David Earl Millen, 74, passed away from Small Cell Carcinoma of the Bladder at his home in Oregon City, OR, Sunday, August 28th, 2022, at 7:15 pm, surrounded by his family. Born in Salem, OR on April 2, 1948, to Dr. George K. Millen II and Deloras (Dee) Millen, David was a lifelong member of the Evangelical Church, husband of Patricia K. Millen, father of Scott & Michelle Millen, Laurie & Rick Severson, Brent Herren, and Aubrey and Cheerie Millen, and grandfather to Gabe, Noah, Josiah, and Faith Millen, Nicholas and Nolan Severson, and Brooke, Colby, and Logan Herren. He was a beloved uncle to Stefanie Millen and Jeff Millen and brother to their parents, George (Kin) and Sherron Millen.


David graduated from Rex Putnam High School in 1966, then enrolled at Azusa Pacific College, where he was an undergraduate student for two years before joining the Air Force. While in the Air Force, he served as a Motion Picture Laboratory Specialist and Technician for nearly four years, achieving the rank of Staff Sergeant by his discharge in December 1973. David utilized his training as a lab technician and his love of photography in his professional career as a Lab Technician and Manager for TekniFilm Labs and, later, for Portland Color Lab, in Northwest Portland, for nearly 30 years. A career change found him at Oregon City High School, where he served as the Building Engineer for 15 years before retiring in 2019.


In all aspects of his life, David fostered friendships with a spirit of generosity and genuine interest in and care for those he worked and worshiped with. David was awarded the City of Oregon City Citizen of the Year award in 2011. He received a note of commendation from Senator Ron Wyden in 2017 for the exemplary work he performed at a Town Hall event held at the high school. These recognitions of his spirit and capabilities were received quietly, without fanfare or celebration, as was his humble nature. David leaves a legacy of love, deep listening, strong friendships, consistent encouragement, enthusiasm for the outdoors, passion for good food and great cooking, sailing, photography, music, and unabiding love for Jesus Christ.


David will be interred at Willamette National Cemetery. A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, September 24th at 11:00 am at Oregon City Evangelical Church, Oregon City, Or. Memorial Gifts in David's name may be made with the Disabled American Veterans at https://www.dav.org/ways-to-give/ .