Mark Dale Miller

It is with deep sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Mark Dale Miller, on September 24th, 2024. Mark lived his life with love, dedication and a deep sense of service. He was a dedicated Husband, proud Dad, caring Brother, brave firefighter, wonderful neighbor and friend. Mark was a man of strong character, honor, and unwavering commitment to his family, friends, and community. He fought Non Hodgkin's/Peripheral T-cell Lymphoma for 3 1/2 years, keeping positive and remaining courageous, despite the challenges this cancer presented. He stayed strong, always trusting in God’s plan, and although it was tough at times, he lived his life with gratitude.

Born on June 24th, 1960, he grew up in Simi Valley, California. He knew from a very young age he wanted to be a firefighter, so he began his journey as a cadet in the Ventura County Fire Department the minute he was old enough. He served bravely as a firefighter for 37 years, working both in San Bernardino County and Riverside County with Cal Fire. The last 14 years leading up to his retirement in 2014, he worked at Oak Glen Conservation Camp, which he considered his second home. Fighting wildland fires and leading a crew was his passion, a career he loved so much.

Mark was a husband and best friend to Debbie, with whom he shared 40 years of marriage and partnership. Together, they built a home filled with love & laughter. He was also the proud father of his three children, Bryce, Addie and Jacob, whose lives he supported with his example, sacrifices, strength and bad Dad jokes. Mark always said, he will never die, because of his legacy: his children.

In addition to being a firefighter in his professional life, Mark was a beloved and active member of his community. As a neighbor, he was always willing to lend a helping hand, a spirited discussion, and share his patriotism and love for this country. His love of his community, picking up trash along his adopted highway and park, Wildwood Canyon Rd and Wildwood Park, trimming trees and keeping the roads safe and beautiful for everyone driving through “His Canyon” (which he was so proud of) earned him the respect and love of everyone who knew him. Mark was also a dedicated blood donor; he was proud to be in the 20 gallon club. Whether it was helping a neighbor with a task or volunteering his time by taking care of the area, Mark lived a life dedicated to serving others.

He will be deeply missed by all who knew him, but his legacy will live on through the lives of those he sacrificed for and touched. Mark is survived by his wife Debbie, his children Bryce, Addie and Jacob, his sister Kelly Taylor, his In-Laws Helga and Wolfie Kollmann, Sister-in-law Andrea Koch and husband Jeff, nieces Lauren, Courtney and Carley and nephews Justin and Elias. Preceded in death by his beloved Grandpa Dewey and Grandma Hazel, Parents Dale Miller and Charlene Miller, brother Doug and niece Kaitlin Taylor. He also leaves many friends, neighbors, and members of the community who knew him - whom he considered himself blessed to know.

A memorial service will be held on November 2nd, 10am at YPAC-Yucaipa Performing Arts Center, 12062 California St, Yucaipa. Reception to immediately follow. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Mark’s honor to Camp Conrad Chinnock (a Type1 Diabetic camp for kids), any childhood cancer organization and the Riverside County Professional Firefighters Benevolent Fund. You can also donate blood in his honor or pick up trash along the way, all causes that were close to his heart.

Rest in peace, FC Mark D Miller. Your courage, sacrifice, love and servant’s heart will never be forgotten.