Ernest Leon Milner

Ernest “Ernie” Leon Milner

Born: January 18, 1967

Died: October 4, 2024

Ernest Leon Milner was born on January 18, 1967, to Ernest and Naoma Milner in Provo, Utah. He was the youngest of four children and described himself as a “mama’s boy.” He moved to Moab when he was three years old with his family when his father accepted a job as a typesetter at The Times-Independent.

He often reflected on a happy childhood in Moab that included playing a variety of sports, hunting, riding his BMX bike and exploring the outdoors. He excelled as a drummer, football player and runner during the glory days of high school. He was very proud to be part of the 1984 Grand County High School football team that competed in the state championship and was a running-back in the Utah All-State game in 1985. His love for Red Devil football continued his entire life and he closely followed their seasons as well as he could. 

Ernie loved riding bikes. He competed in BMX racing and discovered mountain biking long before it became popular. When he was in junior high, before mountain bikes were created, he and a friend rode the Slickrock Bike Trail on their BMX bikes. He could be seen riding his mountain bike on difficult trails wearing cargo shorts and Chacos. He had exceptional balance and mastered the art of popping wheelies. He once rode on one wheel for 1.9 miles down Moab’s Main Street. His father clocked him at 60 mph while riding a wheelie down the steep descent of Skyline Drive to Fairview. He was very adventurous and would strive to improve and push the envelope in all sports – in the weight room, on the playing field, on the back of a bicycle or motorcycle or on the ski slopes. 

He graduated from Grand County High School in 1986 and returned to Provo with his parents. He studied welding at Utah Valley; and worked at bicycle and ski shops.

In 1988 he met Carinne Barton at The Palace dance club and they went on a motorcycle ride together. They rekindled their relationship in 1992 and married February 26, 1993. Their marriage was blessed with three children: MaKenzie, Jade and Madelyn. They separated in 1998 and divorced in 2000.

Ernie worked in construction and became a proficient dry-waller. He treated dry walling like a sport to improve his form and isolate muscle groups. He loved arrowhead hunting and fishing. He loved a wide variety of music from country to techno to reggae and ska. He used music and lyrics as a means to express his feelings when he couldn’t find the words. 

He deeply loved his children and took every opportunity to let them know by saying “I love you.” He shared his love of bikes with them. No matter the weather, even if their hands were ice cold, the children rode bikes with him each day they spent with him. They had many memories of him working on bikes, making sure they were “just right.” He taught them to fish and make salsa. He would play football and basketball outside his home at the trailer park with his children and neighborhood kids who wanted to join the game. He made sure his son had the best football gear. He was the cool dad, who was quick with a smile and giggles while playing with his kids. 

Friends described him as a true friend and protector. He was quick to help and was generous with his talents and energy. He looked forward to seeing friends to reminisce about old times. 

Ernie was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his children MaKenzie (Adam) Candland of Springville, Jade Milner of Murray and Madelyn (Liam) Heperi of Orem; grandchildren Matilda, Nora, Harvey and Helena Candland; siblings Mark (Sheryl) of Provo, Tamie of Provo, Mike (Rosemary) of Kuna, ID; and many nieces and nephews.

A memorial will be held in Moab at a later date.

Condolences may be expressed to the family on this page.