John Guy McMillian Jr. Obituary (1926 - 2016)

John Guy McMillian (John, Dad, Chief, and Pops) passed away January 27, in his home in Park City, Utah. He was born on July 11, 1926 in Orange, Texas to John Guy McMillian Sr. and Annie Laurie Bond McMillian. He was a long time resident of Park City, but lived and traveled around the world. He was often referred to as the most interesting man in the world. John led an incredible life, but most important to him was his family. He leaves the love of his life, wife Anna Marie, sons Johnny and wife Sharon, Hayden and wife Rebecca, Mike and wife Jan, Todd and wife Linda, daughter Laura and husband Kevin, grandchildren John Douglas, Caroline, Hayden Jr, Matthew, Mason and Christina, as well as countless friends whom he made a part of his life and family, including his caregiver Efi. He is preceded in death by his grandson, Mikey McMillian. John was generous and giving of himself to others. He supported many important causes, but especially dear to him was Alzheimer's research, the US ski team, Mayo Clinic, Firefighters, Police Officers, and The University of Texas (where he was named a Distinguished Alumni). John was a titan of industry, he headed numerous companies, including Northwest Energy, Apco Oil, Chaparral Resources, and Allegheny and Western, just to name a few. He served on boards including Columbia Pictures, the US Ski Team, Energy Ventures, and Sun Trust. He traveled the world dined with presidents, heads of state, and royalty, but always treated everyone with dignity regardless of his or her station in life As a Marine during World War II he served in the South Pacific, Palau, Philippines, and Japan. For all his life he remained a Marine. While impossible to recall all of his accomplishments, John started out from a more modest background and worked various jobs which included working as a rough neck, prior to joining the Marines at 17. After serving his country for three years he returned entered and The University of Texas and in 1951 received a BS in Petroleum Engineering. As a young engineer he worked at several oil companies before starting his own company in 1960, drilling wells in Texas and Canada. He became a licensed pilot which allowed him to travel to remote areas while overseeing his businesses. From there he moved to Australia where he developed the country's second largest Bauxite mine, He also ran a Multi-million acre cattle station and drilled wells in New Guinea. John returned to the states, and along with Apco Oil, successfully fought in the US Supreme Court, using what became takeover law and resulted in his acquisition of Northwest Energy. It grew tenfold under his leadership before it was sold to the Williams Company. John did not stop there. He owned all or parts of boat building companies, scuba diving companies and led two other energy companies. Among his ventures he drilled wells in Kazakhstan. John remained active in a number of companies and ventures until his death. John was a husband, father, Marine, friend, mentor, engineer, businessman, pilot, boat captain, scuba diver, skier, and Texan. John lived a life equaled by few and he will be missed by many. In lieu of flowers please make a donation to The Pi Fund, ( Alzheimer's Research) c/o The John and Anna Marie McMillian Account, PO Box 522244 Salt Lake City Utah, 84152. Services will be held Monday February 1, 2016 at 11:00 a.m., Park City LDS Stake Center, 2300 Monitor Drive, Park City, Utah. A viewing will be held prior to the services from 10:00-10:45 a.m. Online condolences may be shared at www.jenkins-soffe.com. Funeral Home: Jenkins-Soffe South Valley 1007 W. South Jordan Parkway South Jordan, UT 84095