Milo Klym Forman Locklear
March 25, 1982 - September 1, 2013
Obituary
Milo Klym Forman LOCKLEAR (1982-2013)
“Sonny” Milo Locklear crossed over to the Light on September 1, 2013 in Seattle, Washington. He was 31. Milo attended Highline High School and graduated from Mt. Rainier High School in 2000 with honors and an Associate of Arts degree from Highline Community College. His goals were to complete his Bachelor of Arts in Hospitality Management in order to manage in a hotel in the Caribbean and raise a family.
Born in Seattle on March 25, 1982, Milo had a unique upbringing with deep roots in the arts and the Pacific Northwest. Life to Milo was about adventure and challenge. He was an open-minded citizen of the world with a deep sense of spirituality. As a child Milo travelled on the road with his professional musician mother, making friends along the way and attended school in Sweden and Norway. In March 1990 mother and son departed Sierra Leone, W. Africa as the Blood Diamond War was starting. Milo played soccer and danced on stage with a traditional Ukrainian dance troupe at annual Seattle Center’s Folklife Festivals. He gave fiery speeches in high school and especially loved hiking and camping on the Olympic Peninsula. Beginning at age 5 Milo began studying piano. Until the ninth grade he composed beautiful music and played recitals including one at Nordstroms. A hobby was competing in local Magic card game tournaments. Then Milo became passionate about mastering the arts of sleight-of-hand card magic and balloon twisting.
At age 14 Milo’s vocation as a beloved local entertainer took off after an apprenticeship and performance donations to the Make-A-Wish Foundation and Seattle Children’s Hospital. Shortly thereafter he got his first steady job as the in-house balloon artist at Starz children’s store. Blessed with an ability to shape balloons into anything imaginable, Milo began booking with entertainment agencies and performed at parties, restaurants and outdoor festivals. He established his Twisted Fun Balloon Magic company and www.milosballoonmagic.com. In 2011 Milo was voted “Pike Street Market Entertainer of the Summer.” For the past two years Milo shared his spirit and talents at the Space Needle. His bright beaming smile and colorful balloon sculptures brought joy to countless children and tourists and will not be forgotten.
Milo delved into a “straight job” around age 17 to begin working in the insurance field. He received great personal satisfaction helping people by providing services and energetically surpassed sales quotas. Milo changed career paths in his mid-twenties to do more travelling and gain experience in the hospitality industry before finishing his business degree. He enjoyed the hustle and bustle of working as a waiter aboard a paddlewheel style cruise ship on the Columbia and Snake Rivers. Upbeat “Sonny” Milo earned immediate popularity with the dining room guests by making balloon corsages for the ladies and doing sleight-of-hand for the men. Milo and fellow crew were then transferred to another ship. About a week later in May 2007 they were awakened in the middle of the night by the sound of the Captain’s voice booming over the PA. The Empress of the North had hit an iceberg in the frigid southern waters of Icy Strait near Juneau, Alaska.
Water began rushing into Milo’s quarters. He wrote: “…There’s a huge hole in the boat and we’re taking on water quickly … it’s starting to tip, getting hard to stand up …. Carrying the people in wheelchairs down the stairs, making sure every passenger is out of the room … I felt relief because as a crew we really came together unselfishly and evacuated the boat and these people.” Milo’s core values of bravery and optimism were hallmarks of his life. His heartfelt love for family and friends was strong.
Milo is preceded in death by his “Baba” Helen Mary Forman, best buddy Rudy, Mohammed of Freetown, Sierre Leone and beloved cat Princess Bianca. He is survived by sister Sofia Locklear and parents Jim and Sandra Locklear of Seattle with extended family in Seattle, Canada, and South Carolina. “Come to me all who are weary and heavy-laden and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28). All too soon for silence our sensitive son and brother Milo shall forever be deeply missed. A lover of life now unencumbered by the suffering of this world, we take comfort knowing that Shaku Jo Ko or “Pure Light” is on a beautiful new path of adventure with eagle feather in hand. There will be a Memorial Celebration of Milo’s life on October 20th.
Memorial donations in Milo’s honor can be made to: NAMI Greater Seattle, 802 NW 70th Street, Seattle, WA 98117. On Tuesday, October 8 at 6:30 PM there will be a public candle Light vigil for Milo held on the Monorail side of the Space Needle in support of the National Day of Prayer for Mental Illness Recovery and Understanding. Go to www.boneywatson.com or www.legacy.com/seattletimes or www.milolocklear.wordpress.com for more on Milo or to share photos and memories.
My beautiful child …. thank you for the gift of your life … I am deeply blessed to have been your mother. Then and now you have taught me so much … I miss you with every aching cell in my bones … I know someday we will be together again. Until then, take care my son … I love you. Mom
I know Sandra, Milo’s mother, as a very talented musician at our retirement community. As a mom, I cannot fathom the loss of a child and my heart goes out to her and to the family for the loss of this wonderful man. He lived a full, thriving, but short life.
With deep sympathy, loving thoughts, and prayers, Cheryll
Milo. It was my honor to be your father and I wish our roles will be reversed next time around. You are missed in such a deep heart connection. Always in our thoughts are your creative artistic engagements with life and fun loving spirit.Milo….Love to your spirit and future.
Dad Jim……….
I remember a young joyful boy bouncing on the couch in a Seattle apartment. I remember a young man, so proud to have played his piano piece well on a Baldwin spinet. I remember a broad beaming smile, to see his Mom marry a fine gentleman. A few brief glimpses of a sweet young soul. Life cut short is a major heartache, the burden of grief so overbearing, and yet the good memories of this fine young life will lighten this heavy veil of sadness in time. May love and community support, wrap Sandra and Jim and Sofia in a blanket of healing energy, to strengthen your spirits until the burden of grief lifts in celebration of new life and new joy…….. Your Friend Forever
Upon hearing the tragic news of Milo’s passing, I immediately lit a candle and have been replaying all the wonderful and many memories I have of Milo where he graced not only my life and considered him a friend, but where he also graced Renton’s largest event (Renton River Days) in past years with his talents, commitment, and special combination of charm and charisma.
