Rev. Leonard Earl Millison

Rev. Leonard Earl Millison

Leonard Millison Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Apr. 1, 2007.
MILLISON REV. LEONARD EARL
Beloved friend and pastor, Reverend Leonard E. Millison, of Peace Covenant Church in Key West, FL, died suddenly on March 9, 2007. Len was born June 8, 1946, in Punxsutawney, PA, to Reverend Henry and Betty Millison. After graduation from Tarkio College in Missouri in 1968, Len traveled to Alexandria, Egypt, where he taught at the Schutz American School for 3 years. He earned his Master of Divinity from Pittsburgh Theological Seminary in 1975. During his study, he worked as the Youth Minister and Pastoral assistant and finally Assistant Pastor at the Hiland Presbyterian Church in the North Hills. Len returned to The Schutz American School from 1971-1981 as an administrator, teacher and house parent. After his return to the USA, Len served 9 years as Pastor of the Hillcrest Presbyterian Church in Monroeville, and 8 years at the Mulberry Presbyterian Church in Wilkinsburg before accepting his present position in Key West. Len loved reading a book while on a rural retreat or a day spent fishing aboard his "QE III". He was also an avid traveler. His many travels for mission, study and pleasure included Egypt, Kenya, India, Turkey, Thailand and Australia. Through the years he had visited most European mainland countries and recently returned from France where he traveled on the Loire River Lateral Canal, and visited Normandy and Provence. Reverend Millison was an active member of the Presbytery of Tropical Florida. He was on the Board of the Florida Keys Outreach Coalition, moderator of the Interfaith Council, a member of the Southernmost Homeless Assistance League, a supporter of Habitat for Humanity, and other organizations. He was preceeded in death by his parents and is survived by his stepmother, Sally Millison, an aunt, uncles, many cousins, church family, and countless friends. A memorial service took place on Saturday, March 17 at the Peace Covenant Church in Key West with the Rev. Dr. Laurie Kraus officiating. A reception followed the service in Fellowship Hall. Donations may be made to the Peace Covenant Presbyterian Church, 216 Flagler Ave., Key West, FL, 33040. Gifts should be designated to the Len Millison Outreach Fund. The church email is [email protected]. Memorial plans for PA will be made available by mid-April. You may call 724-625-7912 for updates or visit http://butlertoday.com to gather information.
Send condolences at post-gazette.com/gb

Sign Leonard Millison's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

April 16, 2007

Sue H. posted to the memorial.

April 2, 2007

Kaye Wentling posted to the memorial.

April 1, 2007

robert walker posted to the memorial.

3 Entries

Sue H.

April 16, 2007

Frolicing across the stage in musicals at Knoch High School is how I will remember Len. My sympathy to you, Sally.

Kaye Wentling

April 2, 2007

Later in the afternoon of March 12, after I had learned that morning of Len's death in Key West, I was driving onto a bridge in Pittsburgh, about to enter the Fort Pitt tunnel. Suddenly a long white tractor trailer that I had not noticed before, overtook my car on the right. I held back to allow it to merge into my lane, and as it moved forward, I glanced over. I read "Gulf Transport" printed on the side of the trailer and then observed the depiction in turquoise of a graceful dolphin, leaping through a life preserver ring. I instantly recalled the lovely day two years ago when Len and I were boating on his "QEIII" in the actual Gulf of Mexico as a trio of dolphins played and leaped in the turquoise water, first on one side of us and then on the other. I felt as if divine intervention had arranged for my benefit this strange, poetic coincidence on the bridge in Pittsburgh, and I found it difficult to safely maneuver my way through the tunnel as I fought back tears.
Almost a month has passed, and I still can't believe that he is gone. I find myself thinking, I want to call Len and tell him this or that. He always was available to listen, and his loving attitude allowed me the freedom just to be myself, genuinely and without any pretense. The security and the liberation that I gained from his friendship were so precious to me. Another way that he influenced me was by encouraging me to step out and be more involved in the world, to take advantage of life's opportunities to grow. I am now able to sit calmly on an airplane as it is deiced before take-off, to snorkel in water well over my height in depth, and to perform the first mate's duties on a foggy night, along with much more significant accomplishments in self-knowledge and self-expression.
My friendship with Len was more recent than many of his relationships, but I hope that other people in his life who miss him, too, can take some consolation from these shared examples of appreciation for Len Millison. Len was God's gift to us all, and through Len, God gave us a wonderful example and a solid boost toward leading meaningful lives.

robert walker

April 1, 2007

Many years ago Rev. Millison was very kind to my ex-wife and me counciling us and giving us money to start a new life. I will always cherish this man in my heart.

Showing 1 - 3 of 3 results

Make a Donation
in Leonard Millison's name

How to support Leonard's loved ones
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Poems of Mourning and Comfort

The best poems for funerals, memorial services, and cards.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief

Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
Ways to honor Leonard Millison's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more

Sign Leonard Millison's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

April 16, 2007

Sue H. posted to the memorial.

April 2, 2007

Kaye Wentling posted to the memorial.

April 1, 2007

robert walker posted to the memorial.