Gary Miller

Those who knew Gary Miller knew that when he put his mind to something, he went with it full steam ahead. In fact, some would say he even took things to the extreme. Gary was dedicated to everything he did whether it was his work, his weight training, or simply loving his family. He loved the great outdoors and never could resist a good argument, yet it will be Gary’s overall love for life that will be most remembered. He leaves behind countless memories shared with those he treasured that will live on in the hearts and lives of all those he leaves behind.

As the year 1943 was drawing to a close, there were many things to reflect upon. Our nation was still deeply entrenched in WWII overseas while those on the home front were dealing with rationing on many of the daily necessities. This was a year to remember for the family of Vernon and Leona (Schafer) Miller as they were thrilled to welcome the birth of their son, Gary, on December 23rd. Gary was born in Fowler, Michigan, as the younger of two children in his family, and was raised in a strict, Catholic home. His father was a mechanic whose work was mainly on tractors, and his mother worked as an inspector at Federal Mogul. As a young child, Gary loved telling tall tales, and he grew up with draft horses as well. He attended Most Holy Trinity Catholic School and then went on to Fowler High School. As a high school student, Gary was all-state in football, basketball, and baseball, and was also known as “Shorty” due to his stocky stature. He was even offered an athletic scholarship from Ohio State, but he turned it down and pursued things life here in the area.

It was also as a high school student that the stage was set for great changes in Gary’s life. He met his first wife Martha during this time. Given his personality, it isn't unusal to think he drove his car into the Muir gravel pit in order to impress some girls who were swimming there. After dating for a time, Gary and Martha were married. He supported his new wife through his work as a forklift driver at Oldsmobile, and he also worked some at his family’s saw mill. While they were living in Fowler, Gary and Martha were blessed with the births of four children: Tamara, Kerri, Patrick, and Kevin. Gary instilled in his children many valuable lessons that have served them well throughout their lives. He taught them to be organized, disciplined, and fearless, and also to have a great love for the outdoors. Gary was an avid outdoorsman who loved to “rough it,” and he also taught his children how to survive in the woods. While the children were still young, the Miller family moved out to the country where Gary built a beautiful pond that provided so many precious memories for his children. He was also passionate about hunting and taught his children how to trap muskrats.

Throughout his life, Gary was a man of what seemed to be countless interests and no matter what it was, he fully embraced it. He often took his family on long canoe trips and even became a competitive canoeist himself. Gary also purchased some weights and intensely trained in his basement to become a body builder. He took his family cross- country skiing for what seemed to be hours on end. Additionally, Gary was a member of Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church.

Life was forever changed for Gary when he met Susan at a singles dance in Ithaca. Actually, neither one wanted to be there but when he asked her to dance, they both experienced a change of heart. After dating for one year they began talking about marriage. They did marry just a short time later on December 28, 1989, in St. Johns. Gary’s family once again grew when he was blessed with grandchildren. He adored his grandchildren and treasured the times they spent together. Just as he had with his own children, Gary shared some of his passions with his grandchildren including hunting and shooting. His grandchildren also loved it when Gary pulled them on sleds behind the old, green Ford truck, and who could forget grandpa’s stories.

Once he retired from Oldsmobile, Gary took a job doing what he loved – spending time outdoors. He became a groundskeeper at the Portland Country Club where he mowed the fairways. As one who always liked things organized and tidy, it was no surprise that Gary kept his tractor spick and span. During his retirement years he purchased a Harley Sportster that he even raced in Stanton. Life became more challenging for Gary in 2007 when he was diagnosed with lung cancer. In true Gary form, he fought against the disease hard, and his will to live was both amazing and inspiring.

There were so many things about Gary Miller that made him such an extraordinary man to everyone he knew. To some, he was a dedicated competitor while to others he was both a great storyteller and an exceptional listener, but to all who knew him he was a man with a kind and compassionate heart. Gary was accepting of everyone and always supported those around him in any way he could. He was a proud man with strong opinions – passionate about the things he felt were important. With such a zest for life, Gary brought so much to the world in which he lived. He will be dearly missed and warmly remembered by those whose lives he touched.

Gary L. Miller, died February 18, 2010. Gary’s family includes his wife, Susan; children, Tamara (Dave) Pepper, Kerri (Ted) Platte, Patrick (Debbi) Miller, Kevin (Denise) Miller; grandchildren, Gabe, Alex, Patrick, Adam, Jordan, Aaron (Kaitlin), Corey, Conner, Jesse, Emily, Elliot and Elyse; great-grandchildren, Brice, Owen and Lilly; and his brother, LaVern “Gus” (Lynne) Miller. Gary was preceded in death by his parents. A Memorial Service will be held at 4:00 p.m., Saturday, February 20, 2010 at the Goerge Chapel of Osgood Funeral Homes, 11112 W. Ionia St. in Fowler, with Mark Simmon officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home, 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. on Friday with a rosary at 8 p.m. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you can leave a favorite memory or photo, sign the online guestbook, or make a memorial contribution to the Arthritis Foundation, P.O. Box 96280, Washington, D.C., 20077-7491.