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In Loving Memory Of

Judd Everett Mills

April 29th, 1941 - October 8th, 2020

Obituary

“Old storytellers never die.  They disappear into their own story.”

-Vera Nazarian, author

 

On October 8th, at the age of 79, Judd Everett Mills passed into his own story after a short illness.

Judd’s story began right here in Sandy, Oregon.  The son of Jerome Edison Mills and Dorothy Aschoff Mills, he attended Sandy Elementary School and graduated from Sandy High School in 1959.  In 1966 he made the incredibly wise decision to marry Dorothy Proett, and their story continued together.  Judd was happiest at home and, with the exception of his years in the military, he lived in the Sandy area his entire life.  Judd and Dorothy lived the majority of their 54 years together on an acreage on Firwood Rd, raising three children there.

Judd devoted his life to working with children.  He used his creative and entertaining skills as an elementary teacher in Gresham, a children’s librarian at the Sandy Public Library, a Sunday School teacher and children’s message presenter at the Eagle Creek Presbyterian Church, and a devoted father and grandfather.  He encouraged and inspired countless children along the way.

An avid reader, Judd was especially passionate about children’s books, even penning and illustrating his own stories for friends and grandchildren. 

In his later years he was fond of quoting the late, great, Dr. Seuss:

 

“How did it get so late so soon? 

It’s night before it’s afternoon. 

December is here before it’s June.

My goodness how the time has flewn. 

How did it get so late so soon?”

 

The doctors will say that he died of heart failure, but we all know that’s not true.  His heart never failed.  He gave a piece of it to each of us so that we can continue to tell his story.  We just wish it hadn’t gotten so late, so soon.

He will be deeply missed by his wife Dorothy, son Tony (Debra), daughters Kristin (Kelvin) and Marjorie (Brian), grandsons Alex, Evan, Ian, and JP, and a great number of neighbors and friends.

At Judd’s request, there will be no service.  In lieu of flowers, a memorial contribution may be given to the Eagle Creek Presbyterian Church, “ECPC Neighbors Helping Neighbors” fund at PO Box 487, Eagle Creek, Oregon 97022.

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Mr.Mills was my sixth-grade teacher. He had a profound effect on my life. He pushed me to reach for my full potential. Today, I was in the middle of writing my second book, and he came to mind. I stopped to look him up, to send him a note to tell him what a great influence he was on me and my life. Rest in Peace Thank you for being an awesome mentor and person. Mike Porter
You know how you have that one special teacher you remember all of your life? Mr. Mills was THAT teacher! Mr. Mills was MY 6th grade teacher at West Gresham. He was such a fun, compassionate gentle soul that I truly admired when I was 11 years old! I don't think I ever saw him angry at us in the slightest. He would just kinda roll his eyes and go with it. He definitely had all of our respect. I am now 62 and still think of that classroom and especially the ball field! RIP you gentle giant :) Julie Herman (Green)
He was my 2nd grade teacher. I was very ill and missed most of the year. He and the other kids in the class always checked in and made sure I was still part of the class and not forgotten. I ended up having brain surgery in 3rd grade. I am 51 now and life is beautiful. I will never forget the kindness shown to me that year. Mr. Mills was truly that special teacher. I am sorry for you ur loss. Brandje Britton
I'm a bit too old of a Sandyite to have personally been mesmerised by Judd's amazing Storytimes but really appreciated him and Dorothy showing me how it was done before I led one myself as a teenage volunteer. I still follow his advice today at my own library and will send extra-appreciative thoughts to him when I dress up like an elf and record my covid-safe Christmas Storytime next week. I didn't know Judd well but got to know him as a character in my mom Ruth's stories. She was always telling me about her coworker and friend Judd who was "a hoot" and I like to think of them catching up now. I know he will be missed dearly by Dorothy and his family. You all have my condolences. Vickey (Reed) Foggin
Our family is truly saddened to read the news of Mr. Mills' passing. He was an amazing teacher to our children. They have many lifelong memories from his class...his story telling, especially the Iliad and the Odyssey, his wordworking encouragement, the knitting apparatus, learning chess, building a solar oven and the trip to his home for a one day 'Outdoor School' experience. Our sympathies go out to his family for your great loss. He made everlasting impacts on so many in his world and sphere of influence. We are grateful to have known him and for his many passions in life, especially in educating children. His obituary was so well written and honoring of his life. The memories came flooding back and we are thankful. Blessings and Prayers go out to you. Carolyn and Art Gould
Dear Dorothy, dear family,

Our deepest condolences from Heleen and Henk-Jan. We hope you feel strengthened by your family and friends. May the good memories of Judd stay with you forever.

Much love and a virtual hug from Heleen and Henk-Jan
Henk-Jan Klaver
We are so sorry for the loss of Judd. It's been ages since we have seen or talked with either of you but many memories of fun times. Keeping all of you in our prayers at this sensitive time. Barbara and Tom Sullivan
I was so lucky and blessed to have Mr. Mills as my teacher in both 5th and 6th grade at West Gresham - in 74 and 75 I believe.

I still have macrame hangers we made and a horse made of robe - all projects from his class. I was lucky to run into him a couple of times in recent years - and he was as kind and generous with his time and good wishes as ever.

My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Leslie (Lehr) Sykes
Dorothy and Family - So sorry to hear about Judd's passing. His life was the kind of life we should all work to achieve. Dee and Bob Tanner Dee and Bob Tanner
I hadn't seen Judd for a number of years but always enjoyed talking with him. A genuinely good person and I will miss him. Donny Selby
How fortunate our famiy has been to be Judd and Dorothy's neighbor and friend. We had the privelage of hearing many of Judd's story's, told so well and with such love. He will be deeply missed. Ron, Amy, Gabe and Cate Morfitt Ron and Amy Morfitt

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