Obituary
Dan Arthur Millen of Middlesex, NY, passed away at the age of 76 on November 9, 2023 surrounded by his loving family.
A memorial service will be held at Middlesex Baptist Church, 1158 West Avenue, Middlesex, NY 14507, on Saturday, November 18, 2023, at 12:00 pm.
Donations in Dan’s honor can be made to the VFW Post 8726, Attention: Rick Sawyer, 6159 Wolfanger Road, Middlesex, NY 14507, for the local Wounded Warriors in Action Big Buck Hunt. The hunt is an annual event that Dan was proud to be associated with and embodies his two passions: helping others and hunting.
Dan is survived by his beautiful wife, Diane, his two daughters Johnna and Shanna, his brother Gary, his grandchildren Glyka, Ioana, and Zenin, and Diane’s loving children, David, Larry, and Debbie.
He was predeceased by his stepson, Jamie, with whom he shared a close relationship through their passion for hunting and fishing.
Dan graduated from Charlotte High School in 1964. He attended Port Huron Junior College (1964-1965) and went on to graduate from Finger Lakes Community College in 1982 with high honors. At this time, he won an award from New York State for academic achievement. He was accepted at Cornell University and Nazareth University but chose to pursue a different path of carpentry and woodworking. Dan was creative, meticulous, hard-working, and dedicated to his craft. He built and remodeled homes and even built commercial buildings in California, where he and Diane crossed paths with many celebrities.
Dan was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed camping, ice fishing, and being in nature. He was a pioneer in the area for bow hunting, being one of the few hunters who used a recurve bow. He and his long-time friend Ricky Sawyer influenced the younger generation of hunters with their passion for and knowledge about the sport. Dan also enjoyed riding his motorcycle and participated in many treks across the country with his stepson Larry and his dear friend Gordy.
Dan and Diane were active members of the Middlesex Baptist Church for 15 years where Dan was a Deacon. They were committed to serving others through their church community, and Dan traveled to Kenya and India for mission work. He has ministered to many members of the church, and his life was devoted to God.
Dan was generous with his time, non-judgmental, and immensely proud of his children and grandchildren. He loved attending his grandchildren’s sporting events, watching football, and hearing about his grandchildren’s accomplishments. He was devoted to his wife Diane and was deeply connected to her children and grandchildren. Dan’s generous spirit and his ability to listen made others feel loved and respected. He will be missed tremendously.
Please visit www.kenperkinsfuneralhome.com to send a message of condolence to the Millen Family.
Services
Memorial Service
Middlesex Baptist Church
West Avenue, Middlesex
Condolences
Tim Teeter from Rushville NY on Nov. 13, 2023
Dan was a wonderful brother-in-law. Prayers from both of us, Tim and DJ.
We enjoyed being together watching movies! God bless Diane and rest of family!
Abby & Jeff Hand from Beaver Dams,NY on Nov. 14, 2023
We are sorry for you, Diane and the family, for your loss. We send our condolences with love and admiration for the life of Dan. May God bless you all.
Christopher Harvey from Naples NY on Nov. 14, 2023
Dan was a great guy. He encouraged my dad in his walk with Jesus and had no small part in steering our family toward Christ, alongside Diane. I've always respected and admired him. I know that he is with my Dad in Heaven now and they are both worshiping the Lord together. We will miss him.
Rachael Gerbic from Middlesex, NY on Nov. 14, 2023
Hi Johnna and Shanna, I want to extend my most sincere condolences to you on your's Dad's passing. This is so hard and I am so sorry to hear this news today. I remember very fondly my many visits to your house on West Avenue when we were kids and the fun conversations we had with your Dad. He was always full of humor and jokes and good stories, and I remember that I felt very much at home there with your family.
Please be in touch if you can. It would be wonderful to re-connect with you. With much love and my deepest sympathy, Rachael Gerbic
Cindy McPhail from Rochester, NY on Nov. 15, 2023
This is a beautiful tribute. It's clear that he will be sorely missed. My sincere condolences to you all.
Kevin Armstrong from Geneva, New York on Nov. 15, 2023
Dan was a wonderful friend. He and I spent many, many, wonderful hours in the woods and at camp together. I have spent a lifetime with some of the greatest woodsmen of our time and Dan was among the top 5 I have evert known. Dan was the best man at my wedding. I'll never forget one day when I had to work. I didn't mind so much because it was a nasty cold freezing rain day. About 10 AM I got a call from my late wife Kathy. She was off work that day so she went hunting in the freezing rain with Dan and his wife. She had to call to tell me that she had shot a 13 pointer! With a drop tine I told the boss "I have a family emergency. I have to go home." By the time I got to Danny's house the deer was dressed and strung up and Kathy Dan and Wendy were all sitting around the fire celebrating a great day of hunting. Our trails parted a little over the years but I always remembered Dan during the deer season. He has been on my mind a lot the last few days. Now I know why. God it is hard to see you go Dan. Your funeral on Opening Day! That must put that silly smirk on your face. Scout the Happy Hunting Ground for me Dan. I'll be along one day. Maybe while we sit by the fire we can talk again about how we are gonna arrow 'the big one' in the morning. RIP Old Friend -Kevin
Phil Schmidt from Shortsville, N.Y. on Nov. 16, 2023
It was a shock to hear of Dan's passing.!.!! To Diane, Johnna, and Shanna my condolences. Remember that Dan is in a better place than our worldly one !!! I was glad to hear of his active life since last we spent time around each other. I most remember the very good hours we spent fishing and/or hunting or just plain talking about life, our very precious gift.He remains with me as a cherished and good 'ole Friend.
Tom & Aimee McCann from MIDDLESEX NY on Nov. 19, 2023
Sure am going to miss your FB posts, Danny. Our sincerest condolences to the family. Heaven has gained a great man. We SHALL meet again one day.