Michael Millar

Michael H. Millar died January 4th, 2013 from malignant melanoma. He was born on August 7th, 1932, the son of Helen Jackson and John Millar. He grew up in Chicago, graduating from Hyde Park High School in 1950. He moved east to attend Harvard, and met Ruth Covino. They wed on June 6th, 1953. After graduation, they moved back to Chicago for Mike's graduate work at the University of Chicago where he earned his Master's Degree and in later years, his PhD. Mike and Ruth moved their young family to Cedar Falls in 1962, where he began his teaching career in the math department at the University of Northern Iowa. He remained at UNI until his retirement in 2002. Mike was very active on campus, developing numerous new courses for the Math department and InterAmerican Studies. His pride was working with the American Federation of Teachers, serving as president for many years. A true educator, he was honored with Iowa's Distinguished Math Teacher Award. He taught summers in Colombia, China, Jamaica, Belize, and The University of California, Santa Barbara. He held many interests: he loved Haitian art, politics, books, history, Scrabble, and going to the movies. He believed strongly in worker's rights, and civil rights for all peoples. He worked closely with the Cedar Valley Names Project during the AIDS crisis and was proud to see the Quilt several times on the National Mall in Washington DC. By far, his most appreciated work was that of husband and father. Patient, kind, and adventurous, he treated his kids to weekly outings of sledding, bowling, cheeseburgers, bike rides, and drive-in movie marathons. He is survived by his wife of nearly 60 years, Ruth Covino Millar, his children; Paula (Jim)Coombs of Edmonton, Alberta, Ken Millar of Tampa, Florida, Tom (Sue) Millar of New Port Ritchey, Florida, Susan Millar (Dennis Barnett) of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Eric (Stacey) Millar of Washburn Iowa, nine grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister, Pat Eichenlaub of Fort Meyers, Florida, brother in-law George (Marie) Covino of Medford, Ma., sisters in-law Mary Covino of San Antonio, Texas, JoAnn (Paul) Gastanguay, of Billerica. Ma, and Lorraine Millar of North Branford, Ct. He is preceded in death by his daughter Lynn Millar, his brother Jack, a niece, nephew and his parents. Memorial service will be held 11:00 a.m. Wednesday at Richardson Funeral Service, Cedar Falls with private burial in Greenwood. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 pm Tuesday at the funeral home. Memorials may be directed to The Michael H. Millar Endowed Scholarship Fund (UNI Foundation, 204 Commons, Cedar Falls, Iowa 50614-0282) or to the Cedar Falls Public Library.

Michael Millar

August 7, 1932 - January 4, 2013