“I shall go the way of the open sea, To the Lands before you came, And the cool ocean breezes shall blow from me, The memory of your name.”
David Ray Millett, surrounded by his loving family, the laughter of his grandchildren, and the glow of a setting Spring sun, reported for his last Muster and was given Liberty from his mortal ship. He departed this Port of Call for the next one on March 23, 2023, in Kanab, Utah. He was 62.
His Voyage began on July 11, 1960, in Pangquitch, Utah, under the command of Vivian “Bert” and Ramona Jolley Millett. He was the youngest of six children. He was raised in Tropic, Utah, until his high school years. His family then moved to Las Vegas, NV, where he graduated from Clark High School.
He served in the United States Navy from April 1978 to June 1981. He was stationed at Treasure Island Naval Station, San Francisco, California, as a Seaman Apprentice (E-2). He conducted two and a half years of sea service aboard the USN destroyer, USS Hoel (DDG-13). Dave was a proud Navy Veteran and enjoyed the brotherly banter he had with other Veterans.
After leaving the service, Dave worked in various positions: in the Exchange, in construction, in the US Forest Service, and for chuck-wagon style restaurants.
He married Emma Lou Hunt on September 23rd, 1988, in Kanab, Utah. They would live and raise their children in Fredonia, Arizona. Dave had a talent for sketches and created many pieces using ink. He enjoyed the outdoors and loved to hike and camp, spending much of his free time on the Kaibab with friends and family.
Those left on deck, bidding farewell, are his wife, Emma Lou, Fredonia; his children: Crystal (Jesse) Miller, Richfield; Katie Millett, Cedar City; Ryan (Esther) Kirby, Kanab; Allison Millett, Chicago, IL; and his siblings: Christine (David) Johnson, Moccasin, AZ; Ronald (Susan) Millett, South Jordan; Lloyd (Linda) Millett, Kanab; Paul Millett, LaVerkin; and Robert (Melanie) Millett, St. George.
His greatest joy was his ten grandchildren: Davia, Jerome, Alexander, Miranda, Lillian, Bradlee, Jacklyn, Abbigale, Ray, and Jerith. Even when the storm clouds roiled and the seas tossed, his grandchildren were able to bring a smile to his face, a sparkle in his eyes, and a spring to his step.
David’s parents, Bert and Ramona, and daughters, Miranda Ann Kirby and Davia Lee Millett, set sail before him. They were standing on the sands of the far shore, eagerly waving as he returned home.
He spent much of his last Evening Watch combating cancer and other diseases and did so with as much strength and courage as could be asked of anyone. He was thankful for those that supported his battles and, even though he may not always have shown it, he was humbled by the love and service others were willing to provide. Although short of victorious, he is now at peace from his burdens and cares and can rest in Fiddler’s Green.
A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, April 1st at Mosdell Mortuary, 676 S Highway 89A, Kanab, UT. Family and friends can attend a visitation from 1600 to 1645 hours (4:00 pm to 4:45 pm), with the Celebration at 1700 hours (5:00 pm). Dave’s final Berth will be in the Kanab, Utah cemetery, next to his daughters.
“We, therefore, commit his body to the deep… in sure and certain hope of the resurrection of the body, when the Sea shall give up her dead …”
Gone too soon…we will miss you Dave! We know you are having a glorious Heavenly reunion, and are free from your pain. Until we all meet again, your memory will live on!