Obituary of Ethan von Ranson Miller

April 21, 2000 – Cincinnati, Ohio

October 5, 2022 – Calgary, Alberta

Ethan Miller of Calgary, AB, passed away on Wednesday, October 5, 2022, at the age of 22 years. He was deeply loved by family and friends. Words cannot express how much he is missed.

Ethan was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, USA, on April 21, 2000, and his family moved to Calgary, Alberta, Canada when he was two months old. As a young boy Ethan was very energetic, outgoing, and curious about the world, which fit well with his decision to attend French immersion schools (Banff Trail Elementary, Branton Junior High, and Aberhart High School). At age 13 he developed chronic migraines, which in the following years evolved into a variety of forms of mental illness, compromising his ability to keep up with the demands of school.

He completed high school at Discovering Choices/Start Outreach and graduated in 2020. He enrolled at the University of Calgary in 2021 and enjoyed his geography, urban studies, and economics courses, often enthusiastically discussing things he had learned with family and friends.

Among his many talents, Ethan was known for his gourmet cooking skills and athletic prowess. He enjoyed playing football, volleyball, and many other sports, especially soccer, as well as travelling, hiking, and playing computer games. He had a passionate interest in geopolitics and social justice and loved learning about diverse topics such as investment strategy, business, and the environment. He perhaps most appreciated spending time with his friends and his dog, Abby, whose presence and antics lifted his spirits.

Ethan will be remembered for his kindness, empathy, humour, and intelligence. After experiencing years of severe, debilitating mental illness, Ethan died by suicide.

A memorial service will be held at will be held at Hillhurst United Church (1227 Kensington Close N.W., Calgary, AB) on Saturday, October 29, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. (MST), immediately followed by a reception. The service will also be live streamed at https://www.youtube.com/c/HillhurstUnitedChurch, and the video will be available on the same website after the service.

Ethan left behind a list of charities he hoped people would donate to. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Canadian Mental Health Association – Calgary Region, Suite #400, 105 – 12^th Avenue S.E., Calgary, AB T2G 1A1 Telephone: (403) 297–1700, www.cmha.calgary.ab.ca, Raising the Roof Calgary, https://raisingtheroof.org/, the Calgary John Howard Society, 917 - 9 Avenue S.E., Calgary, AB T2G 0S5 Telephone: (403) 266-4566, www.johnhoward.calgary.ab.ca, Doctors Without Borders, 720 Spandina Avenue, Suite 402,Toronto, ON M5S 2T9 Telephone: 1-800-982-7903, www.msf.ca, or Action Against Hunger https://www.actionagainsthunger.org/. Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared with Ethan’s family here.

Ethan is survived by his parents, Kristin von Ranson and Byron Miller; grandparents, Brooks Robards (Jim Kaplan), and Jonathan von Ranson (Susan); aunt Alexandra Smith (Edward), uncles, Erik von Ranson (Julia), and Joel von Ranson (Teddy); cousins Ben Smith (Jess Roden), Miranda Jackson (Levi), and Sean and Gabriel von Ranson; as well as many dear friends.

In living memory of Ethan Miller, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area (https://www.crossconservation.org/) by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Chapel of the Bells, 2720 Centre Street North, Calgary, AB T2E 2V6.