Milton Laflen, 79, beloved husband, father, brother, friend, passed from this earth on June 12, 2017 following a brief battle with cancer. Milt was born in Long Beach, California to Milton L. and Josephine Laflen and grew up in Globe, Arizona, where his family owned the Globe Food Center for over 20 years. He was an Eagle Scout. Milt graduated from Globe High School and went on to the University of Arizona where he pledged Phi Gamma Delta fraternity and earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering. He would later earn his Master’s in Business Administration from Arizona State University, but in his heart he would always be a Wildcat and a Fiji.
Milt enlisted in the Navy in service to his country. He was a member of Oriental 20 Masonic Lodge in Mesa and attended Red Mountain United Methodist Church. He worked for Motorola for 35 years.
Although Milt traveled the world his favorite place to relax was the family cabin he built in Strawberry, Arizona.
Milt is most remembered for giving back to his community. In the 1970’s he was a member of Civitan, Junior Achievement and became District Governor of Toastmasters. He served over 20 years on the Board of Prehab, now A New Leaf, and the Mesa Municipal Development Corp. Milt has been a member of the Mesa Rotary club for 19 years and he gave ten years to the Mesa United Way. He was elected to the Board of the Dobson Ranch Homeowners Association, spent the month of March at Cubs games as a member of Hohokams and helped bring solar power to Sunshine Acres Children’s Home. He regularly traveled to Globe as a member of the Hall of Fame committee and Alumni Association. Milt gave his time, his heart and his leadership to these organizations.
In 2000, he and Cheryl joined Mesa Sister Cities and found a perfect fit in working together to contribute in some small way to a more peaceful world. Milt has been President of Arizona Sister Cities for the past three years.
Milt received many awards and accolades over the years but was most humbled and proud to be selected Mesa’s Man of the Year in 2006.
In spite of all his dedicated community service, Milt was devoted to his family and always said, “Family comes first.” He was there to lend a hand or a listening ear and to share his love of Arizona. He set an example for all to follow.
He is survived by his loving wife of 24 years, Cheryl; his daughter Karen, sons, Scott and Steven, step-daughters, Debbie Martin (John), Carrie Swires (Jason) and Amy LeVan. Grandchildren, Brynna Farbod, Michael Laflen, Colin & Madison Martin, Joshua & Arya Swires and Sabian & Cadin Paup, two beloved sisters, Marilyn Anderson (Fred) and Carol Pinnell (Ralph) and many, many treasured friends in Mesa and around the world.
Milt’s was a life of honor, integrity, generosity, loyalty and love of country. His positive attitude and infectious grin will be deeply missed. A Celebration of Life will be held at 1:00 pm on Saturday, June 24 at the Mesa Country Club, 660 W. Fairway Drive, Mesa, AZ 85201.
Donations in Milt’s name can be made to Mesa Sister Cities Student Exchange Program, P.O. Box 5572 Mesa, AZ 85211, Hospice of the Valley, 1510 E, Flower St Phoenix, AZ 85014, a Milt Laflen GHS Scholarship Fund-Service above Self, is being established. Information at service.
Beautifully well said. Despite all of Milt’s many distinguished accomplishments, he truly was one of the most humble and unselfish individuals I have ever had the pleasure to meet. From the bottom of my heart Milt, thank you for the most incredible example you have set.
Milt was exemplary, a man of strong character and unimpeachable integrity who truly put family and service to others above himself. His easy smile and good nature were infectious and his grace in dealing with others was an example to all. He is and will be greatly missed. His was a life well-lived.
One of the truly GOOD GUYS! Milt was such an inspiration and mentor to so many. I will miss his leadership and support so very much, but feel blessed to have called him my friend.
Milt was a giver and a doer. If there was a task that needed doing, he was the first to volunteer. If there was a volatile situation that needed calming, Milt was your guy. He loved Cheryl to the moon and back. A more loving, devoted husband doesn’t exist anywhere on this earth. He left the world a better place because he was here. He will be sorely missed by many.
Very nice and interesting obituary. It was an honor to have known Milt. I am glad to share the Eagle Scout, Navy and Wildcat connections with him. He was a really good guy and my prayers are with all of his family now. RIP Milt.
All I can say is that there is a void in my life that will never be filled with the passing of Milt. I consider myself so lucky to have been able to meet him and build a friendship that will be so treasured. Milt went to so much troubleto ensure that my stay with him and Sheryl was so good. A trip to Strawberry and staying in the Lighthouse room is something I will always fondly remember and Milt’s efforts to show me as much as possible of the area in which he lived and enjoyed the company of his friends nd family.
my believes on the afterlife and Milt’s were somewhat different but they were so similar in this life that I was sure that we wouldspend more time together in the future. Being so far away in New Zealand makes it difficult to provide some support other than good wishes and the knowledge that I feel the loss that all you are going through.
Rest in peace Milt and I hope I am wrong about the life hereafter so I get a chance to meet up with you again.
Cheryl I am so glad that I did mention in the car what a pleasure it was to be in the company of two people who were so obviously devoted to each other. Be strong in the knowledge that Milt loved you so much that it radiated from him.
Bill, Thank you so much for your beautiful message. This has been hard but I am constantly lifted up by the love and kindness of our dear friends! Maybe I will get to New Zealand again one day. We definitely had it on our list!
Yes, Bill, we will see him again! There is no doubt!
Cheryl
From Ruth Lim ,Mesa Az
Milt was a champion of many organizations and his leadership and vision will be missed
At the front door of my office is a ceramic structure that Milt and Cheryl participated when I invited him to help put together for the children ‘a Benefit Foundation promoting THINK COOL and DO GOOD empowering future generations to follow the cool ND good way of life
I truly enjoyed the opportunity to get to know Milt through his work with Sister Cities and enjoyed our efforts to bring Sister Cities of AZ and Sonora together during my time at MAG. Just saw him at a community event last month — so sorry for this loss to our community and my condolences to the community of Mesa, Cheryl and all his family!
1 Cor 15:55 – Jesus conquered death so that we may live.
In faith, we can say in confidence that Milton is in Heaven.
Hallelujah, Amen.
Eternal rest grant unto Milton O Lord and let perpetual light shine upon him.
May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.