Matthew Allen Miller

The goal of this obituary is not to sum up Matt’s life like a resume. He truly deserves more. However, here are the stats on his well-lived life.

Matthew Allen Miller was born on August 9, 1973, in Colfax, WA to Bill and Evy Miller. He joined the family at the perfect time, because big brother, Jon, age 2, needed a playmate. The Miller family moved to the side of Steptoe Butte, where the boys learned the art of playing in dirt piles, riding combines and tractors with their dad, and falling in love with their first dog, Cindy.

By the time Matt started school, the family had moved into the thriving town of Oakesdale, population 447. Matt went through all 13 years of schooling there, and graduated in 1991 as Valedictorian, where he was the only boy out of the class of 4. Yes, 4. But, just because he came from a small town does not mean that he had small dreams, on the contrary, really.

Upon graduation, Matt entered the University of Washington. He received his BA in English in 1995, and continued on to receive his law degree in 1998. He had enrolled in the ROTC program at UW and was proud to have served his country as a member of the US Army. Matt saw the Army as a wonderful opportunity to see the world. He was stationed in the 101st Airborne at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, deployed to Kosovo, and was Chief of Claims at Fort Wayneright, Alaska. He returned to Fort Lewis, Washington where he continued his service in the JAG corp.

Matt entered the private sector and began working at Soha Lang law firm in Seattle, where he specialized in medical malpractice. Matt genuinely cared to Veterans and felt called to return to serve them as an attorney for the VA.

Matt had an infectious zeal for life. He had varied interests, yet somehow, they all made sense. He loved dogs. Seriously, he loved them. Matt was involved in several rescues and well as fostering dogs. Isis, Loki and Guinness were truly his kids, but every once in a while he would be housing a “guest” for a time.

Ireland, Kosovo, Puerto Rico, and all over the United States, Matt traveled and loved it. He loved taking pictures and experiencing different cultures. His love of travel was such that he organized and took a family trip to Hawaii, a promise to his mom, only days before his passing.

Did you know that Matt could sing? From high school through his college career, he was involved in music. Matt was part of the UW Chorale and enjoyed not only the comradery, but also the challenge that each musical piece brought.

Matt ran track in High School and after graduating, he would make the trek from Seattle to Oakesdale for the annual Bloomsday marathon in Spokane. Rarely did Matt come home by himself. He usually had a group of friends tag along and they all enjoyed slumber parties on his parent’s floor. Bill and Evy took great pride in housing the kids for the weekend and loading them up with carbs.

In 2001, Matt joined in a “pickup game” of Ultimate Frisbee. And true to form, he stayed with the same group, until he was one of the more “senior” players. He had the ability of making anyone and everyone feel welcomed. He even started the tradition of bringing a grill and food to the opening of Spring Frisbee.

Food. Matt loved food. If you were a friend of Matt’s, you knew about his love for food. He loved to eat, of course, but he really loved to cook. He was constantly tweaking recipes, trying out new ingredients, and perfecting new techniques. He often called family members, requesting traditional Cuban recipes. He really had a gift for the culinary arts. Matt loved cooking for his neighbors too. Many a cherry or plum tart was baked in his oven.

There is so much that can be said about this dynamic man. He lived life on his terms, but he lived it to the fullest. He was a generous soul who knew no strangers. He was successful, yet unassuming and humble. He could find common ground with anyone. He had an infectious laugh and a wonderfully quick wit. If you were his friend, you were his friend for life. He was honestly gifted in keeping friendships alive.

Matt left this earth much too early. There is a hole in our hearts, yet a longing to live our lives to the fullest, just as he did.

Matt is survived by his parents, Bill and Evy Miller, Selah, WA, his brother, Jon Miller, sister-in-law, Katy Miller, nephew, Zachary, and nieces, Anna and Grace, Seattle as well as uncles, aunts, cousins and friends around the world.