Obituary of William Miller

Don Miller passed away peacefully, Sunday, March 23, 2008 with family members by his side.

Don was born April 10, 1922, near Peachland, B.C. He was an athlete who excelled in many sports including basketball, baseball and track and field. In 1931 he established a provincial high school long jump record which stood for over 20 years. He enlisted in the Royal Canadian Air Force and served as a flight navigator with Bomber Squadron #434 where he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. In 1944 Don contracted polio and returned to Canada, where he spent three years at Shaughnessy Hospital and began a lifelong commitment to the British Columbia Paraplegic Association.Don married Jean MacDonald, his wife of 55 years, in 1950. The couple moved to Cranbrook in 1958 where Don worked as an accountant and they raised their 4 children. Don was a committed supporter of many service groups and volunteered numerous hours working with local associations such as the Anglican Church, the Cranbrook Public Library, the Gyro and Shrine clubs, Kootenay Society for the Handicapped and the Rocky Mountain Housing Society for the disabled. Don had a great love for the environment and recycled relentlessly as he was determined to "tread lightly on the earth". His kindness, loyalty and compassion were boundless. He had a steady, rich presence coupled with a ready wit which made him a wonderful family historian. His stories delighted family and friends over the years. Don touched the hearts of many and said that he enjoyed the people in his life and we enjoyed him in ours. He will be greatly missed.

Don was predeceased by his wife Jean. He is survived by his children; Jane, Cath (Rod, Meghan, Lindsay, Jordan) Faust; Pam (Jeff, Sarah, Kate) Eppler; Bill (Francine, Tarah, Kendall and Carli) Miller; as well as his brother Archie Miller.

A memorial service celebrating Don's life will be held Friday, April 4, 2008 at 3:00 pm at Christ Church Anglican.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in his name to the British Columbia Paraplegic Association.