recall whatever he read, including poetry and passages memorized long ago.

Tim was married to Billye (Grace Whited) for 70 years, and they raised 5 children. Kodiak was their home for over 5 decades. Tim wanted to live by the sea and seemed to love everything about Kodiak, the weather included. He explored the island as a hunter, fisherman, and private pilot.

In these last years, Tim did not dwell on things that were getting difficult to do. He lived to the best of his ability as an elder and did so with dignity. The family wishes to thank all those who showed an interest in Tim, especially while he cared for Billye following her stroke and during the 5 years after she passed away.

Surviving Tim are his children, Elizabeth (Dan) Hennick of Homer, Alaska; Karen (Fred) Herring of Prineville, Oregon; Grace (Sverre) Pedersen of Fairbanks, Alaska; and Robert Routzahn of Kodiak; his 12 grandchildren and their families; and nieces and nephews. Tim's older son, Mark, predeceased him.