Norman Dale Miller

Norman D. Miller, age 89, passed away peacefully in his Seattle home of fifty years on Friday, July 3rd, 2015. He was born on Decoration Day, May 30, 1926 in Spragueville, Iowa to Lyle and Sophia (Beyer) Miller. He grew up in nearby Epworth, Iowa, where he learned to play the piano and was active in the Methodist church. After graduating high school in 1943, he enlisted in the Army Specialized Training Reserve Program and received training as an engineer. Following his discharge after the war, he completed his bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from Iowa State College. He reenlisted in the Army Reserve, retiring as a Colonel.

Norman moved to Seattle in 1961 to work for Honeywell. He became active in the Oceanic Engineering Society (OES) of the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE), and founded the student poster program for the annual OCEANS conferences held by the OES. He was also active in the Seattle Valley of Scottish Rite, where he received the 33rd degree, and a member of the Walter F. Meir Lodge of Research #281. His love of playing the organ led to his playing for several lodges and the Scottish Rite and membership in the Puget Sound Theatre Organ Society. Many well-known organists have visited his home to play his 7-rank pipe organ.

Shortly upon moving to Seattle Norman found his church home in University Temple United Methodist Church. His passion for liturgy led to his help in establishing special church services and an acolyte program. He also served as church treasurer for many years.

Norman loved to travel and he boasted of visiting every continent except Antarctica. His favorite trips were to Machu Picchu in Peru and the Abu Simbel temples in southern Egypt.

He is survived by his sisters Enid Miller and Carol Rockwell, his nephews Douglas and Stuart, his niece Sally, and countless others touched by his boundless generosity and desire to aid in young people’s education.

A Memorial Eucharist will be held on Saturday, July 18 at 10AM at University Temple UMC, 1415 NE 43rd St., Seattle. A reception and luncheon will follow.

A Rose Croix service with inurnment at Acacia Memorial Park and Funeral Home will be scheduled at a later date.