Ralph Richard Milner

Ralph Richard Milner Dick Ralph Richard Milner, 83, our honorable husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and friend passed away peacefully at home following a long illness. He was born May 4, 1928 to Benjamin Fayne Milner and Harriet Viola Williams, and was the youngest of five sons. He married Giovanna Fortunata Furano, his wife of 63 years, and sweetheart from Bryant Junior High, March 12, 1948 in the Cathedral of the Madeline. Marriage later solemnized in the Salt Lake Temple. A faithful member and life time missionary of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints, he served as a High Priest, Stake Mission President, Seventy, Teacher, Scout leader, Welfare Square tour guide and Temple worker. Known and admired for his wit, wisdom, knowledge, understanding and love of learning, he was a self educated man with a keen memory and inherent common sense. His exemplary work ethic began as a lad at Grower s Market and continued throughout his adult life as a Dispatch Engineer at the Denver and Rio Grande Railroad and as a Powerhouse Engineer at Hercules Powder Company for 30 years until his retirement. A noble prince in paupers clothing, he was a consummate handyman, repair and fix-it man who generously shared his talents, tools and skills with family, friends, and those in need. A positive thinker, he enjoyed telling stories from his life experiences, reciting poetry and pros, having a good laugh, playing the piano and ukulele by ear, and singing favorite old tunes with family and friends. He had an avid appreciation for cinema, especially Hollywood s classic black and white films from the 30s, 40s and 50s. He also enjoyed fishing, hunting and camping in the outdoors, and in his later years he was happy to build a family cabin in the High Uintas. A Superman to his loved ones, he was a master teacher, defender of truth, justice and the American way, equality for all mankind, and instilled within his posterity the values and principles of democracy, having a love and respect for people of all races, cultures and religions. True to his faith, and loyal to his family, he was respected and revered by his family, friends, and all who knew him. He had a special understanding and relationship with dogs, and was given an endearing Indian name Many Dogs . Survived by his wife Giovanna; children: Frank (Shirley) Milner, Sheran (Ray) Milius, Joanne Milner, Ted (Kerry) Milner, Sam (Becky) Milner; 19 grandchildren; 15 great grandchildren; daughters-in-law, Diane Milner, Cecelia Milner and Elsie Dee, a Navajo foster daughter. Preceded in death by his eldest son, Richard. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, September 20th, 2011, 11:00 a.m. at the Salt Lake Cannon 7th Ward, 934 West Fremont Avenue (1100 South), Salt Lake City. Viewing will be Monday, September 19th, 6-8:00 p.m. at McDougal Funeral Home, 4330 South Redwood Road, and again Tuesday, 10-11:30 a.m. at the church, prior to funeral services. Hobbies:Played the piano & ukulele by ear, loved to sing and tell stories, loved old movies, loved fishing, hunting and campingOccupation:Powerhouse EngineerOccupation:Hercules Powder Company