E.I. (Ed) Mills |
| Posted 2009-12-04 by Pat WIlson |
| E.I. "Ed" Mills Jr. was executive director of San Antonio Association for the Blind, also known as Lighthouse for the Blind, for 19 years. He held this position and was secretary to the board from January 1959 until 1978 when he retired. Mills, 76, died Monday in his home in Sedona, Ariz. Since retiring, he had lived in Arizona. "San Antonio Association for the Blind will always owe a debt of gratitude to Ed Mills. Through his commitment, hard work and determination, he took on a thin and shaking operation and turned it into the solid and stable organization it is today," said Bob R. Plunkett, president of the association. "He was truly one of the pioneers who laid the foundation for what was to follow." Mills was born in Salt Lake City, and earned a bachelor's degree from the University of California at Los Angeles. He first worked in the copper mines with his father in Arizona . During World War II, he worked for Goodyear Aircraft in Phoenix. He married Madge Steed. Mills worked for Arizona Industries for the Blind before accepting the San Antonio directorship. "We were a struggling organization when he came here and laid the groundwork for the 200 employees we have today," said Nancy Dunn, director of community relations for San Antonio Association for the Blind. "Without his hard work, we wouldn't have what we have today. He was loved and respected by the employees and the management. In these hard times when many similar associations have laid off employees we have kept all of ours working," she said. "For a year after Ed retired, he remained here to act as a consultant for the new director. Ever since, he has kept in contact." Survivors are his wife; a daughter, Carol Anspach of Phoenix; and five grandchildren. In keeping with Mills' wishes, no funeral or memorial service will be held. Anyone wishing to express condolences to his wife may send them to San Antonio Association for the Blind and they will be forwarded to her. Arizona Republic April 1, 1992 |
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