Jonathan Bryce Millward

CHUBBUCK-On Wednesday afternoon, May 27, 2009, at Wheeler Army Airfield in Hawaii, a OH-58D Kiowa Warrior US Army Helicopter went down, and with it two of the best helicopter pilots in the United States Army. One was killed on impact; Bryce was pronounced dead on arrival at Wahiawa General Hospital.

Jonathan Bryce Millward was born in Kingman, Arizona, on March 22, 1981, the eighth child and sixth son of LaNae Hill and Joseph DeMott Millward. When he was 13 years old, his mother and siblings moved to Pocatello where he completed his schooling at Hawthorne Jr. High School and Highland High School, graduating with the class of 1999.

He was fascinated with Idaho… there was an irrigation ditch in front of the Quinn Street home. Being from the arid deserts of Arizona, Bryce had never seen an open irrigation ditch with running water, and he spent many hours playing in it. When he and his family moved to Boyd Street and later to their home on Teton Street in Chubbuck, Bryce discovered that Idaho had a lot of water in which he learned the thrill of kayaking. He was also fascinated by the mountains and delighted by the snow, filling many days with snowboarding adventures.

Bryce was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and held the Office of Elder in the Church. Growing up, he greatly benefited from the efforts of Primary, Sunday School, Aaronic Priesthood and Scout leaders' teachings and examples. Through caring encouragement and guidance of great bishops, he served a two-year mission in the Brazil Recife Mission speaking Portuguese and loving the Brazilian people. After returning to Chubbuck, he really enjoyed teaching Sunday School to young teenagers, and as a Priesthood lesson instructor, he gained a deeper appreciation and understanding of the Atonement of Jesus Christ.

Bryce had many friends. He counted them as some of his greatest blessings. His friends' families welcomed him into their homes and their refrigerators, and he was always happy to be with them. Several of his friends shared his love of fun and music… he was a member of Stuart Avenue Band, a group of guys who practiced regularly and performed publicly. The guys willing (and patiently) accepted him as lyricist and lead guitar man… some of his best moments were shared with them.

He attended Idaho State University while working different jobs. Climbing the PRT ladder, Bryce began as a bus washer. After his mission, he was promoted to Driver. He also drove for School District #25. Later he drove a grain truck for Bill McNabb, and moved to Ogden, Utah, to enter a civilian helicopter flight school where he earned his private pilot's license. He joined the US Army in June 2006. After completing his Basic Training at Fort Knox, Kentucky, he entered US Army Flight School at Fort Rucker, Alabama. There he completed Helicopter Training and graduated with honors on June 12, 2008. After returning to Idaho for two weeks, he reported to Wheeler Army Airfield, Hawaii for his first assignment. He chose to fly the Kiowa Warrior helicopter for the US Army, and was excited about his upcoming first deployment to Iraq. Bryce enjoyed the Hawaiian weather, cookouts, and surfing, but was looking forward to being back in his beloved Idaho for a three-week leave later this month.

Bryce was a fine young man with strong moral courage who lived the principles in which he believed. He knew the importance of eternal family life and his dream was to find his sweetheart and raise a great family. He loved music and surrounded himself with many kinds of instruments, each with a unique given name…his guitar, Paulina, was his favorite. He not only played, but composed his own music and lyrics, usually inspired by some event in his life.

Bryce enjoyed his friends and family. He had the ability to lift hearts and create fun and happiness wherever he went. He faced some disappointments and difficult times in his short life, but always seemed to overcome them with a smile and spontaneous humor. His commanding officers have all expressed that he was a fine, professional soldier with a natural ability to learn and that he excelled as a helicopter pilot and team member.

He is survived by his parents, LaNae Hill and Dennis Dye of Chubbuck, and Joseph DeMott and Alice Millward, Mesa, Arizona, as well as six siblings: Lt. Col. Michael Cody (Keri) Millward, Navarre, Florida; Derrick Gard Millward, West Jordan, Utah; Jynnae (John) Smedley, Chubbuck; Joseph Dell Millward, Las Vegas, Nevada; Annique (Jed) Dayley, Pocatello; and Capt. Russell Curtis (Megan) Millward, Pocatello. Upon the remarriage of his mother, Bryce gained five more siblings: Dennis Arthur (Shauna) Dye, Pleasantview, Utah; Terri Ann (John) Oborn, Chubbuck; Tena Marie (Phil) Richardson, Chubbuck; Mark E. Dye, Soda Springs; and Jason Troy (Hailey) Dye, Pocatello. He was preceded in death by a brother, Curtis Quinn Millward, as well as both his maternal grandparents, Russell Dell and Elda LaRene Stevens Hill, and his paternal grandparents, James Gwynn and Mary Violet DeMott Millward.

Bryce adored his many nieces and nephews with whom he never hesitated to share his time, teasing, or Legos.

His family wishes to extend their love and appreciation to his teachers, leaders, and friends who helped to shape his life. “We are grateful for this Chubbuck-Pocatello community and the wonderful atmosphere that surrounded Bryce here. We are deeply touched be the many visits, phone calls, thoughts and prayers that have strengthened us in our loss. We have been engulfed by your love and concern. Thank you, Josh, for creating the facebook page for Bryce, and to all those who have shared their thoughts and memories… it has been such a comfort!.”

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project in Bryce's name. Details can be found at www.woundedwarriorproject.com.

A homecoming for Jonathan Bryce Millward will take place on Friday, June 5, 2009, at the Pocatello Airport. He will be arriving at approximately 10:00 a.m. There will be a procession to Wilks Funeral Home following his arrival.

Funeral services for Bryce will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, June 8, at the University LDS Stake Center, 1701 Bartz Way, Pocatello. A viewing will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. on Sunday, June 7, at Wilks Funeral Home, 211 W. Chubbuck Road. An additional viewing will be held prior to the services at the funeral home on Monday starting at 9 a.m. and ending promptly at 10:15 a.m. Interment will follow services on Monday at the Firth Cemetery in Firth, Idaho.

Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.wilksfuneralhome.com.