Millard Fillmore Blancaflor

Millard Blancaflor was born on May 18, 1933, in Ilo Ilo, Philippines, to Louise Fillmore Blancaflor and Cornelio Blancaflor. He lived a life defined by resilience, brilliance, humor, and deep devotion to family.

Millard grew up in the Philippines with his two brothers and sister during World War II. At a very early age, he and his family were forced to hide from what was the Japanese Empire, moving from village to village through the jungle on foot, carrying only what they needed to survive. Those early experiences shaped Millard’s extraordinary determination. Once he made up his mind, that was it—he would accomplish whatever he set out to do. His strength and perseverance were forged early and carried him through a remarkable life.

Millard came to the United States at sixteen and attended Serra High School in Gardena, California. After graduation, he enlisted in the Army and served during the Korean War. When his service ended, he returned to California, where he met the love of his life, Shirley. They met at their favorite dance club, the Hitching Post, and married shortly thereafter, creating a life together filled with love, adventure, success, dreams—and dancing. Shirley and Millard danced like no other, all throughout their lives.

Family was always at the center of everything Millard did. He embodied a devoted husband, an incredible father, a loving grandfather, and a loyal friend. Millard had a long and successful career as an engineer and surveyor, first working for Southbay Engineering and later founding his own successful engineering and surveying firm. He designed roads, subdivisions, surveyed lots, set boundary corners, designing parts of Los Angeles and Orange County. Working from home allowed him to be fully present for his children and grandchildren—driving carpools, attending baseball, softball, track, soccer, tai kwon do, wrestling, basketball, and never missing a moment that mattered.

Millard was known for his mischievous sense of humor and quick wit. Everyone considered him the life of every party and amused everyone with his pranks from a young age. In the Philippines, each child traditionally had a “ya ya” to care for them—but Millard was so joyfully naughty that no ya ya would look after him. That playful spirit never faded. No party, holiday, or sleepover was complete without Millard jumping out of bushes, banging on windows, or telling ghost stories that terrified and delighted in equal measure.

He also loved to let one rip in public and blame it on his grandkids—especially while standing in long lines. He is also famously known for asking “Anyone have a lighter?”

Millard was passionate about everything he did. He was an incredible teacher, role model, and mentor who taught his family never to give up, to believe they could be anything, and to keep working until a solution was found. He lived by simple but powerful principles: say yes to opportunity, don’t set limits, enjoy life, and live it fully—because you only get one.

A brilliant civil engineer by trade, Millard was a master of math, mapping, and navigating routes with Thomas Guides long before GPS existed. He found solutions to problems before others even realized there was one. He built, repaired, improved, and perfected every house, yard, and project he touched. Nothing was ever wasted—not food, not time, not potential.

Millard created his own dictionary, inventing words that became official family language. He loved life and lived it actively—skiing, hiking, biking, playing tennis, riding horses, sailing, snorkeling, boogie boarding, and more. His backyard was his sanctuary, and his BBQ was his kingdom.

Millard didn’t just live life. He squeezed it. He mapped it. He renamed it. He improved it. He laughed at it. He pranked it.

Millard is survived by his children, Tami Adams and Dawn Blancaflor; his brother, Roland Blancaflor; his grandchildren, Angele Adams, Johnny Adams, Connor Blancaflor Woods, Jacob Blancaflor Woods, Briana Blancaflor, Aubrey Martinez, and Tania Blancaflor; and his great grandchildren, Kai Adams, Ella Adams, Kayson Adams, Karys Adams, Jacob Martinez, Jealiana Martinez, and Kaylee Blancaflor. He was preceded in death by his wife, Shirley Blancaflor (January 5, 2023), son Billy Blancaflor (May 5, 2007), and son-in-law, James Adams, (April 5, 2018).

Millard will be deeply missed, but he lives forever in the hearts and souls of all who were blessed to know him.

A committal service will be held at Miramar National Cemetery, located at 5795 Nobel Dr, San Diego, CA, 92122, on March 6, 2026, from 10:00 am to 10:45 am.

A celebration of life will take place at the family's residence on March 6, 2026, from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm. During this event, a dove release is scheduled for 1:45 pm with lunch to be served at 2:00pm