MARYSVILLE — Often quiet, but formidable in court and very funny were some of the traits friends used to describe attorney Ian Millikan.

According to information supplied by the Greater Marysville Tulalip Chamber of Commerce, Millikan died of brain cancer at the age of 59 early June 21.

His family, which includes wife Vicki, could not be reached directly for comment.

A long-time chamber of commerce member and past chamber chairman, Millikan had been honored June 20 when the chamber presented the first Millikan-Howard Chairman’s Award.

The award was named after not only Millikan, but also another chamber leader and past chair, the late Mike Howard

Chamber President Cauldie Rogers said she was pleased the organization was able to honor Millikan prior to his death.

“I’m very grateful that he was very aware of how this chamber felt about him,” Rogers said.

Rogers was among those who described Millikan as humble and quiet.

“But he was equally fierce when called upon to defend a client or the organization he was representing,” Rogers said.

She also described Millikan as extremely well spoken, with a great sense of humor.

“His wit was spectacular,” Rogers said.

Another long-standing chamber leader, Robyn Warren, was named the first winner of the Millikan-Howard Chairman’s Award. While she had high praise for both Millikan and Howard shortly after receiving the award, she said Millikan’s death makes the honor something she will cherish even more.

“It’s something that is bittersweet,” Warren added.

Warren said she was close to Millikan through both the chamber and their joint membership in the Marysville Morning Rotary. Like Rogers, Warren talked a lot about Millikan’s sense of humor.

“He was also a great teacher,” she said. “He was kind and generous and fun.”

Through the chamber, Millikan’s family announced what they are calling a celebration of Ian Millikan’s life at 2 p.m. June 29 at Leifer Manor, 12511 State Ave. Marysville.

“Our family would love to see as many people as possible join us for this celebration and to share their memories of Ian with us,” Vicki Millikan told the chamber.

Instead of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Center for Advanced Brain Tumor Treatment at Swedish Medical Center. A Brain Cancer Walk fundraiser is scheduled for June 28 in Seattle. Prior to Ian Millikan’s death, the Millikan family already had established “Team Millikan” for the walk.

Visit www.active.com/donate.braincancerwalk/TeamMillikan to donate or for more information.

The family also asks friends or those who knew Ian Millikan to send remembrances or thoughts to RememberingIan@gmail.com.