I saw so much of Sandra (whom I also know as a talented musician) in Milo . . . . besides stunning beauty, it was a warmth in spirit .. .so talented, so much grace.
I wish all the family and friends who were closest to Milo peace and comfort. I am sorry for your loss.
My thoughts and prayers are with Milo – in spirit – along
with his family and close friends at this time. I was given
the opportunity to meet Milo and his sister Sophia this
past summer and am thankful for our brief time together.
All of us will miss his big smile, warm heart and generous spirit. Thank you Sandra for introducing me to your family
and I grieve with you and your family over the loss of your
son, Milo.
Sandra and Jim, I am truly sorry for your loss. Take care of yourselves.
Hugs, Kay Greenberg
Thinking of you all today. Sandra, Jim ,Sofia. So sorry for the loss of Milo. Our thoughts and prayers are with you on this day.Warren Wendy Brandon and Sarah Marshalok.
Some people come into our lives and quickly go…Some stay for a while and leave footprints on our hearts…and we are never the same.
Milo, thank you for the brief time, you DID leave footprints on my heart.!
Milo, Thank you for embracing life, balloon twisting and magic! You brought many,many smiles to many people, young and old a like. Your balloons are still giving and delivering smiles.You are a very talented and gifted young man. I will miss you and the energy you gave to all. Rest in peace my friend.
Your Friend,
George
Dear Family,
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your dear loved one and send you my sincere condolences. The passing of a loved one can leave us feeling lost and heartbroken. But I’ve found very comforting words in God’s word, the Bible. At Psalms 55:22, God promises to sustain those who throw their burden upon Him. God will also do away with death all together as brought out at Revelation 21:4. The bible also holds out the hope of a resurrection of those who have fallen asleep in death at Acts 24:15. May Jehovah, the God of all comfort who comforts us in all our trials (2 Corinthians 1:3,4), comfort you in your time of need. Heartfelt prayers are with your family.
Milo’s passing came as a great shock and his presence will be missed greatly and felt for years to come. He was a bright light in my life. Milo’s greatest wish in life was to have the unconditional love of his family. It’s easy to love someone after they pass to the next life. It’s important to love them while they are still on earth with us. Hug your loved ones every day, tell them you love them, show them that love despite any judgements against decisions they make. Love them the way you wish to be loved. Peace be to the family during this difficult time.
October 20 … Today is a special day in the remembrance of Milo … he was like a brother to me. He was always there when I needed him. When I was stressed or upset he would always uplift me with his hilarious sense of humor. He was a supportive guy. He knew how to be a friend. For example, one day I was down he showed up with a balloon twisted character and told me in his crazy sense of humor “I made this for you buddy in hope that it would bring you some cheer big guy.” I just laughed and welcomed him …There were children around and he made them all the balloons they requested and brightened the afternoon for me and my entire family. None of this was planned, it just happened … because this is an example of the kind of spirit and character Milo truly possessed. Despite his struggles and hardships, Milo knew how to push them aside and put himself second and put others first. He was a caring man full of compassion. He had charisma and a huge heart that everyone loved. Life is short, I don’t understand why the good leave young, but I do understand that your life was very meaningful and am blessed to have been a part of it. Blessings to your family.
I was very sadden at the passing of Milo last year. I was Milo’s 1st Grade Sunday school teacher at St. Francis in Seahurst. I remember Milo as a bright first grader that just loved to learn about God. He always participated in every lesson and also helped others if they needed . He loved to draw and loved drawing pictures for me.
I hope that I had a small part in his spirituality and love for God. I know that he is with God and he is not gone but his spirit helps his family deal with his passing. I feel very honored to have been his teacher. He is the reason that I continue to teach Sunday School. I believe that our children our not ours but God’s and we are their parents on earth to love and nurture them. We all go home eventually to our maker.
“Milo thank you for the honor of being your teacher. May you make others happy in heaven. I know I am a better teacher because of you. I will always remember that little 1st grader that always gave me a smile and hug. Be at peace with the Lord.”
Sandra , thank you for sharing with me about Milo. I know Milo had something to do with us meeting yesterday. May you and your family know that Milo may be gone on earth but he is with you every step of the way and he will be with you on your journey that you are taking. Knowing that our kids are the greatest gift God gives us in our lives will give you the strength and the peace to go on with life. Milo was a gift to everyone he met, and I’m glad you trusted me to teach your son about God. May you and your family know that God is with you always with Milo right by his side.
Peace be with you,
Pauline
Happy Birthday to a beautiful soul. You are so missed. My life will never be the same. I will always love you. Why did you have to go? You are at peace now, but the people left behind are left with a heavy heart. Forever to wonder what could have been and forced to live day to day without you. I hope for peace for not only myself and my heart, but to all who loved you. I hope to see you in my dreams and I listen for your voice in the wind, as it blows through the trees. I selfishly hope for a day where it doesn’t hurt so bad. I will never find another you.
Today as in many ways Milo continues to bring joy to children.. I inherited balloon supplies from Milos estate and there are eyeball stickers he would put on his animal balloon figures. I continue to offer them at the childrens parties I perform at and the children love those little eyes that Milo thoughtfully purchased to enhance his own sculptures. Thanks, Milo. You are still spreading joy. GM
Thinking of you always Milo. Almost 12 years later and it is always surprising how you appear and with you, sometimes immense grief. I wish we had had more time to deepen our relationship as we aged. I miss and love you.