Robert Clark Miller

Toledo, OR graduating from high school in 1951.

Bob attended Oregon State University in 1951-52. Later in 1952 he enrolled in the

watch-making program at Oregon Technical Institute in Klamath Falls, OR. After

graduating from OTI in 1954, Bob entered the US Army, by popular request. There he was stationed in Washington, D.C. and had responsibilities as an aircraft plotter. He was discharged from the Army in 1956 and “enlisted” in matrimony with Mary Ellen Kitching after the two met at OTI.

Bob then started working for Tim’s Jewelers in Sellwood, OR as their watchmaker. From

1958 to 1959 he worked for Vine’s Jewelers in downtown Portland. At that point, it was decided that he join his father, Charles Miller, and his brother, Kenneth, in the family jewelry business. The three worked out of his father’s garage in Portland and were known as Miller & Sons – a diamond import and jewelry manufacturing company.

In April of 1960, Bob and Mary Ellen welcomed their first son, Robert Michael Miller (Mike) to the family. Shortly thereafter, in June of 1962, they welcomed a second son Douglas Blake Miller (Doug). They decided the family was complete with two healthy sons until they were surprised by the third in July of 1963 and welcomed Steven Charles Miller (Steve) to the clan.

During these years, the family jewelry business began to grow and became too much to handle in a garage. In 1962, Miller & Sons moved into their first store on Halsey street, added retail sales and became known as Miller’s International Diamond Importers.

In 1977, Bob opened his own store, Robert Miller Fine Jewelry in Menlo Park Plaza and continued until his retirement in 1997. It was not the end of a legacy, however, as Bob’s son, Doug became independently owned in 1997 and Miller’s International was eventually re-established in 2006 by Bob’s grandson, Justin Miller.

After his retirement, Bob began the adventure and challenges in his new role as Director of Household Affairs and house husband extraordinaire.

Bob enjoyed many years of deer hunting, fishing and pheasant hunting with his father, brother and good friends. Pheasant hunting with his beloved dog, Beau was especially enjoyable for Bob.

Fishing and boating were favorites for Bob. He enjoyed taking friends and family out on his boat for fishing adventues. He spent many family vacations at Lake Billy Chinook camping, boating and fishing. A favorite trip for the whole family, especially the three boys, was their yearly fishing trip to Tuloon Lake, Canada.

Bob’s sense of adventure was so great that it did not stop on land. One of his greatest joys was flying. He made many trips around the country, but his most challenging and exciting trip was flying with his wife and dear friends to Mazatlán, Mexico.

Bob was the definition of fun. He enjoyed life to the fullest, had a great sense of humor, enjoyed people and especially enjoyed making them laugh with his many jokes – something he passed on to all three of his boys. Most of all Bob loved his family, his dog, Petey and being together for any occasion. He will be will missed by so many.

Bob is survived by his wife, Mary Ellen, his sons, Mike (Stacey), Doug (Gemma), Steve (Gretchen); his sister, Char Rawlinson, grandchildren, Justin, Rachel, Max, Maverick and Charles; great grandchildren, Jeramiah, Ella, Grace, Kingsley.

In today’s troubled times, Bob stands an example of the American Dream. He worked hard, served his country, ran his own successful business and enjoyed a long and happy marriage to a wonderful woman. Together, they raised a fine family who will carry on his legacy far into the future. Life doesn’t get any better than that!

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Bob's name to the Oregon Humane Society.