Silver Story: Gary Millen

Making the Most of Opportunity and a Lifetime of Giving 

This article is to shine a spotlight on one of Graceland’s regular attendees—Gary Millen. Gary is a bright light of friendship and encouragement to everyone!

            Gary was born in Rock Island, Illinois into a family of six: he is one of four brothers and two sisters. According to him, he said; “We grew up poor, very, very poor”. His father was unhealthy with diabetes. His mother was the family’s barber since they couldn’t afford haircuts with his dad inviting anyone over that “needed a haircut’”.

            Being poor, the family had no money for entertainment so Gary found himself reading as many books as he could. His parents did give the children the gift and love of music as they would often sing together. Gary still sings to this day for friends who are shut-in as well as traveling to read a newspaper to those who are visually impaired.

            Gary has had a variety of jobs over the years. As a student, he was hired to clean his school classroom for the princely sum of $1.00 per month. When he grew older, he became a switchman for the Rock Island Railroad. However, he continued his education and became a teacher. He worked with gifted children for 20 years. eventually becoming a principal. During this time he had the privilege of teaching judges, attorneys, and even a Congressman. This was what he considered to be his crowning achievement.

            Gary believes in trying to find the good in others, reserving judgment based on first impressions. He also thinks that one “receives more in giving than what one puts in.” Being a family man and believer in God, he, nonetheless, believes in science. “I believe in science!” could be construed to be his battle cry. All of the issues today, i.e., climate change, disease, famine, poverty, et.al., can be solved through the use of the human brain with which we are gifted and the use of science. “So many deny science up until the time when they look to science (modern medicine) to find them a cure.”

            In summation, Gary believes in accepting people at face value. “The world would have a lot less problems if we could love, respect, and care for all, regardless of race, gender, age, beliefs, and sexual orientation.

            What a positive attitude! We can all take some of this lesson with us! We are grateful to enjoy Gary’s friendship!