Milford Eugene Terrell

Milford Eugene Terrell was born July 7, 1943, in Quincy California. At 2 weeks of age, his Uncle Lloyd came down from Idaho and moved his mother and 5 siblings to Idaho, as his father was away in the army.

The move to Idaho was a forever move, but his childhood was less than pleasant. At the age of 2 he and his now 6 siblings were made wards of the State of Idaho. The 5 boys went to the Children’s Home Orphanage and the 2 girls went to live with their grandparents. Milford was later adopted by the Uncle and Aunt who brought him to Idaho. His childhood was loaded with much drama, heartache, happiness, family, friends, work and God. He liked to refer to that as “life”.

Raised in the Seventh-day Adventist faith, Milford attended three different high schools as stability in his life was still lacking. It was during these years that Milford began to show his resilience and leadership abilities. Rather than seeing it as rejection, he saw it as an opportunity to meet new friends! Always the eternal optimist!

Following high school graduation, Milford went to work for his brother, Wayne. Thus, his journey to a plumbing business began. Interrupted in 1967 by a call from Uncle Sam, Milford was sworn into the Army, becoming a medic during the Vietnam Nam War.

As a medic, he was sent to an evacuation hospital in Japan, the 106th @ Kishine Barracks. This is where he met the love of his life and faithful partner of 55 years, Grace. With Milford as a medic and Grace as a nurse, she was his commanding officer, and Milford often commented that she still was. They married in Japan in 1969 before returning to Idaho.

After returning home, Milford entered the plumbing world with a new vigor. Finishing his licensing and then starting his own business. The little business started working out of his garage with a $1000 loan. Through the years it became one of the most prestigious plumbing shops in the State of Idaho. Celebrating 50 years in business last year was a true highlight of his life. The legacy continues, with his daughter, Darcy Neidigh owning and running the company.

Milford’s civic involvement is too great to enumerate. He had a strong sense of responsibility to God, family, business, community and kids. Always kids! Having had a very rough childhood, he wanted better for every child. He & Grace supported kids from pre-school to college through organizations, scholarships, hugs, prayers, temporary housing and love . . . So much love. A few of the many endeavors supported and dedicated countless years to were Pathfinders, Camp Ida-Haven, Boise State University, Church leadership and the Children’s Home.

His Parkinson’s diagnosis marked an extreme change in life for Milford, although less stamina to do all he wanted, people remained his joy. He never met a stranger, only a friend to make new memories with, to laugh that hearty laugh and booming voice.

Milford passed away peacefully on April 23, 2024, surrounded by his family. He is survived by his wife Grace, daughters Stephanie (Eric) Fieldstad, Darcy (Jason) Neidigh, Grandchildren Joshua, Ben (Kayla), Haley Fieldstad, Jared and Grace Neidigh.

To say that this man, who was bigger than life and gave so much joy will be missed is an understatement.

Condolences may be sent through Cloverdale Funeral Home. Donations, if desired, may be made to Camp Ida-Haven, c/o the Idaho Conference of Seventh-day Adventist, 7777 Fairview Ave., Boise, ID 83701 or to the Children’s Home – Dufur-Terrell Endowment, 740 E warm Springs Ave., Boise, ID 83712.

A celebration of life will be held Friday, May 17, 2024 at 1pm at the Cloverdale Seventh-day Adventist Church.