William Milliken facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
William Milliken
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| 44th Governor of Michigan | |
| In office January 22, 1969 – January 1, 1983 |
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| Lieutenant | Thomas F. Schweigert (acting) James H. Brickley James Damman James H. Brickley |
| Preceded by | George W. Romney |
| Succeeded by | Jim Blanchard |
| Chair of the National Governors Association | |
| In office September 9, 1977 – August 29, 1978 |
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| Preceded by | Reubin Askew |
| Succeeded by | Julian Carroll |
| 54th Lieutenant Governor of Michigan | |
| In office January 1, 1965 – January 22, 1969 |
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| Governor | George W. Romney |
| Preceded by | T. John Lesinski |
| Succeeded by | Thomas F. Schweigert (acting) |
| Member of the Michigan Senate from the 27th district |
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| In office January 1, 1961 – December 31, 1964 |
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| Preceded by | John Minnema |
| Succeeded by | William Romano |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
William Grawn Milliken
March 26, 1922 Traverse City, Michigan, U.S. |
| Died | October 18, 2019 (aged 97) Traverse City, Michigan, U.S. |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse |
Helen Wallbank
(m. 1945; died 2012) |
| Children | 2 |
| Parent |
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| Relatives | James W. Milliken (grandfather) |
| Education | Yale University (BA) |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  United States |
| Branch/service |  United States Army |
| Years of service | 1942–1945 |
| Rank | .svg){kind=small} Staff sergeant |
| Unit |  United States Army Air Forces |
| Battles/wars | World War II |
William Grawn Milliken (March 26, 1922 – October 18, 2019) was an American businessman and politician. He served as the 44th governor of Michigan. As a member of the Republican Party, he was the longest-serving governor in Michigan's history. He held office for more than 14 years, from 1969 to 1983. During his time as governor, he worked to protect the environment. He also helped Michigan deal with big changes in its economy.
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Early Life and Military Service
William Milliken was born in Traverse City, Michigan. His family was very involved in public service. His father, James T. Milliken, was the mayor of Traverse City. He also served as a Michigan State Senator. William's mother, Hildegarde, was the first woman elected to public office in Traverse City. She served on the school board. His grandfather, James W. Milliken, was also a state senator.
After high school, William Milliken went to Yale University. There, he met his future wife, Helen Wallbank. In 1942, he paused his studies to join the Army Reserve Corps. He later volunteered for the Army Air Corps in 1943.
During World War II, Milliken flew 50 combat missions. He was a waist-gunner on B-24 bombers. He survived two crash landings. For his bravery, he received seven military honors. These included the Purple Heart and the Air Medal.
After the war, William married Helen in 1945. They had two children, Elaine and William Jr. Milliken then graduated from Yale. He and Helen moved back to Traverse City. William became president of his family's department store, J.W. Milliken, Inc. Helen Milliken passed away in 2012.
Political Career in Michigan
William Milliken began his political career in 1947. Governor Kim Sigler appointed him to the Michigan Waterways Commission. In 1960, Milliken was elected as a state senator. He served in the Michigan Senate from 1961 to 1964.
From 1965 to 1969, he served as the 54th lieutenant governor of Michigan. He became governor when George W. Romney resigned. Governor Romney left to join President Richard Nixon's cabinet.
Milliken was then elected governor three times. He won elections in 1970, 1974, and 1978. He served for 14 years, making him the longest-serving governor in Michigan's history. Today, governors in Michigan can only serve two terms. This means no one is likely to serve longer than Milliken did.
During his time as governor, Milliken faced many challenges. Michigan's economy changed a lot, especially the auto industry. This led to job losses and people moving away from Detroit. He also dealt with the PBB crisis, a serious environmental issue. Milliken was known for his strong support of environmental protection. In 1982, he helped create the Council of Great Lakes Governors. This group works to protect the Great Lakes.
Life After Being Governor
After leaving office, William Milliken returned to Traverse City. He joined the board of directors for the Chrysler Corporation. He also led the Center for the Great Lakes. This center focuses on protecting the Great Lakes.
Milliken remained interested in politics. He often supported candidates from both major parties. In some presidential elections, he even supported Democratic candidates. For example, he supported John Kerry in 2004 and Hillary Clinton in 2016. He felt that some Republican candidates did not represent his views. He also supported Republican Governor Rick Snyder in Michigan state elections. In 2015, he supported same-sex marriage.
Death and Legacy
William Milliken passed away on October 18, 2019, at his home in Traverse City. He was 97 years old. His remains were buried on Mackinac Island next to his wife, Helen, and daughter, Elaine.
Milliken received many honors during his life and after his death.
- In 1976, Yale University gave him an honorary Doctor of Laws degree.
- A biography about him, William G. Milliken: Michigan's Passionate Moderate, was published in 2006.
- In 2009, a new state park in Detroit was named in his honor: William G. Milliken State Park and Harbor.
- Rooms at the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island are known as the Milliken Suite.
