I keep meaning to write something here about my dear Great Uncle Bill - and there just aren't words for how incredible he was. I can say with absolute certainty he's the most interesting & intelligent person I've ever known. His kind heart & mischievous spirit made it impossible not to be happy around him. Growing up, visits to Williamsville were always highly anticipated, in large part because Uncle Bill would be there to tell stories of growing up in Maine & all his racing/flying stunts. Maybe if I'd paid better attention to his stories earlier on, I'd have been better at playing the arcade driving game in the garage! I swear those cows just jumped out of nowhere! I'm so glad my mom, sister & I made it out for a visit in the summer of 2011 to spend time with Uncle Bill & family. I cherish getting to hear his stories of growing up, school, and all his adventures - even though I'd heard most of them before, they just got better over time. I could sit for hours listening to him tell stories of his well-lived past. Uncle Bill - You can rest assured I'll still be keeping an eye on my cheesecake - I know how you liked to "sample" everyone's dessert & I'm sure you've still got your fork at the ready! Aunt Barbara, Ann & Doug- Uncle Bill loved you all so much, it showed in his smile every time he talked about each of you. Know that your Michigan family loves you all & will always remember what an amazing person he was. Hugs to all of you.

My sincere condoloences to the family of Bill Milliken. He was "the" pioneer -- doing things that had never been accomplished or perhaps even attempted....nor thought of. His great mind could be seen in the sparkle of his eyes, his smile, and infectious laugh. When I continue my aviation and motorsports activities, I'll always remember him. Godspeed. Dan Haugh

August 07, 2012 My deepest condolences to the family of Bill Milliken. He was an outstanding thinker, developer of ideas, organizer of research, exemplary citizen, and, most important of all, an engineer who knew all aspects of his field, from concept to design to instrumentation and testing, to recognizing the complex physics of a system, to field experience. He was also a great teacher, a witty speaker, a man whose knowledge of his field was unsurpassed, and he had an ability to draw out the best efforts of anyone fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with him. During my years at the late great Cornell Aeronautical Laboratory I did not have the opportunity to work directly with him, but had the greatest admiration for him and for the accomplishments of those who did work with him. In those years I recognized that he was a major contributor to the field of aeronautics, but it wasn't till later years that I learned of his work in understanding Road Vehicle Dynamics, and of applying the wartime lessons learned about stability and control of aircraft to the performance of road vehicles. In more recent years as a faculty member at UB I had the opportunity to offer an elective course in Road Vehicle Dynamics, using as a text the book Race Car Vehicle Dynamics, written by Bill and his son Doug. The material in that book is both broad and deep, and when I had difficulty following it I had the rare opportunity to speak with the authors in person. The course was also greatly improved by Bill's appearance as a guest lecturer - I have never seen a classroom so filled with interest as those to whom he spoke. He was not only informative, but inspirational! His Autobiography is an example of the best that the 20th century offered, in terms of its depth, its value, and its impact on society. And all of this is spelled out with an honesty and wit that mark him as a major contributor to the lives of the many who knew him, and who can take consolation at his passing by the memory of what he leaves behind. Bill Rae, Cornell Aeronautical Laboratory ****** August 01, 2012 A man that I truly admired. I will remember him at "his" corner at Watkins Glen forever may he rest in peace. A pioneer in engineering and a true friend.His books are adored by my grandchildren and myself. Gods speed Bill Milliken, ride that Bugatti in Heaven. Annette Palmerton, Williamsville, New York ****** August 01, 2012 Dear Family of Bill Milliken, Please accept my condolences for the passing of Bill. I had the opportunity to hear Mr. Milliken and Brock Yates speak at Towne BMW in 2006 - One of the finest speakers and fun stories I have ever heard. God Speed Mr. Milliken and thank you for all you did. Ron Abrams, Western, New York ****** July 31, 2012 It's always too soon when we lose those we look up to and respect. Gods speed to you Bill, as we say good-bye to a true gentleman and innovator of the racing community. Smalleys Garage, Watkins Glen NY Mike Smalley, Watkins Glen, New York ****** July 31, 2012 Your friends at Ford Racing wish to express our deepest condolences on the passing of Bill Milliken. He will always be recognized as a pioneer in motorsports and an inspiration to us all. Thank you for all you have done for the sport. Dan Kmiec, Dearborn, Michigan ****** July 30, 2012 So sorry to hear of the passing of Bill. He was a true legend and good friend of my father's, Denver Cornett. They can now race together and roll cars together like they did on the streets of Watkins Glen. Denny Cornett, Louisville, Kentucky ****** July 30, 2012 Sincere condolences on the passing of one of the greatest men I've ever had the privilege of knowing. A true gentleman, a friend, whose legacy will live forever, Godspeed Bill! Adrian Ketchum, Corning, New York ****** July 30, 2012 Doug, I was sorry to hear of your father's passing. He was a wonderful man whom I liked very much My best to you and your family. Antenor (Will) Willems SAE, retired ****** July 30, 2012 Please accept my sincerest Condolences for passing of good longtime fried Bill. His passing will leave an irreplacible vacancy for the whole auto industry and especially for motorsport. Otto Linton, West Grove, Pennsylvania ****** July 29, 2012 Dear Barbara, Doug and Ann: We were saddened to read of Bill's death and write to express our sincere sympathy. Our thoughts are with you as we remember a friend and long-time neighbor. Sue and Ray Wardynski, Sarasota, Florida ****** July 29, 2012 Dear family of Bill Milliken, Please accept my condolences for the passing of Bill. He had a long and fruitful life. GOD said his work was done and called him home. May he rest in peace. I worked at C.A.L./Calspan and got to know him and talk about the Spiral Jump. Peace Be To You All. sincerely, Conrad Johnson ******

