It is with immense sadness that we announce the death of Patrick Joseph Miller. Despite suffering multiple health issues for years, he continued to be genial and respectful towards others and was extremely well thought of by all who cared for him.
He was predeceased by his parents and brother, Hugh. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Mary, his children; Patrick (Colette), Kathryn (Eric), Joanne (aka Jan), Karen (Darcy), and John. He is also mourned by his brother Ken, his sisters Irene and Joan, eight grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren.
Dr. Miller was born in Radville, SK and spent his formative years in Regina, SK where he graduated from Campion High School. He completed his medical training in Winnipeg, where he met his beloved wife at the Children’s Hospital. They were married in 1954 and moved to Humboldt, SK where he practiced medicine from 1955 until 1992. His amiability, his caring, and compassionate manner and considerable skill earned him the respect and love of countless patients, as well as his colleagues. He was chief of the medical staff for many years at St. Elizabeth Hospital in Humboldt. As a doctor in a small community without specialist services, he became skilled in many aspects of medicine unfamiliar to the average G.P. He loved his job- “fun, fun, fun all day”! The challenges of a demanding medical practice were met with courage and confidence.
He was involved in the community, serving as Chairman of the School Board of Humboldt Collegiate Institute for years.
Dad loved to spend time drinking coffee (etc.) and swatting flies on the picturesque deck of the family cabin at McPhee Lake if he was not in his wood turning studio. He loved to take his grandchildren water skiing, tubing and fishing with his boat. He was a prolific and talented artist, producing many wonderful paintings and woodturnings. He was at one time an avid hunter and enjoyed tennis, racquetball and golf in his younger years. He was a formidable (and somewhat exasperating) ping pong opponent.
Despite numerous health issues in his later life, he maintained his easy going personality and sense of humor. This is perhaps the most remarkable of his accomplishments.
Dad will be missed by many. But for his family, especially his wife and best friend, Mary, there will be memories of many smiles and happy times that will remain forever.
The Miller family would like to express their gratitude to the care professionals at Alberta Health Services C3 Program/Beddington, Rockyview General Hospital and Carewest George Boyack.
A Celebration of Life will be held at SOUTH CALGARY FUNERAL CENTRE, 12700 Macleod Trail South (at Lake Fraser Gate), on Saturday, September 23, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. Reception to follow.
In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations being made in Patrick’s memory directly to Doctors Without Borders (MSF), (720 Spadina Avenue Suite 402, Toronto, ON M5S 2T9).
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