Obituary of John Edward MILLER
John Edward Miller, beloved husband of Iris, much-loved husband, father, grandfather, and brother, passed away on Wednesday, September 20, 2017 in Calgary, AB. He said his final, “Yahoo,” at 95!
Although he was raised in Calgary, John made sure everyone knew he was born in Cheadle at the family homestead! Following graduation from Western Canada High School, John served in the Navy during WWII. After his discharge, he completed a civil engineering degree at the University of Alberta. While attending university, John worked for British American Oil in Calgary during the summer. He continued his tenure with B. A. Oil after graduation in Moose Jaw, SK, and Montreal. In 1956, John accepted a position with Catalytic Construction and moved to Sarnia, ON. Through his years with Catalytic in Sarnia, he served as the Manager of Maintenance Services and Vice President. In Sarnia, John and his first wife, Myrtle, raised their children and developed many life-long friendships. A corporate move in 1983 saw John return to his hometown of Calgary as the Vice President of Sterns Catalytic.
Always an avid sportsman, John played baseball, football, and hockey in his youth. While stationed in Windsor, ON, John played hockey for the Navy. In Sarnia, John was always involved in his children’s sports activities. He spent many seasons as a baseball coach for the Sarnia Minor Athletic Association. After returning to Calgary, John was a volunteer for the 1988 Winter Olympics.
John will be remembered for his optimistic outlook on life, boat jokes and rhymes, special singing voice, interesting spelling, pancakes, and his enjoyment of a game of cards. Family and friends will always associate John with his Stampede Breakfast!
John is survived by his beloved wife, Iris, of Calgary; his step-sons, Don and Larry Pallesen; his daughter, Merry Miller of Kelowna, B.C.; and his brother, Ralph Miller of Calgary.
John was predeceased by his first wife, Myrtle; his son, Edward; and his sister, Vivian Hess.
A Celebration of John’s life will be held at a later date.
If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Alberta, 200, 119 – 14th Street N.W., Calgary, AB, T2N 1Z6, Telephone: (403) 264-5549, www.heartandstroke.ca.