Delford Milne, 72, of Richey passed away on October 13, 2016 at the Glendive Medical Center.
As per Delford’s request, no services will be held; a private family inurnment will take place at a later date under the care of Fulkerson-Stevenson Funeral Home of Sidney. Remembrances, condolences and pictures may be shared with the family at www.fulkersons.com.
Delford was born to R.W. “Tobe” and Alice Karto Milne in Wolf Point, Mont. on May 2, 1944. He grew up on the family farm north of Richey. Delford attended Richey Schools through the 10th grade at which time he transferred to and graduated from Dakota Lutheran High School in Minot, N.D. He attended Waldorf College in Iowa and Dawson Community College in Glendive.
He was drafted into the U.S. Army in November, 1967, and after basic training served in Vietnam as a water purification specialist in the 111th Engineer Company in Da Nang, Phu Bai, Camp Eagle, and Gia Le base areas. He was honorably discharged as an E5 in July, 1969, at which time he returned to help his dad on the farm.
After he had been home awhile, he decided to take advantage of the G.I. Bill and enrolled in Dickinson State College in order to complete his degree. In January 1974, he met Deborah (Deb) Arnold, and they were married in August in Richardton, N.D. at St. Mary’s Church after a whirlwind courtship. In 1975 both Delford and Deb graduated from Dickinson State College. That fall he returned to the farm while Deb taught at Sacred Heart Schools in Glendive and later at Richey High School. They farmed together for many years and experienced a number of hailstorms, grasshoppers and drought, as well as good years. In 1983 and 1984 Robyn Elizabeth and Max Tobe were born and provided a continual source of comfort and joy in his life. He was fiercely proud of his children and the kind of people they had become.
Delford is survived by Deborah, his wife of 42 years; his children, Robyn (Jon) Wilkinson of Douglas, Wyo.; Max (Josie) Milne of Williston, N.D.; his grandchildren, Abigail, Elizabeth, Allison, Liberty, Thomas, and Paul; his sister, Darlene Mowdy of Tioga, N.D.; numerous nieces and nephews; and his sisters’ and brothers’-in-law.
Delford was preceded in death by his parents, Tobe and Alice Milne; his sister, Diane; and his brother-in-law, Ralph.
The family wishes to thank Dr. Kessler, Ava Boschee, Tammy and Belinda, Karen Arnold-Truax, and the nurses and staff at the Glendive Medical Center and Sidney Health Center for the wonderful care given to Delford.