David Lane Milligan, 84

David Lane Milligan, 84, beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather passed away at home. He was surrounded by those who loved him. David was born at home on Feb. 13, 1928, to Cecil Edna (Morris) Milligan and Claude William Milligan. He grew up in Nevada, Mo., and graduated from Nevada Senior High in 1946.

The family moved to Winchester in 1947. While living there he and his father worked in the local sawmill. The family later moved to Lewiston where David became an electrician.

In 1952, he married Eleanor Dahlberg. Together they had two daughters, Jennifer and Carolyn, and a son, Daniel.

In 1967, he married Vickey J. Smith. They lived in Cheney Wash., while Vickey finished her teacher’s degree. David worked as an electrician on one of the dorm buildings. They moved to Kellogg in 1969 and had a daughter Brenda in 1970.

They moved to Orofino in 1971 where David worked on Dworshak Dam until it was completed. He then opened his own business, Dave’s Radiator Shop, which he ran for 12 tears. He and Vickey also built a home out of a galvanized grain bin. It was quite a novelty for the area.

All his life David enjoyed rebuilding and flying airplanes. Early on he co-owned two planes with his younger brother, Jack. After he and Vickey were married they owned two airplanes, one of which he completely rebuilt.

After he retired he took up building and racing mini-hydroplanes. He built the boats out of aluminum and raced them with State Outboard Racing Association for several years.

Another of David’s passions was his Rottweilers. His first and most beloved was Barron, who was only 8 weeks old when David got him. The puppy was soon spoiled rotten. David could spoil a dog faster than anyone.

David is survived by his wife, Vickey, of 45 years at their family home; their daughter, Brenda and son-in-law Ed Willey of Coeur d’Alene; his daughters, Jennifer Hunt and Carolyn Houghton of Boise; and son Dan Milligan of Lewiston. He had eight grandchildren, Summer, Timothy, Mollie, Danielle, Anna, Riley, Victoria and Trey; and four great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Claude and Cecil Milligan; and brothers, M. Dean Milligan and Jack Milligan.

There will be a memorial from 2-4 p.m. Sunday, May 6, 2012, at the Rockin’ Robin on Government Way in Coeur d’Alene.

The family requests no floral arrangements.