October 14, 1936 - September 30, 2018
Thomas Miller was born October 14, 1936 and passed away peacefully in his sleep September 30th 2018.
Thomas Miller was born in Devlin, Ontario Canada and lived out his childhood and early years in Fort Frances Ontario. He enjoyed participating in hockey and stalk car racing. In his early 20s Thomas married Orla Gustafsson and created a family of four children; Tammy Miller, John Miller, Judy Miller and Doniven Miller. Later the family moved across the country to Vernon, British Columbia where they spent many years raising their children. Later they would follow their oldest son and his family to the small village of Nakusp, British Columbia, where they would spend the rest of their days nestled in the backcountry.
While living in Fort Frances Thomas would often enter in local stock car races and was known for following the racing sport. Thomas Miller had a strong work ethic and spent many years working for logging companies and driving machinery during his time living at Eva Lake, he taught the heavy duty equipment operator course at Quetico Centre. Later in life he would often happily share stories of his time working on the logging roads and projects he had completed. Thomas and his wife Orla loved to drive, they would travel by car, going for road trips to Banff and many other places in BC. They could also be found spending time with friends during brunch or doing puzzles with afternoon coffee.
He was known by some of his nieces and nephews as "Cowboy Uncle Tom", Because of the cowboy hat he always wore. He spent lots of time reading old country westerns and often left his paperbacks around the town of Nakusp at restaurants and local coffee shops.
One story told in the family is about how Thomas and his brother Henry were speeding down the road, because of either Henry showing off or Thomas urging him on, Henry was pulled over and handed his first and only speeding ticket.
Thomas is survived by his siblings Janice Miller, Betty Miller, Henry Miller, Josie Miller, Jim Miller, Bob Miller. His son John Miller and granddaughter Trinity Miller.
Predeceased by mother Bethel Miller, wife Orla Miller, Daughters Judy Miller and Tammy Miller, Sibling Marge Miner.
Thomas Miller will be missed dearly and live on in our memories. He will be remembered for his quiet nature, love of books and racing cars, knowledge of history and his storytelling abilities.
His Granddaughter will always remember falling asleep on his belly while grandpa was reading a book and watching racing. He would carry her on his shoulders when they walked home on Friday nights and the days they spent golfing, drinking root beer, and listening to old music in the car.