Wayne Earl Miller
September 7, 1930 - April 5, 2008
Obituary
Wayne Earl Miller, age 77, passed away peacefully surrounded by family, Saturday April 5th, 2008 in Burien. Wayne was born September 7th, 1930 in Whitefish, MT to Nick & Ruth Miller.
Wayne attended Highline High school and grew up in the Burien/White Center area. He enlisted in the Air Force right out of high school and served until 1956. Wayne married the love of his life Barbara Lewis on January 17th, 1959. Wayne then worked as a mail carrier for the US Post Office for 33 years, a firefighter and dispatcher with King County Fire District 11 for 28 years, and drove busses for the Highline School District for 10 years. Wayne was an avid outdoorsman, sports enthusiast, and above all else, a devoted family man.
Wayne was preceded in death by his parents Nick & Ruth Miller, in-laws Trig & Amy Lewis, and granddaughter Ashley Ellen.
Wayne is survived by his wife of 49 years Barbara; children, Terry Miller Lori, Robert Miller Teresa, Bonnie Bowman Ron, Karen Donatelli Steve, and Tom Strom Lois; grandchildren, Tommy and Timmy Strom, Lyndee Cooper Will, Robert Miller Jr., Corrine and Clinton Miller, and Gabrielle and Joey Donatelli; great-grandchildren, Savannah, Peyton, Cale, as well as a large group of extended family and friends.
Services for Wayne will be held on Saturday April 26th, 2008 at 1:30pm at the Holy Family Catholic Church located at 9622 – 20th Avenue SW in Seattle, WA. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the North Highline Fire District Aid Car Fund, 1243 sw 112th St., Seattle, WA 98146, c/o Wayne Miller.
I will never be prepared for these times in life. Can’t seem to keep the tears from running down my face. You have always treated me as part of the family. And, of course, I wouldn’t trade my brother Robby or Lil’ P for anything. I’m so glad they have all of you as family too. I wish I would have been around everyone more, and I plan on changing that so that I can be. You never know how much you miss someone until they are gone. I will never forget at Robby’s graduation party when you and Granny B said that you still consider me one of your grandkids. You two have no idea how much that means to me.
Granny, if you ever need anything I will always be here. And, I’m sure Poppa will kick me in the butt if he see’s me getting out of line.
It’s amazing how long its been…over 20yrs..wow…
I love you!
Andee-Bob
Barb and family, Wayne was truly a family man and loved you all! I remember many years ago when I first met you both, when Ron was in the fire dept…then when I went to work driving bus and Wayne and Barb were both there to help me and guide me, then there were the cribbage games, thank god Wayne had patience!!! Wayne would help anyone and give advice when asked. Ha!! Then there was ole #4 and he even helped me master that ole bus!! We will miss you Wayne and the caring comforting ways you had and taught me….
We crossed paths as Highline School bus drivers. Wayne was always the leader, the one who had the experience. A really warm and pleasent fellow. Always willing to help out with route information, as he had driven most of the routes in his ten or so years there. Wayne will remain in our memories as a very up beat individual who could see a bright side, even in his time of medical crisses. We wish Barb and all their family a strong will, and to keep his good memories in front focus, while your lives go forward, as they must.
Our prayer for Barbara and family: Lord, You are the Resurrection and the Life. And yet, You understand how hard it is to be apart from those we love. Bring peace, hope, comfort and the assurance that You are always near, especially during this time. Amen. With sympathy and Prayers for you.
My heartfelt thoughts and my prayers are with you and your family. Wayne was one of the better persons in this world.
Wayne, Always enjoyed your company and visiting with you. Bob
Will always remember when you came to the Tri-cities with the Miss Valu-Mart. Driving into the pits to see you working on the boat. And Bobby sleeping through William Tales Overture in the morning.
we will all miss you. Wanda
Wayne was a very special man. I am so glad that he married my good friend Barb and made her life so happy. It was wonderful to see two people enjoy each other so much. Always made you feel so good when you saw them together. Just remember all the good times Barb when you are feeling down and that will help I am sure. Love to you and your family.
I Love You.
