Patricia (Pat) Diana Miller

A song that is sung for all that has been,

Singing all the stories of someone’s memories,

This is the story of the lone willow tree,

She sat beneath the willow tree, tears rolling down,

As tearful memories laid their place upon the ground,

Thinking of her, a woman so strong,

Who was the wind of the willow tree, singing its song,

She was the roots of the willow tree, running so deep,

She was the trunk of the willow tree,

with lessons that seep,

Into the hearts of everyone around her,

as the willow tree sings,

Of all memories that she still brings,

Of laughter, of tears, of emotion, of love,

Of the sun and the moon, of heaven above,

The lone willow tree sings its beautiful tune,

Of a woman who lived in this world, like a typhoon,

Standing steadfast and sturdy, despite all dismay,

With a heart so big, leaving love where it may lay,

You see, a willow tree stands strong,

but it’s leaves sway elegantly,

It’s roots are strong and rooted deeply,

Into the soil of the Earth, it has made its place,

It’s presence so big, something you can’t erase,

It stands so tall and no matter the season its beautiful,

With its leaves, like family, hanging close and dutiful,

She is the willow tree, singing of her memories.

Written by: Syreenaleanne Blanchette, Niece

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You can shed tears that he is gone, or you can smile because he has lived. You can close your eyes and pray that he'll come back, or you can open your eyes and see all he's left.Your heart can be empty because you can't see him,or you can be full of the love you shared.You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday,or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday.You can remember him only that he is gone,or you can cherish his memory and let it live on.You can cry and close your mind,be empty and turn your back.Or you can do what he'd want:smile, open your eyes, love and go on.

By: David Harkins

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Words from husband, Clayton Miller:

Honoured guests, family and friends

Thank you all so much for coming out today to celebrate Pat's life with us. She would be amazed I believe at the tremendous support that our family has been given by so many.

Thought I should take few minutes to add to Pat's journey- with me.

We met at a 4 story walk up apartment building in Edmonton, east of Commonwealth Stadium. She was invited over for a football game by one of roommates, Wayne. Wayne the weasel she called him fondly ... For some reason, I let her into the building because Wayne wasn't there and I had no idea who he had invited. Turns out that was best decision in my life as I reflect. She liked my energy and let's face it; she was a little hottie! She carried herself with confidence and maturity that had me thinkin' -who's this gem of a young lady. Walking her back to the LRT, I found out just how young. I told her that we could not date and she said, no problem. Sorry if you think what everyone else might think rule you. See ya! I called her a couple of weeks later and our journey together began.

We met in 1981, married in 1982. Son# 1 1983 in Edmonton, son # 2 in North Bay, ON in 1984, son #3 in Edmonton, 1986, son # 4 in Kitchener ON in 1987, son# 5 in Fort St John BC, in 1989 and son# 6 in Fort St John BC in 1990. Truly a Canadian family eh! The "original 6" as it turned out.

The reason I am telling you this is that Pat always supported me in all of my career endeavors. Cross country, east, west and north (it's cold in the north so lots of snuggle time ... ). She always supported the ideal of me improving my skill set no matter where it took us. Not without many trials and tribulations, we always soldered on together. Love or something like that.

Along the journey, very early on, Pat met her forever friends, Lizzie and Lila. For the last 37 plus years, they have always been there for each other, confidantes', sisters at arm and coaching each other, cheering for each other as they grew together. We had only been neighbours in a condo for less than a year, yet they formed a bond that has kept them inseparable all these years. Ladies, I want to say to you both publicly, thank you for your beautiful, amazing friendship and know that you are our family. We love you!!!

I would be quite remiss if I did not mention the many family gatherings, camping trips, road trips and other soirees we did together. With my brother Glenn and his family, with Pat's sister's and outlaws and their minions, we always had great times. Many campfires and songs and good eating along with stories of someone getting smoked in the eye with a freshly toasted marshmallow, the monsters out at Mailag Beach out by St Paul, and our last camping trip that was shortened by one of those Alberta twisters that took out the campsites we moved from the night before. Praise the Lord! With her Mom and a smattering of kids and grandkids, across Canada tour to honour her late sister Kathy and to meet with our grandkids from the Rock! A 5 generations picture with her Grandma, her Mom, herself, our 7th son and 2 of our granddaughters! How cool is that! So many beautiful memories. Truly blessed. We love you all

Pat always has been an advocate for children - all children - and considered us to be accidental foster parents as we did take In a few here and there along our journey. Some for a day, some for longer, but she always seemed to be able to reach them and somehow impacted their lives in a positive way. At 20 years old, she gave a speech to a large high school in Kitchener, about being true to yourself, to be brave and come forward to people you trust with your worries and troubles. And if you don't trust anyone, come to me and I will help you. And some did ...

