Milton Wilson

10/23/1935 — 1/4/2017

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Milton Miller "Milt" Wilson was born Oct. 23, 1935, on the family ranch just outside of Weippe. He passed away on Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2017, at Life Care Center in Lewiston, from complications of a stroke, at age 81.

This 10.5-pound bundle of joy was delivered to Laurence and Nora Mae Wilson. Milt had two older half-brothers, Dale and Elmer. His childhood was spent following his dad and learning the work on a farm. He cut down trees with a cross-cut saw, milked cows (which he didn't enjoy) and farmed and logged with a team of horses alongside his father. In school, he was a member of the football team, band and drama.

After graduating from Weippe High, with no money to attend college, he resorted to reading, mostly mechanically-oriented books (which helped him get a job at a sawmill at O'Mill, Idaho). He became very knowledgeable in the field of steam. In 1965, his steam skills were used at the new Potlatch-Jaype Mill between Pierce and Headquarters, where he was head of the boiler plant. He continued as foreman of the boiler plant until he retired in 1993.

Milton and Thelma Hobbs were married and had four children - daughters Beverly Dobrinski (Bill) of Vancouver, Wash., Bonnie Hunt (Bruce) of Lewiston, and Tina Bowman of Vancouver; and son Wayne C. Wilson of Lewiston. Their marriage ended in divorce. Milton later married Karen Wilsey of Clarkston. Karen and Milt were married for 25 years and enjoyed traveling to Yuma, Ariz., avoiding the Pierce winters. They also enjoyed the sun with many old and new friends who were snowbirds. Their marriage also ended in divorce.

Milt had a love for flying and dreamed of becoming a pilot and owning his own plane. This dream came true in 1980, when he enjoyed flying his own plane. He enjoyed going for drives, whether close to home or traveling across the United States. His one big dream was to travel again to Alaska. He had everything he needed to go except a co-pilot. He was always reading about his hobbies: engines, cars, hunting, guns and travel destinations, to name a few. He also loved to ride his all-terrain vehicle on the backroads around Pierce.

Milton was preceded in death by his parents and brothers. He is survived by his four children and their spouses, 10 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Milt always thought of Pierce as his home, hoping to live out his final years there. Even after he had a few strokes that set his health back some, he would return to Pierce. Dementia finally made it unsafe for him to remain in Pierce, so he resided at Life Care Center of Lewiston, where he passed away on Jan. 4, 2017, with family at his side. Up until a week prior, Milt had been giving the staff a run for their money, or moola, as he would always call it. The family wants to thank the staff at Life Care for all their care and love for Milton and our family. As difficult as it was the past two years, we always felt your loving care. His friends and neighbors in Pierce and Weippe also are greatly appreciated for all you did for him.

There will be a graveside service later this spring at the Weippe Cemetery, where he will be laid to rest beside his parents. Malcom's Brower-Wann Funeral Home of Lewiston is in charge of arrangements.

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