Janet
Wayne-
Thank you for all the GREAT memories we had during hunting season. Rob and I enjoyed playing cribbage with you and I had a blast when you tought me how play, we made a great team and kicked everyone’s BUTT. I also appreciate you teaching me how to put your legs on.very few know what I’m talking about You were always to light of the party and made everyone smile! You will truely be missed.
Steve, Karen Gabbi & Joey,
We cannot express enough love and prayers we are sending to you!! We love you so very much and wish we could get on a plane and come there to love on all of you!! Please know that your Daddy & Papa is with Jesus and he is in such a better place…someday he will welcome you and we will all be together with Jesus in Heaven…how glorious that will be!! As you miss Daddy…Papa and remember all the special times together…don’t forget to look forward to that special time ahead!! This time on earth is just a blink of an eye…eternity will be filled with so much more than we can only imagine!!
We love you,
Bobby & Lori & Baby too! XXXOOO
We are deeply saddened by the loss of our dear friend and cousin Wayne.
His love and devotion to his family were inspirational. He will be missed by all.
Dan and Sharon Beaumont
Dearest Papa,
Thank you so much for all the wonderful memories. You were not only my papa, but my father and my friend. I only wish my babies could have known you as well as I did, but I know you will be watching over them every day. I love you with all my heart and I will miss you every second until I see you again.
Hi Honey,
You are in a much better place now,pain free. I miss you so. You were the wind beneath my wings and the love of my life. You were always there for me and the children. We could always count on you. To us you were our hero.
I will charish all our memories forever.
Wayne, you have left a legacy full of family and laughter and courage and faith. Go in peace now and give my love to my dad and get in some fishing with him. Barb, I am so glad that you have a big family to love and support you. Love, Barbara Beaumont
Mrs. Miller & Family,
I was fortunate to have met Mr. Miller many years ago in Kent. He worked with my father, Cal Hampton.
What a wonderful smile he had! I will remember Mr. Miller for his gift to unselfishly share his beautiful smile with others when they were without.
I truly share in your sorrow, but rejoice in him having lived and the love he gave back to so many who knew him.
Dearest Wayne,
Where do I even begin. Your family
and I have been through so much and
have let so much of the past go in
order to stay a strong family for
my son, your grandson Robby. It
wasn’t about us, it was about
Robby. And he is such a strong MAN
today raising my grandaughter, your
great grandaughter with the guiding
hands of all of us.You and Granny
also accepted my other two
children, Robby’s half sister
Andyra and half brother Taylor into
your family with no pre-title
“Step grand child”, they have
always been considered your
grandchildren as well. I personally
Thank both of you from the bottom
of my heart and they do also. We
love you sooo much!! I will be by
Granny’s every need and all three
of my children will as well. She
will never have to want or need for
anything as long as we are near. I
promise you!! Give Granny Amy a hug
and remind Grandpa Trig of how the
back of Robby’s head, when he was
born looked just like grand Trig’s.
Bobby I want Thank you and Karen
for always being there for Robby as
well. He wouldn’t be the
outstanding MAN he is today if he
didn’t have the backing of you and
your parents. My love to both of
you and your families. Bonney that
goes for you also! Papa I will tell
Peyton when she is old enough,
about the day she was born and you
had big tears rolling down your
face because you were sooo proud,
one would of thought you had just
given birth! That moment will
always stick in my mind. Wayne and
Barb I am so very touched that the
three of us were able to stay so
close after what we all went
through with Robby. I LOVE BOTH OF
YOU 4-EVER!! I don’t know why the
format of this letter comes up tall
and skinny?? The only thing I can
think of, is because my kids call
me SB, skinny bitch..Ha.. 8-
xoxoxox Kym
Well Wayne, I wish you’d send me a message, let me know how the weather will be i figure you’d make a better weather man than the guys that get paid to forecast it. We’ll miss you greatly, and know that you’ll always be with us in our hearts. All our love…
Dad please give Grandma Miller and Granny Amy a huge hug from me and tell them I love them. I will miss all the times I could come to you for support and wisdom and even when I wanted you to tell me Steve was a A-Hole, you told me the truth and told me to go home and talk it out GRRRRRR, you were right. When I thought we could not go on with infertility/adoption you were our backbone and pushed us on and look what beautiful grandchildren you have because of that. I loved how you knew no difference between your adopted grandchildren and your birth grandchildren.