To our dear friends and neighbors, Barbara, Doug and Ann, We were so deeply saddened to hear of Bill's passing. I met Bill over 40 years ago when I first babysat for you! Bill would drive me home and this is how I first experienced auto racing!! Bill delighted in my love of speed, and he never disappointed as we hurtled at "full throttle" within an inch or so of my garage door!He had such a wonderful and mischievous sense of humor, and our whole family adored hearing his stories, especially those about racing! He was also gracious and generous with encouragement as each of us entered the world of sports car racing. His technical advice was extraordinary...at least the bits I could grasp! What a brilliant man! We will cherish the many, many facets of Bill. We are blessed to have known him! Bill was a big influence on Eric when he became a professional race car driver. He was so very generous with his time. Please accept our sincerest condolences, and know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. Thank you for sharing Bill with us. Love, Chris, Mimi and Eric

Sorry to hear about the death of William Milliken. He was a great force in road racing. I am proud to own the car that he raced at Sebring with Frank O'Hare. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.

I met Bill Milliken for the first time in 1981 when he was doing some consulting in Ann Arbor, Michigan.  At the time, I was working part time as an engineering consultant and finishing my Master's degree at the University of Michigan.Later, I returned to work in vehicle dynamics at Chrysler Corp. and was pleased to work with Bill and the rest of the Milliken Research Associates again.  MRA was, among other projects, working for Lotus Engineering as the USA representative for active suspension.  Chrysler was interested in active suspension and we worked with MRA and Lotus to produce a couple of research vehicles.As we got to know Bill and the capabilities of MRA we at Chrysler also engaged in additional projects in vehicle dynamics modeling, tire analysis and modeling, and steer-by-wire.Bill's background in aviation flight dynamics, analysis, and modeling became more and more fascinating as we discussed the analogies between cars and planes.  It ultimately drove me to obtain my private pilot's license so I could better understand what he was talking about when we discussed various flight modes and how they related to automobile dynamics.  (My wife loved Bill but she never quite forgave him for lighting the aviation bug in me.)I became good friends with Bill and his family as we worked together.  I and my family (including our Doberman dog) were fairly frequent visitors at his home in Williamsville and thoroughly enjoyed time spent with the Millikens.  Nothing can ever replace the joy of sitting in the Milliken's living room with the rest of the Milliken Research Associates discussing what project we should try next.Bills enthusiasm for life and things technical was fascinating and he truly expanded both my technical and personal horizons.  I never would have attempted many the things I was able to accomplish without Bill's encouragement.  I will miss him greatly as will many, many others.

I have had the honor to know Bill a little and work with Bill and his family in motorsports. Bill’s contribution to vehicle dynamics knowledge is immeasurable and will live on through his many bodies of work and the influence he has had on us all. I hope the Milliken family will find comfort in the fact that Bill has led such a full life in years and life experiences.

Dear Barbara, Doug and family, Bill was and still is my hero. As with all heroes, he was brave, intelligent and above all, kind. My father and I thoroughly enjoyed his company, his stories and generosity. He will be missed,sisib but fond memories of him will live on.

Farewell to a nice person, an interesting and dynamic man, and one who helped out his friends, specifically John Fitch in the marketing of the energy-absorbing barriers for racing circuits and highways.

Thank you for letting me know so much about vehicle dynamics and making me love this asspect af cars and race cars especially.

Of all the contributions that Bill Milliken made, it is his example of a life that is well and fully lived that is perhaps the greatest. Thank you for everything.

I only had the opportunity to meet Bill once. He was and always be an inspiration to me. Bill was an amazing man that lived an amazing life.

Dear Barbara, Douglas and Ann, It was with great sadness that we read of the passing of your husband and father Bill. Marie and I considered him among the most interesting people we've ever met. To have lived such an eventful and long life based on a close and loving family relationship is quite an accomplishment. I personally will always remember him for the kindness and understanding he had shown for my brother Gino. Please accept dearest condolences from myself, Marie and Gino at your loss and take comfort in a life that was truly well lived. Tom Giangreco

Very sorry to hear of Bill's passing. He was a wonderful man, full of fun and one of the great fathers of motor racing in Watkins Glen. Hugs to all. Joan

OBITUARIO

William F. Milliken

18 abril, 1911 – 28 julio, 2012

Beach-Tuyn Funeral Home

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