John Michael MILLER

1932 - 2021  (88 years)

• Name	John Michael MILLER
  Nickname	Johnny
  Birth	28 Apr 1932	Spokane, Spokane, Washington, United States
  Gender	Male
  FamilySearch ID	GCQ3-TDB
  Death	11 Mar 2021	Spokane, Spokane, Washington, United States
  Notes	John Michael Miller, a longtime resident of the Colville area, passed away in Spokane, WA on the evening of March 11, 2021 at age 88. John was born on April 28, 1932 in Spokane, WA to John and Alberta (Quinn) Miller. He grew up an only child in Spokane, idolizing his fireman dad and teacher mom. John was a strong athlete making the varsity baseball and football teams his sophomore year at Lewis and Clark High School. He had a dedicated attachment to his alma mater and would sing the fight song every time he way LC. After graduating from LC, he attended EWSC before being called to active duty in 1951. While serving in the Navy, John managed to play 27 innings of baseball at Ronald Reagan’s ranch. After being honorably discharged in 1954, he returned to EWSC on the GI Bill and obtained his BA education and Masters from the U of I. John always had a strong work ethic and the heart of a leader. He worked on the blister rust crew in Pierce, ID, when he was 15 years old pulling invasive blister rust weeds. The following two summers he became a straw boss managing crews of returning veterans who were older than him. While attending college, John was set up on a blind date with a nursing student, Kay Tull. The two were wed in Moses Lake, WA on September 8, 1956, and enjoyed a quaint honeymoon on the coast. John and Kay welcomed 3 wonderful children, Mike, Daniel, and Lisa. They celebrated 64 years of marriage last September. John began his education career as a teacher and coach in Latah, became a principal at 29 in Tekoa, and assistant superintendent in Colville at just 35 years old. After 26 years in education, John retired early and continued to help youth while working at rural resources as a youth job coordinator. Skiing was a passion for many years for John. The entire family learned to ski at Red Mountain. When 49 Degrees North opened, John and Kay were on the Ski Patrol. John was one of the first patrollers to ride the lift to the top of the mountain carrying a toboggan. When John traveled to Europe and New Zealand, he packed his skis and told great stories of skiing there. He enjoyed traveling, usually finding obscure routes. In his later years, he and Kay enjoyed wintering in Hawaii, whale watching, finding avocadoes, and enjoying the warmth. History was of great interest to John, and he had an uncanny ability to recall dates. Makes and models of cars were also his strengths. For many years, John spent hours in his vegetable garden. He always grew enough for the family and neighbors. He also took many trips in his camper seeing the sights in Alaska, Montana, Wyoming, and Arizona. John was incredibly proud of his family, especially his children and grandchildren. They all have fond memories of playing games, listening to his stories, and spending time together with him. John was someone you could go to for sound personal, professional, or financial advice. Besides being connected with his family, he was very much a people person. If he didn’t recognize you, he would usually find a connection after visiting with you for a short time. John was preceded in death by his parents, John and Alberta Quinn. He is survived by his loving wife, Kay; his sons, Mike (Kathi) and Daniel (Wendy) Miller; his daughter, Lisa (Kelly) Carr; his grandchildren, Jonathan (Jill) Miller, Megan (Erik) Solberg; Amanda (Ryan) Vredenberg; Erin (Trevor) Buchmann, Dain and Michael Lake, Makayla (Cruz) Thompson, and Leanna (James) Lehr; and his great-grandchildren, Ruby and Theo Solberg, Huxton and Cordlen Miller, Tate Thompson, and Brennan, Nora, and Grahm Buckman, Seth and Danika Lake. A celebration of John’s life will be held at the CRC Family Farm on Friday, July 9th, beginning at 4pm. Please visit the on-line memorial and sign the guestbook at www.danekasfuneralchapel.com. Danekas Funeral Chapel and Crematory is entrusted in care.
  Person ID	I275	Main
  Last Modified	21 Mar 2021

  
  

  Father	John H. MILLER,   b. 28 Apr 1898, New York City, New York, United States d. 28 Jul 1980, Colville, Stevens, Washington, United States (Age 82 years)
  Mother	Alberta May QUINN,   b. 15 Nov 1900, Markerville, Red Deer, Alberta, Canada d. 28 Oct 1996, Colville, Stevens, Washington, United States (Age 95 years)
  Marriage	29 May 1929	Spokane, Spokane, Washington, United States
  Family ID	F17	Group Sheet  |  Family Chart

  
  

  Family	LIVING
  Children	1. LIVING   2. LIVING   3. LIVING
  Family ID	F117	Group Sheet  |  Family Chart
  Last Modified	16 Mar 2025

  
  

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