What a gift of “TRUE” love.
I will miss our talk’s and “get real Karen talks”. I love the talks’ that included truth, wisdom and I’m not alwys on your side talk’s, but think about this…….
Damn……. you always had a way to see both sides. Dad, I will miss our talks, my crying to you about babies and you telling me God has a plan…relax and let it happen. I promise you with Bobby and Bonnie and me we will take care of Mom and she will never be lonely as long as we live.
Dad I will miss you terribly but know you have given the big chair to my brother, Bobby, please give him the knowledge and strengh that you gave to us.
I love you Daddy and miss you so mudh already. Your baby girl, Karen
Dad,
The only things I can say are I love you or thanks for being you. Words are hard for me but I always knew what you thought because I could see it in your eyes or hear it in your voice I knew you Loved and cared for me.
Thank you, I am blessed for part of you is in every family member and friends, I can’t blame you for fighting so hard to stay on Earth, You shared so much wisdom and love and taught so many to be strong. Thank you for being with me through my sadness and troubles, I know your whole family even the ones I never met from the stories on our wonderful family events or just sitting around the campfire, Just listen and make sure we get all the stories right.
Watch over me and Help me plant our vegetable garden right. Dad I will always cherish your Love and I will miss you very much, Thank you for sharing your loving family with me and know I will love them forever.
Love, Teri
Barb and family, we are so very sorry for you and family with the of Wayne he has gone on to prepar a better place for you. Just remember he will always be with us in our hearts. What a great friend!!
We will miss Wayne. Wayne was a very loving person, who cherished his family, and he could tell the very best stories!
Dad,
How would I tell someone about you that wasn’t lucky enough to know you?
The only word could be Love, Love of family, Love of friends, Love of knowledge and most of all Love of life. Everything you did was with passion and commitment. You accomplished so much in so little time.
You always knew when I needed you and you were there without asking whether it was for a helping hand, a talk or a nudge in the right direction.
I so loved the special things we did together. Our trips outdoors, hunting, fishing and camping.
The thing I will remember most is no matter how busy you were you always had time for just me.
Even though you are gone I know you are always with me and I never have to be alone
My Love Always, Bob
BARB & FAMILY,
I CAN’T EVEN BEGIN TO TELL YOU HOW VERY SORRY WE ARE TO HAVE WAYNE GONE. OUR ONLY COMFORT IS TO KNOW THAT HE IS NO LONGER SUFFERING. WE HAVE SUCH GOOD HAPPY MEMORIES OF THE GOOD TIMES WE ALL HAD TOGETHER. ANYTIME I PLAY CRIBBAGE I WILL ALWAYS THINK OF WAYNE, AS HE IS THE ONE WHO TAUGHT ME TO PLAY WHEN I FIRST STARTED OUT AS A SUBSTITUTE BUS DRIVER. HE ALSO WAS THE FIRST ONE I WENT OUT WITH TO RIDE ALONG ON HIS ROUTE AND COMING BACK TO THE BUS BARN HE LET ME DRIVE AND I NEVER FELT INTIMIDATED WITH HIM AT ALL. HE WAS SUCH A WARM LOVING MAN WHOM EVERYONE LOVED. AS A FAMILY YOU WILL HAVE THE BEST MEMORIES THAT WILL ALWAYS BE IN YOUR HEARTS. MERT & I ARE ALWAYS HERE FOR YOU. BE AT PEACE NOW AS WE KNOW WAYNE IS. WE BOTH LOVE YOU VERY MUCH.
To all the Miller Family,
Please know that all of you are in our thoughts and paryers, especially those little ones who loved their Papa Wayne so much!!!
You left behind a wonderful, warm, loving family. What greater gift can a man give to this world?
With deep sympathy for the loss of a wonderful husband, father,and ,grandfather.
Although we met in later years it was a pleasure to visit with Wayne and get to know him and his family.
