Milton Manoukian, prominent local attorney, age 76, passed away peacefully on Nov. 26, 2008 at the Scottsdale Healthcare Hospital, Scottsdale, Ariz. with his wife Lorraine and his four sons by his side.
Milton was born on Oct. 23, 1932 in Livingston, Calif. He was the second of five children born to Hagop H. "Jack" Manoukian and Rose Boranian Manoukian. The Manoukian family moved to Reno in 1950.
Milt married the love of his life, Lorraine (Lo) Bradshaw, on Dec. 1, 1956 at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Tonopah. He is survived by two sisters, Joan Woodin and Jacqueline Powers (Roy), all of Reno, and two brothers, Donald Manoukian, of Reno, and Justice Noel Manoukian (Louise), of Gardnerville. He also leaves behind four wonderful sons and daughters in law: N. Craig (Elaine Saarem), Dr. Paul D. (Rebecca Gardiner), Scott M. (Gail Quarisa), all of Reno, and Marko E. (Linda Funk) of Malta, Mont. Ten loving grandchildren also survive him Bryan, Erin Maffey (Mark), Robin, Jacob, Charles, Benjamin, Carissa, Garrett, Troy and Marley. He is also great grandfather to Peter and Nicholas Maffey. He also leaves an extended family, especially nieces and nephews and a vast number of close friends whom he considered family. He never forgot his classmates or the friendships he made throughout his life.
Milt attended Livingston, Calif. schools where he was an outstanding athlete and the star quarterback on the Livingston High School football team. He also developed a passion for baseball as a young boy and after playing American Legion baseball as a teenager he continued his sports career at San Jose State and the University of Nevada-Reno where he played third base.
Milt attended San Jose State from 1951-1953, then, was drafted into the U.S. Army and served as a Private First Class playing for the Fifth Army softball team until 1955. In 1955 he enrolled at the University of Nevada-Reno, graduating in 1957. Milt attended the George Washington University School of Law in Washington, D.C., obtaining his Juris Doctor in 1960.
While in law school, Milt worked for the U.S. Capitol police force under the patronage of Senator Alan Bible. While living in Arlington, Va., Milt and Lo had their two first sons. He and his family returned to Nevada in 1960, taking up residence in Carson City where Milt worked for the Nevada Highway Department while studying for the Nevada State Bar exam. Milt and Lorraine's two youngest sons were born in Carson City. Milt was a member of the Nevada Bar and practiced law in northern Nevada for over forty years representing clients in many communities including Lake Tahoe, Carson Valley, Carson City, and Reno.
Milt had an unparalleled zest for life and was known for his keen, intelligent sense of humor. He said, "My parents taught me, anything worth doing is worth doing well and that is how I approached my law practice as well as life in general." His interest in people from all walks of life led him to develop friendships with many individuals throughout the U.S. and the world. Milt never left a restaurant without knowing the name of his server, where he/she went to high school and the local high school mascot.
As the father of a family of four sons during the 1960's and 1970's in Carson City, Milt enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, and tennis. He was a fan who loved watching sporting events at all levels, particularly when his sons and grandchildren were playing. Milt's athletic skills were evidenced in later years through the game of golf. Milt and Lorraine traveled the world enjoying fine food and wine wherever they went. However, the best food could always be found at their home, as anyone who has had the pleasure of enjoying one of Milt and Lorraine's delicious meals and warm hospitality can attest. Among the other pastimes Milt enjoyed was creating cabinetry for those he loved, reading voraciously and discussing current events.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be 11 a.m. on Saturday, December 13, 2008 at St. Rose of Lima, 100 Bishop Manogue Drive with a reception immediately following. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to California Pacific Medical Center Foundation (CPMCF), c/o The Milton Manoukian Living Donor Fund, 1255 Post Street, Suite 700, San Francisco, CA 94109.
Arrangements are under the direction of Walton Funeral Home, Reno. The family invites you to share a thought, memory, or condolence message at the website www.waltonsfuneralhomes.com.