Karl G. McMillan

IN LOVING MEMORY

Karl G. McMillan, age 76, passed away early Friday morning, Sept. 4, 2026, in his home in Heber City, Utah. He was surrounded by loved ones and devoted friends in his final days. Karl is survived by his wife, Lois Martinez McMillan; two daughters, Jana (Rob) Bonner and Karli McMillan; two grandchildren, Bodyn and Raeleigh Bonner; and two stepchildren, Justin (Melissa) McKinnon and Deja McKinnon.

He was born Feb. 14, 1950, in Heber City to Harry Carl McMillan and Lucille Clift McMillan. As a young boy, Karl would ride his horse across the open fields and rolling hills of the Heber Valley. He would set off with a back pocket full of jerky to hunt cottontails for supper, picking crabapples from the orchard before meeting friends to play baseball. He thoroughly enjoyed summers with his uncle at the sheep camp, watching lightning storms, eating mutton chops, and drinking cowboy coffee so black “it could stand a horseshoe up.”

Alongside his father, Karl worked at the Mayflower Mine in Park City, Utah, going underground as a blaster at age 16. He began his career with Mountain Bell as a lineman, retiring from CenturyLink as a lead software engineer after 37 years of service.

Karl was a lifelong resident of the Heber Valley and proudly served his community on the Wasatch County Planning Commission. He was elected to the Wasatch County Council, where he served as Chair and as a member of numerous local and statewide boards. As a member of the Wasatch Open Lands Board, he fiercely championed conservation easements to protect hundreds of acres of open space across Wasatch County and the beautiful Heber Valley, which he so loved.

A devoted father to his two daughters, Karl never missed a 4-H show, rodeo, or gymnastics meet and was incredibly proud to see them graduate from nursing and medical schools. He cherished time with his grandchildren - giving tractor rides, collecting toads after rainstorms, and cheering them on from the sidelines at swimming, tumbling, and soccer matches. Karl looked forward to meeting with close friends every week at Sunday “Church” Breakfast to catch up on the latest goings-on in town. He was one to know a little something about almost everything, with a passion for world history and a love of old muscle cars and diesel engines. He was a true cowboy and friend, always willing to lend a helping hand, and could be counted on for a story about the ‘good old days’ and a few laughs, with a 'refreshing beverage’ and a cigar in hand.

The family would like to offer their sincerest gratitude to Dr. Brandt Esplin and Karl’s oncology, radiology, and surgical teams, for their expertise and guidance; the infusion team at Heber Valley Hospital for going above and beyond; the Wasatch Fire District EMS team for coming to the rescue more than once; the entire nursing staff and team of Applegate HomeCare and Hospice for their kindness and comfort; and to Dr. Tod Berg for his lifelong care and friendship.

Family and friends are invited to attend graveside services on Friday, Sept. 11, 2026, at 3:00PM at the Heber City Cemetery with a Celebration of Life immediately following at the McMillan family home.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made in Karl’s honor to The Horse of Many Colors Cancer Foundation. [Make A Donation In Karl's Honor].