Raphael Benjamin Millet

1971 – 2023

Raphael Benjamin Millet passed away on May 28, 2023 at the age of 51. Raphael was born on September 29, 1971 in Provo, Utah to Nancy and Edward Milo Millet. He was the fifth of eight children.

Raphael grew up in Salem and Orem, Utah. He attended Westmore Elementary and Lakeridge Junior High. He enjoyed his first job delivering newspapers. He attended middle school in Dennehotso, Arizona. He graduated as class valedictorian from Ramah High School in New Mexico, where he lettered in football and basketball. He went on to graduate with a Bachelors of Science in Geography from Brigham Young University and a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from the University of Utah.

Raphael married his eternal companion, Susan Elaine Brinkerhoff, in the Manti, Utah temple on August 12, 1994. They had five children: Juliana, Natalie, Audrey, Myla, and Connor. Raphael’s wife and children were his pride and joy. He encouraged his children to pursue their passions.

Raphael gave generously throughout his life in his civic duties and religious participation in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. After high school, he served a Spanish-speaking mission in Fort Worth, Texas. Raphael loved the people he served and the Spanish language.

Throughout his life, he served in various church callings including Bishopric counselor, High Priest Group Leader, and in the Stake Sunday School presidency.

Raphael’s fierce patriotism was evident in his work as President of the Kiwanis Club of Spanish Fork. He served as district ledge chair, precinct chair, county delegate, and state delegate. Raphael worked for 26 years in the Utah County Recorder’s office as an administrative cadastral analyst. Raphael also owned and operated his property management business for 18 years.

Raphael was a dedicated sports fan — he cheered on his children at countless games, as well as every BYU sports team. One of his favorite activities was taking his family to BYU sporting events. He enjoyed competitive board games, particularly strategic games with friends. Raphael esteemed all learning, but had a particular love for studying and understanding new languages. He had the gift of gab and was a skilled debater with his verbose lexicon. He enjoyed teaching and quizzing his children on the Merriam-Webster Word of the Day.

Raphael loved to welcome guests to his home with the best breakfast spreads. He loved to spoil his family, friends, and neighbors with soft ginger snap cookies he baked with care each Christmas season. Visiting with his friends as he delivered the cookies was one of his favorite things to do. He would jump at any opportunity to help someone. His friends knew how much he loved them.

Raphael appreciated well-composed music. He collected and shared extensive playlists of his favorite songs. He loved singing the special songs he wrote for each of his children, participating in the choir with his symphonic voice, and playing the trumpet and piano. One of his most treasured compositions to listen to was Handel’s Messiah.

Raphael was preceded in death by his father Edward Milo Millet, sister Katrina Nelson, mother-in-law Ruth Brinkerhoff, bonus daughter Grace Yi Yan, brother-in-laws Matthew Brinkerhoff and Robert Peterson, sister-in-law Tracy Brinkerhoff, niece Misty Brinkerhoff, and nephew Alex Brinkerhoff.

Raphael is survived by his loving and devoted eternal companion of 29 years, Susan Millet; his daughters Juliana (Dalton) Anderson, Natalie Millet (Elexis Wheeler), Audrey (Nathan) Garff, Myla Millet, and his son Connor Millet; and first grandchild (expected to arrive in November); his mother, Nancy Millet; siblings Heidi (Bruce) Warren, Jason (Jana) Millet, Daniel (Amy) Millet, Felicia Kelson, Ammon (Jen) Millet, and Jonathan (Allison) Millet.

Funeral services were held on Monday, June 5, 2023 at 11:30 A.M. at the LDS Chapel located at 1138 E. 100 S. Payson, UT 84651 with a viewing from 9 -11 A.M. The burial was held in the Fairview City Cemetery. The family wishes to express their gratitude for the abundant acts of kindness and generosity shown during their time of bereavement. Online condolences and Zoom recording of services at rasmussenmortuary.com.