Obituary of Howard Miller

Howard Miller passed away peacefully at the Agapé Hospice Manor on Saturday, August 25, 2007 at the age of 92 years. Howard was born on June 7, 1915 near Manyberries, AB to homesteaders Ruby and Ira Lee Miller and the eldest of eight children. Later, the family moved to Alhambra in central Alberta where he met his beloved Vivian Barton in Leslieville School and they were married in Sylvan Lake in 1933, moving to Calgary in 1935. Vivian passed away in 2002 just before their sixty-ninth anniversary. During the war years Howard was a machinist at Ogden Shops and later started Miller Auto Wreckers on 4th Avenue and 4th Street SW subsequently moving to 9th Avenue SE. He was an entrepreneur and an inventor and was constantly working on a new project. Howard was very active in the community and was a Charter member of the North Hill Kiwanis. Howard belonged to the Chamber of Commerce, the Jaycee’s, Alberta Commercial Travelers (ACT), Concord Masonic Lodge, Scottish Rite, Honourary 33rd Degree Mason, and the Al Azhar Shrine, holding offices in most. He served as President of the Calgary Safety Council in 1949 and was on the Calgary General Hospital Board in the 50’s. For many years he was a Stampede Parade Volunteer and marched as Captain with the Shrine Patrol Arabs in many parades around Alberta. After early retirement in the 70’s, Howard and Vivian spent their winters in Palm Springs where he was one of the longest-standing volunteers (over 20 years) at the Bob Hope Classic, the Vintage Tournament and Dinah Shore Open. He loved golf and was a member of the Regal (later the Elks) Golf Club and was made an honorary Life Member of the Elks, still golfing 9 holes 2 or 3 times every week at the age of 91. One of his proudest moments was in 1988 when he made a “hole in one” in Palm Springs. In the mid 80’s Howard and Vivian became volunteers with Canadian Executive Services Overseas (CESO), serving in Peru, Brazil (twice) and Egypt; he also advised Aboriginals in setting up small businesses in NWT, Rocky Mountain House and Morley. In 2004, the Calgary Herald called him a “Master of Versatility” and he was indeed that, and loved giving advice to his family and friends. He could “fix” anything and would always drop everything to help a friend. The family wishes to thank the wonderful staffs at Scenic Acres Retirement Residence, The Renaissance, and the Salvation Army Agapé Hospice. Warm thanks, also, to our many friends for their concern and care during these past months. Howard is survived by his daughter and son-in-law Mavis and Rev. Brown Milne; his son and daughter-in-law Ronald and Helen; and nine grandchildren, Tim, Stephen (Brenda), Lee and Tracy (Griff) Milne, Brian (Sharon), Kim (Tony Mrak), Kevin, Rob (Marcie) and Cory Miller. He was also much loved by seventeen “Greats” to whom he gave each a Roman numeral as he couldn’t remember their names until they were older. Howard is also survived by his brother Dick (Edna); sisters Evelyn Donlevy, Judy Fitch and Joyce (Bud) Bourk; as well as numerous nieces and nephews who always went to “Uncle Howard” for advice on their car repairs. A Celebration of Howard’s Life will be held at Varsity Acres Presbyterian Church (4612 Varsity Drive N.W.) on Friday August 31, 2007 at 2:00 p.m. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Agapé Hospice, 1302 – 8 Avenue N.W., Calgary, AB T2N 1B8 Telephone: (403) 282-6588 or to The Calgary Prostate Cancer Foundation, #100, 1011 Glenmore Trail SW, Calgary, AB T2V 4R6. In living memory of Howard Miller, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Crowfoot Chapel, 82 CROWFOOT CIRCLE N.W. Telephone: (403) 241-0044.