Janet L. Milligan

Jan was the recipient of many accolades relating to her public service.

Jan Milligan (Matson) passed peacefully in her home surrounded by family and friends after a long battle with cancer.

She was a Seattle native and developed an early love for nature from her time spent at Camp Sealth on Vashon Island. She devoted her life’s work towards service and advocacy for youth accessibility to the outdoors. She received her Forestry degree from Washington State University, and completed an internship with the US Forest Service where she assisted with the construction of a portion of the Pacific Crest Trail.

Jan was the recipient of many accolades relating to her public service, the most honored of which was the Evergreen Award, given by the Governor for her role in promoting outdoor volunteerism in Washington.

She was actively involved in community service and was a valued member of the Vashon Rotary Club. She also served as the Community Emergency Response Team manager with Vashon Fire and Rescue for nine years.

Her most prized title was Camp Director for Camp Sealth, where she spent 15 years developing programs for outreach, mentoring, and keeping the magic of summer camp alive for countless kids and young adults. Many of the staff members she met along the way have since turned into life-long friends and chosen family.

Jan and her husband Doug spent 42 years of marriage together, with much of that time occupied by the two of them completing odd-jobs around camp, giving a forever home to stray dogs, and building their home by hand on a beautiful plot of land on Vashon Island.

Jan believed in the difference summer camp can make and the impact it can have on youth development. Her spirit will always live on through her contributions to Camp Sealth and the Campfire community. Donations can be made in Jan’s name to https://campfireseattle.org/donate.

June 21, 1954 – December 5, 2024