Clyde Dewey Mcmillan

Clyde D. McMillan
August 18, 1946 - September 22, 2014
MONMOUTH - Clyde McMillan, 68, of Monmouth died Monday, September 22, 2014 after a courageous eight-year battle with Multiple Myeloma.
He was born in Woodburn, Oregon on August 18, 1946 to Claud and Luetta (Benson) McMillan, the oldest of three sons.
Clyde grew up in Dallas where his Father found employment at Gerlinger Industries, later called Caterpillar. He attended grade school in Dallas, had a paper route and received his Certificate of Perfect Attendance from the Dallas Methodist Church Sunday School. His single working Mother moved the boys to Independence where he attended school, graduating from Central High School in 1965. His Mother married Jack Townsend of Independence, whom he loved very much and considered himself very lucky to have two loving Dads.
After graduation, he was employed at the Boise Cascade Plywood Mill, in Independence, when his letter arrived from Uncle Sam, drafting him into the US Army. Clyde served from May 1966 to May 1968, with a tour of duty in Vietnam based out of Cu Chi. He was assigned to Co B, 65th Engineers Battalion, 25th Infantry Division, as a radio operator. He was awarded the Army Commendation Medal for Meritorious Service in connection with military operations against a hostile force. He told of incidents where he had to maintain & repair communication lines sabotaged by the enemy and it was there where he came into contact with Agent Orange Herbicide.
Clyde returned home from the service and continued working at Boise Cascade plywood mill until the downsizing in the early 80's. He worked at Conifer Plywood in Willamina for five years until a windstorm blew down the smokestack. He worked at the Pepsi Cola Mfg plant in Mt. Angel for 17 years until cancer forced a medical retirement.
He was diagnosed in 2006 with Multiple Myeloma from exposure to the herbicides. He fought an eight-year battle with the help and dedication of the Doctors and Nurses who provided the best treatment along with a great measure of compassion, respect and dignity.
Clyde married the love of his life, Linda, on December 6, 1969 and together they raised three children, all of whom graduated from Central High, Independence, which delighted Clyde to no end.
Clyde loved his children & grandchildren, hunting with his sons, Hot Rods, drag racing, camping and SPORTS.
Anyone who knew Clyde quickly learned of his love of sports. He loved the OSU Beavers & enjoyed attending home games as a season ticket holder. He was passionate in his support of Central High sports, where he played Football and Baseball. He made it his mission to attend as many Central games as possible; even when he really did not know many of the players or parents-- he did by the end of the game and became fast friends with everyone. He is known for his knowledge of sports statistics. He will cite 'stats' about players he never met. When the kids were young, they were awakened early on Saturday & Sunday mornings with their Dad calling out game scores, while reading the newspaper from the kitchen table.
He coached his sons in Football, Basketball & Baseball in the Monmouth-Independence Kids Inc. (MIKI) youth sports program. He put all that he learned from his coaches into the tools used to instill in his teams: the love of the game, good sportsmanship, know you did your very best and to never give up. These attributes describe Clyde and how he lived his life and loved his ballplayers.
Clyde loved his community and did not know a stranger. He was proud to have served on the Monmouth Planning Commission and past Panther Club President. He enjoyed his mornings at the local "breakfast clubs" around town & would be pleased to have them "carry on" and include him in a story or two!
Survivors include his wife, Linda; children, Brenda & Keith Owen of Salem; Brent McMillan & Jamie Breyman of Salem; Kevin & June McMillan of Monmouth; Grandchildren: Hailey & Marissa Owen, Rylan McMillan, Derek & Cassisdy Breyman; Brothers, Lauris of Salem and Terry of Portland. Foster Brother, Kevin Crow; Niece, Kim Weiss & Nephew, Todd McMillan; Uncle Sonny & Aunt Dorothy Benson of Albany; Many cousins all over the state. He is preceded in death by his Parents; Stepfather; Grandson, Kace McMillan; Brother, Lonny.
A lively and upbeat celebration of life will be held Saturday, October 4th at 2:00 p.m. at Central High School Gymnasium, Independence, Oregon. Private service at Willamette National Cemetery with interment of ashes in the Columbarium. Farnstrom Mortuary has been caring for the family. For photos, memories and online condolences, please visit Clyde's website at FarnstromMortuary.com.