Sincerely your cousin,
Barbara O’Connor
Wayne was a giant of a man. Not just in height. He was such a caring and giving man. His family and friends meant the world to him and he would do anything for them. I was very honored for him to call me his adopted daughter. One of the family but Karen is still the youngest. There are so many memories it would take up this whole book. What a loss for all of us but oh how glorious for Wayne! We love you!
We are both so thankful that we were able to spend some time with Wayne and get to know him. We enjoyed his stories, his humor, and his kindness. We will miss him.
I will always rember my 19th birthday because of wayne. We were out hunting all day, hadnt seen a darn thing and on our way back to camp Wayne 1 and 2 , BOB ,and I spotted a doe and since i didnt get anything yet wayne let me shoot his doe for him. I will always be your “KILLER”. Thanks for all the memories i got to have when you came to visit my grandparents. LOVE YOU AND MISS YOU! One day ill meet u at the perly white gates and ill bring the beers, ill bring the beers.
When the Lord calls our loved ones home,he leaves a gift of memories in exchange. We’re here if you want to talk.
When the Lord calls our loved ones home,he leaves a gift of memories in exchange. We’re here if you want to talk.
DEEPEST SYMPATHY BARB AND FAMILY, HE SUFFERS NO LONGER !, RHONDA
Barb and family, You are in my thoughts and prayers at this very difficult time. Barb you were blessed to have Wayne but he was also very blessed to have had you by his side.
Dear Barb –
We share in your sorrow, acknowledging the many years of love and devotion you and Wayne shared through. Our thoughts are with you now and we send you our deepest sympathy.
We hope time will quickly soften the blow of Wayne’s passing; leaving you to cherish the precious and wonderful times you spent together.
We were sorry about the passing of Wayne. We had a lot of fun together on the trips we made to California and Nevada. Also the hunting trips we made together in the Randle, Packwood area. He enjoyed going to the shooting range when he and Barbie visited us in Kennewick.
We will miss him.
Dear Papa,
I miss you very much and I love you very much. I liked playing with you and I loved when you said “Who’s in my chair”. I dream of you playing with me. I love you.
Love Joey, your little buddy
spoken by Joey, typed by Mommy
Barb and family, Wayne never gave up and he credited his honey for that. He loved you all and often told us how proud he was of his family. We love you all, Candy&Lee
Barb – we were so sorry to hear the sad news about Wayne. Our hearts go out to you and your family – he will be missed! Our thoughts are with you at this sorrowful time.
Al Chriest and Bev Gordon
Dad…How blessed I was to have you as my earthly Father. Of all the things you gave to me….I cherish that you taught me how to stand tall and face any adversity that came my way. Your strength was indescribible and admirable. Although I miss you terribly now, I know that someday I will see you again and I take comfort in the fact that you are right now holding Ashley & telling her how much you love her. Your love for us your family was displayed through every word, every thought and every deed. I love you now and I will forever!
I remember Wayne as a tall man with a big heart. I am glad that his earthly struggle is over and he is at peace with and in the presence of his God. I will miss his wisdom, his wry sense of humor and his smile that would fill a room. The only thing he loved more than the outdoors was his family, which he accepted and welcomeed me into even before Bonnie and I were married. I was pleased to make your acquaintance Wayne. I will never forget you. Thank you for your help and for all the good memories. I love you.
Wayne was a very special man. I didn’t know him that long, but the little I did he was happy. I believe he had come to peace with the cards that had been dealt him regarding his health. I’m sure he is going to be one of God’s Special Angels. I’ll never forget that smile of his. Very sweet man.
We remember Wayne as a gentle man who cared deeply. He loved his wife and his entire family with his whole being. We are thankful to be considered his friends.
MAY GOD BE WITH AND YOUR FAMILY AT THIS TIME, IT IS VERY HARD. MY HEART GOES OUT TO ALL OF YOU,
I love you Daddy!!We will never forget how special you were. We love you very much. Come see me in my dreams.
Your daughter
Karen Janee
PaPa,
I love you very, very much. I will always be your princess!I will always have you in my heart!
Love Gabbi
spoken by Gabbi, typed by Mommy