Richard Wayne Miller

Richard was born in Canastota, NY to Bill and Betty Miller, and raised in Mohawk, NY with younger brother, Wayne. Richard’s parents also took in several foster children throughout his childhood, which perhaps helped instill in him the importance of service to others, a value that guided his entire life. Richard embodied a tireless work and study ethic and became the first in his family to attend college.

At the University of Rochester he met the love of his life, Linda, and pursued her until winning her heart. They graduated together in 1963, married in 1964, and spent the next 60 years together. Richard’s dedication to service led him to Union Theological Seminary, where he received a Bachelor of Divinity Degree in 1966.

In 1967 he and Linda moved to Westminster School where he began a 33 year career of ever expanding responsibilities. He ran the non-denominational chapel program starting in his first year, which satisfied his underlying interests in theology, and earned him the affectionate nickname “The Rev”. Richard was a humanist, driven by his values, by integrity and equity, dedicated to leading by example, and challenging people to identify their values and live in accordance. When asked by a nurse in the hospital weeks before his death, what was his favorite subject to teach, he responded, “Ethics”.

In addition to Ethics, he taught Modern European History, coached cross country and track and field, served as a dorm parent for 17 years while raising two children, became Dean of Students, Dean of Faculty, and eventually, the Assistant Headmaster. A fastidious planner and organizer, communicator and bridge builder, Richard poured his heart and soul into Westminster School. He became a beloved teacher, mentor, coach, and colleague through his tireless and genuine caring and concern for every person and detail related to the school.

With their retirement in 2000, Richard and Linda reluctantly parted ways with Westminster and moved to Tucson, AZ to begin a new chapter in their lives together, to be closer to their children, and where Linda could soak up as much sunshine as humanly possible.This move demonstrated yet another selfless act for Richard, as desert dwelling required him to gear up like going to battle against the UV radiation–wearing copious amounts of sunscreen on his fair skin, underneath his long sleeves, pants and bucket hats. Despite the lengthy preparations just to step outside, he fell in love with the Sonoran Desert, and in Tucson quickly found opportunities to dedicate himself. He tutored and mentored adults seeking their GED, and continued his love of singing by joining Sons of Orpheus, the male choir of Tucson.

Richard could not, of course, just show up and sing, but took on ever more administrative responsibilities, including grant writing to keep the choir funded and to create new opportunities to share their song. One summer he organized a group of 50 (Orpheus singers and family members) to sing in venues across Italy, including the Vatican. Richard became a grandfather to many pets over the years, all of whom he loved, and seemed to remind him why he never wanted one of his own. In 2013 he welcomed a grandson into the world, who brought him great joy. He noted having little recollection of caring for young children in any practical way, and this did not come naturally as a grandfather either. Though, pictures of all his grand pets and grand kid covered his walls and stuffed his wallet.

Richard leaves behind wife Linda, daughter Heidi and her husband Rob, son Greg and his wife Lisa, grandson Arlo, brother Wayne and his wife Marion, and their extended families, along with a choir missing his organization and attention, and thousands upon thousands of former students, colleagues, friends, and neighbors who will miss his laughter, caring, and bright light.