Donald James McMillan - 1937-2024 Donald James McMillan, 86, passed away peacefully on January 27, 2024, in Sun City, Arizona. He was born February 15, 1937, in Los Angeles, California and raised in Butte, Montana. Don married Helen Allene Ashley in 1959 and they were married for 64 years. Helen passed away on January 17, 2024, just ten days before Don's passing. Don is survived by his daughter, Deanna Tymofichuk of Salt Lake City, Utah. He also leaves behind a brother, John Merrett, of Albuquerque, New Mexico; three grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, along with numerous nieces and nephews. Don was preceded in death by his wife, Helen and daughter Dorothy Heil, and his parents, Alexander Neil MacMillan and Helen Margaret (Kalousek) McMillan. Don attended grade school, high school and college in Butte, Montana. He received a Bachelor of Science degree in Metallurgical Engineering from Montana School of Mineral Science and Technology in 1961. In 1989 Don obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Accounting from Montana State University. Don had a very successful professional career spanning over 40 years. Upon graduation in 1961, Don and Helen moved to Columbia Falls, Montana where Don was employed by the Anaconda Aluminum Company/ARCO Metals Company, between 1961 and 1985. As a key member of Anaconda/ARCO, Don held several responsible positions including: Potline Engineer, Paste Plant Superintendent, Potline Superintendent, and Special Projects Manager. Following graduation from Montana State University in 1989, Don was hired as the Director of Utah Operations for Brush Wellman Inc. located in Delta, Utah. Their mine is the only domestic source of one critical mineral: beryllium, which has many uses, including everything from space technology to household light switches. Don retired in 2002 as president of Brush Resources, Inc. In addition to his work career, Don was very active in supporting his community, serving on numerous boards and commissions, including: Member, United Methodist Church; President, Columbia Falls Jaycees; Member, Columbia Falls Zoning Commission; Chairman for CARE (Chemical Awareness through Responsive Education); Trustee, Columbia Falls School Board; Director, Columbia Falls Chamber of Commerce; Chairman, North Valley Hospital; Member, Utah Seven County Economic Development Committee; Chairman, Utah BLM Resource Advisory Committee; Chairman, IHC Millard County Hospitals; President, Utah Mining Association - to name just a few. Upon retirement, Don continued to be involved in his community, both in Polson, Montana and at Royal Oaks in Sun City, Arizona. Don's attitude about life is expressed in one of his favorite quotes from Winston Churchill, "We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give." A ceremony to honor Don's life will be held at a later date.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Montana Standard on Feb. 3, 2024.

Memories and Condolences
for Donald McMillan

2 Entries

Russell Carlson

June 6, 2024

Don & Helen were personal tour guides on a family vacation to Montana and Canada. My family loved Don and Helen and we even have a personal Hobo water color by Helen with Don used as the Hobo while he was sleeping on the couch. Great friends, Love the Carlson's of Delta, Utah.

Deb Wagner

February 5, 2024

Deanna, I was so sad to hear about Don's passing and Helen's. However, for him to leave this life so close to her departure reveals his devotion and love for his beloved. He was so proud of her accomplishments. And he was very proud of you, Dorothy, the grandchildren, and his nephews and nieces.

I had the privilege to work for Don as his administrative assistant and under his leadership as HR Manager at Brush. Don was wise, kind, and always looked for the best in people. It was particularly important for Don to recognize talent and then place steppingstones in their path to help them achieve greater potential; thank you Don for the stones you placed in my path.

Don never lost his zest for life...I hope he finds his favorite hiking and fishing spots from above!

Blessings,
Deb Wagner

Showing 1 - 2 of 2 results