Pat also had the mindset to always improve her own understandings and knowledge as mentioned by her oldest sister Vi. She went back to school, quite a few times, interrupted by life, kids and a renegade husband but she persevered and reached her academic goals, always with 100% effort and expecting nothing less than an honours mark-which she always did. Sick with pneumonia in Ft McMurray, she wrote her finals and achieved honours.

Our last move was from Fort McMoney to Gibbons where we have settled since 2003. In the spring of 2004, we had 3 beautiful children join our family. The 7th baby son (there is some mysticism indeed) and his 2 older sisters that were all of 2 and 4 years old. We were truly blessed. Our original six were now young adults and fledgling- some earlier than what you might hope as a parent, some later than what you would hope as a parent lol, Love all of you guys so much! We would not have succeeded without your truths and support in the adoption process. #'s 7, 8 and 9 have now grown into beautiful young adults - mostly lol - and we are so proud of you. When Pat was asked how she divided her love between all of these children, she just smiled and said, Love is never divided, only multiplied. She was asked that question many times, and always answered with her smile, the same answer. Fast forward to just a short few years ago, our love was multiplied again. We were blessed with having 2 beautiful young girls (they were about 1-1/2 years and 8 months old the first time they came into our home) and they joined our family entourage. #'s 10 and 11 (our favourite campsites@ Hanmore Lake east camp). Adoption officially came through in early August 2020, answering a prayer Pat had asked as she was dealing with somewhat complicated health issues. She did not want her health issues to be the cause of our adoption not being granted. Praise the Lord! About 2 weeks later, we received news that the beginning of a new and perilous journey for Pat and our family was on the horizon. Testing confirmed that she had stage 4 adenocarcinoma - lung cancer.

Pat, as many of you would know, challenged this diagnosis (she challenged all doctors) as there was no evidence of cancer in her lungs. None. It was confirmed that the cancer did start in a mucus gland - whatever/wherever that is - but the cancer had already metastasized and fractured bones In her neck and lower back. Despite aggressive and innovative treatments, we are now here today to pay tribute to this beautiful, tireless, loving woman that gave her all, all the time. Her faith in God was unwavering throughout and those that were with us during Pat's last days, know that she saw the Glory of the Lord. Her smile would have lit up Roger's Place as she spoke with everyone that was near and dear. Amazing, Great, Beautiful. Amazing, Great, Beautiful. We know that you are in good hands of the Almighty now and that you are at peace with no more pain, no more illnesses, and with Love multiplied.

I love you Pat. Forever and always.

Thank you, Norm Harrison, for taking on the task of officiating our celebration. Your faith and drive to ensure Pat is memorialized in this service is sincerely appreciated. The "small group" fellowship that you asked Pat to join gave her that connection with God that she so dearly needed. Thank you, Neil from First Memorial Riverview, in truly helping us give Pat the send off she truly wanted and deserved. You were able to put me and my family at ease knowing that she has been in the care of you and your team with the utmost professionalism.

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A Sister Departed

Your beauty and your kindness are held deep within my soul.

Your loving smile guides me on this dark and dreary road. Your warrior Spirit helps me battle the demons deep within. Your words of wisdom whisper, on the evening wind. Every Part of you resides within my heart until I can see you again. By Debbie Magnin

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I Made it Home

I just wanted to let you all know that I made it home. The journey wasn't an easy one, but it didn't take too long. Everything is so pretty here, so white, so fresh and new. I wish that you all could close your eyes and that you could see it too. Please try not to be sad for me. Try to understand God is taking care of me... I'm in the shelter of His hands. Here there is no sadness, no sorrow, and no pain. Here there is no crying and I'll never hurt again. Here it is so peaceful when all the angels sing. I really have to go for now... I've just got to try my wings.

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Family, friends, and everyone. It is with a beyond deeply saddened heart that I tell you of the sudden but sadly expected passing of my beautiful wife, mother of our 11 children, grandmother of 18 children, sister, aunt, niece, daughter and true friend of so, so many, Pat Miller. An unbelievable, unfathomable, courageous, battle with cancer and her custom angel wings were delivered this morning. I cannot express our loss.

-- Clayton Miller --

Live steam link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWvi0p7-AmHI3WpSh_ZfGQQ/videos?view=0