Milton James Van Duyn

Milton “Milt” Van Duyn

July 1939 - May 2022

Milt passed away with his loved ones by his side at his home in Placerville. He was preceded in death by both of his parents and his older brother. He’s survived by his wife Barbara of 46 years, brother, son, daughter in law, nieces, nephews, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Milt was born and lived a short time in San Francisco before the family moved to San Mateo. At an early age he had a dream of being a restaurant owner. In preparation for this plan, he worked as a milk man in San Francisco and then a linesman with the Army for two years. At 26 he partnered up and opened The Red Rooster Restaurant in Walnut Creek. He loved business opportunities so during and after his restaurant experience, he flipped houses, built an apartment complex, built a country home, developed land and dabbled in other investments. He had a work ethic like no other, and this was only exceeded by his love for and dedication to his family.

Milt never met a stranger. He knew how to strike up conversations with people and have them in tears laughing over his life experiences by the time he was done talking to them.

In younger years he was an avid bird hunter with his family and friends. After relocating from Pleasant Hill to Placerville in the 1970’s he settled into fishing, camping and gardening as his main hobbies but always was tinkering with something.

Milt was the patriarch of the family and a lot of things to a lot of people over his 82-year love filled life. As a child he was called “Brovy” because his younger brother couldn’t pronounce “brother”. This name stuck with him and was used through an entire generation of family members. That was his first one but other names followed, Mill”T”, Opa, Gramps and my personal favorite Dad.

He will forever live in the hearts of many and never be forgotten.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.chapelofthepinesfunerals.com for the Van Duyn family.