Southern Sierran
Passages: Julia Millikan Thomas

BY Cathy Kissinger

Long time Sierra Club member Julia Millikan Thomas passed away on November 26, 2008. Julia was 81 years old and the cause of her death was Alzheimers Disease.

A native Californian, Julia was born in Glendale and lived most of her life in La Canada.

She was an elementary school teacher for 30 years.

Julia loved adventure and the outdoors. She was one of the co-founders of the Cresecenta Valley Sierra Club and was active in that group until 4 years ago. She led hikes all over Southern California and was a long-time leader of the Friday night Moonlight Hike on the Earl Canyon Fire Road in La Canada. She hiked the 212-mile John Muir trail three times! She also was a member of the Canyon Explorers Club and enjoyed national and international travel with this group.

In 1979, Julia won the Special Service Award.

For all of her years of involvement, Julia was the soul of the Crescenta Valley group. She served for many years as a officer and she was always available to help in whatever capacity the group needed. Her home was always open for meetings, parties and even a Sierra Club wedding! She never turned down an opportunity for a hiking adventure or a request for help on an environmental topic.

Julia was also an environmental advocate, helping to beautify La Canada and fighting for years against development on the hills above Glendale.

Julia will be remembered for her vibrant, passionate energy, her creative, active mind, her tireless leadership, devotion to her family and her children. She is survived by her husband, Halcott, 3 children and 3 grandchildren and her faithful canine companion, Jed.