Harold Leonard Miller

My name is Len Miller. I’m from the country. I’m a Manitoba farmer and proud of it. I worked hard, helped my neighbours and tried to do the right thing. I loved my family. I loved the land. I lived a good long life. I’ve been fortunate.

Harold Leonard Miller of Starbuck, Manitoba passed away at Golden Door Geriatric Centre on Sunday, August 4, 2013 at the age of 98 years.

Len is survived by his loving wife of 69 years, Elva (nee Harrison), his sons Glen (Carole) and Gary (Winnie). He leaves behind, with many wonderful memories, his grandchildren, Jodi (Dean), Greg (Shannon) and Adam (Angie) along with six great grandchildren - Taylor, Jordan, Maya, William, Kaitlyn and baby Claire. He absolutely treasured his grandchildren and happily watched them grow up. All the kids loved their Big Papa and he loved them.

Len came from a family of 5 – 3 brothers and a sister. He is survived by his youngest brother Claire (Irene) of Winnipeg, Manitoba, and many nieces and nephews who all thought quite highly of their Uncle Len. He was predeceased by his parents Blanche Eva Miller (Fetterman) in 1991, and his father Ray William Miller in 1926; his sister, Reverend Dr. Marguerite Miller; his brother, Alvin Miller (Betty) and Gilbert Miller(Lil).

Len was born April 14, 1915 on a farm just east of Starbuck on the LaSalle River. He lived the farm life as the oldest boy after his dad died in 1926. His mother Blanche raised a close and hardworking family throughout the 1920’s and 1930’s. She moved the family off the farm to the town of Starbuck in the 1930’s where Len met Elva Harrison whose parents ran the General Store.

Len and Elva met in high school and were married in 1943 when they started their life together on the old Ben Fetterman farm that was established in 1907. They raised their two boys on the river place and lived the farm life for over 60 years with wonderful neighbours and many long-time friends in and around Starbuck. After 60 years, Len and Elva moved off the farm and have spent the last few years at Sterling House in Winnipeg.

Len loved his baseball, played it when he was younger and watched it for as long as he could. He particularly enjoyed spring training in Mesa, Arizona where he and Elva spent 19 fun-filled winters in the sunshine that he loved so much.

Spring seeding and showers, sunshine and long summer days, harvest time smells, a big harvest moon and eating by the combine lights…Len Miller loved it. Len Miller was from the country. Len Miller was a Manitoba farmer.

The family wishes to extend their sincere gratitude to the staff of Golden Door Geriatric Centre on Pembina Highway for their loving care and devotion to Dad over the past 10 months. You are wonderful people who care a great deal about others. Also, a special thank you to Dr. S. Permack and Sandy. Mom is so very grateful for all the support she has received and the friendships she has at Sterling House.

A service celebrating Len’s life will be held on Monday, August 12, 2013, at 2:00 pm, at Thomson “In the Park” Funeral Home and Cemetery, 1291 McGillivray Blvd, Winnipeg, Manitoba. Coffee reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations could be made to the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba or to a charity of your choice.