Ian Russell Miller

Ian Russell Miller, of Lisieux, SK passed away peacefully at home on Friday, April 6th, 2012 at the age of 55. He was born in Rockglen, SK and graduated from Rockglen High School. From there he went to STI in Moose Jaw to study Architectural Engineering. He met Debbie in 1974 while visiting his cousin Lauree and they were married in the summer of 1976. Following their marriage Ian and Debbie moved to Regina where Ian worked first at Westank designing tanker trailers and then at the Department of Highways where he was an expert pencil draftsman and worked on plans for many of the bridges around the province. City life did not appeal to Ian so in April 1979 he and Debbie moved to the family farm near Lisieux. Their son Dustin was born a year later, and another seven years went by before their daughter Nancy arrived. Ian was a visionary in every sense of the word. He was an organic farmer long before it became trendy and mentored many aspiring organic producers over the years. He was an avid world traveller, skilled woodworker, reader, sailor and devoted family man. He had an insatiable curiosity and thirst for knowledge. Ian never stopped dreaming and making elaborate plans for the future. He was a man of action who believed firmly that if you really wanted something you would figure out a way to make it happen. His successful real estate investments helped enable him to pursue his dream of a home in Costa Rica for his family. Sadly, after spending many weeks and months overseeing the design and construction of his tropical paradise, his life was cut short before he was able to reap the benefits of the home he worked so hard to build down there. Throughout his illness Ian maintained an integrity, grace and positive attitude that not only sustained him but left an impression on all who came into contact with him.

Ian leaves to mourn his wife Debbie (nee Forsyth), son Dustin (Amy), daughter Nancy, granddaughter Cicely, his sister Stella (Les), brother Neil (Kathy) and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his father Wilmer, his mother Cicely, his brother-in-law Rick, sister-in-law Nancy, father-in-law Jay Forsyth and mother-in-law Mary Forsyth. Special thanks to Dr. Glaeske, the many palliative and home care nurses who helped to make Ian’s dream of staying at home to the very end a reality, and especially to Shannon Stewart, proud member of Ian’s “inner circle”. Ian very much appreciated the loving thoughts, prayers and innumerable kindnesses of his friends both near and far.

A Service of Remembrance and Celebration For a Life Well Lived was held at the Grand Valley country church that was so near to his farm and his heart on Friday, April 13, 2012. Pastor Arden Barden officiated. Tributes were given by Heidi Swanson, Lauree Garvin, Marion McBride, and Jean McIlrath. Music Selections included Processional: “Hallelujah”, “Beautiful Saviour”, “Imagine”, “Church in the Prairie”, “Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee”, “My Father’s World”, Recessional: “The Parting Glass”, with pianist, Diane Rhodes. Urn Bearers were: Debbie, Dustin and Nancy, and Eric Swanson. The urn was crafted of wood from Ian’s farm shop and his Costa Rican house by Dustin, Heidi and Nancy. Interment followed in the Grand Valley Lutheran Cemetery. Donations in his memory may be made to the Inspire Health Integrative Cancer Care Clinic in Vancouver (www.inspirehealth.ca) or to the charity of your choice. Arrangements entrusted to Gary K. Miller, Ross Funeral Service, Assiniboia, SK.