Richard Bolton Miller

Richard Bolton Miller was born to Ralph and Gaynell Miller on a farm in Marshalltown, IA. The youngest of 3, 2 older sisters, Richard was raised much like an only child. When the family moved from Iowa to Oregon, he was a latch key kid. Richard would roam the streets of Portland freely, adventurous, as a young boy would be. Once he got established in school, he discovered his love for baseball. Little League in the earlier day, American Legion, school ball later. He played 2nd base and outfield for Jefferson High School in Portland and went on as a red shirt at Phoenix College here in Arizona. Shortly after Richard moved to AZ, to play ball at PC, his parents followed.

In 1952, he met his wife of 70 years, Katherine Medigovich of Phoenix, AZ. They were married on August 14, 1952 and within a year their first child was born, Robert Louis Miller. "Dick" as he was known by now, started working for the family business that his father had started, General Institutional Supply Co. A wholesale grocery company that sold dry goods to the local restaurants in the valley. Their daughter Nancy Jane Miller was born the spring of 1960.

By 1963, Dick and his brother-in-law bought the family business from his father. Not only was he raising 2 kids with Katherine, but he was also now a business owner. He didn't have a college degree but boy was he savvy businessman. Thru all the trials and tribulation, Dick stuck it out providing a safe and wonderful life for his family.

In 1985, with the big companies like Sysco closing in and Costco coming aboard, he decided to retire and sell the business. He and Katherine decided to travel the country. Driving their motorhome, pulling a vehicle behind, they packed up the cat and Katherine's mother Inez and went all over the country. Thru the years of travel, they met many good people who they have stayed on contact with. Many of these trips included their only grandchild, Justin. Justin would be Papa's co-pilot, reading from an old fashion paper map, while Yai Yai knitted in the back making sure the boys were heading in the right direction. A true back-seat driver.

Richard was always wanting to stay fit. You could find him at LA Fitness/Esports Fitness 5 days a week. It had to be an act of Congress for him not to go. The man still thought he could get up on a ladder until recently. He sure enjoyed watching the Diamond Backs play. He and Katherine would analyze the games together; each play, players batting stats, you name it he knew all about the game.

His passing was unexpected, and we never thought that this wonderful, sweet man we call Husband, Dad, and Papa would leave us this soon. He had a very good life filled with adventure, hard work and love.

He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Katherine, daughter Nancy Friend, grandson Justin Friend and numerous nieces and nephews.

A funeral service for Richard will be held on Friday, August 5th at 10:00 am at Green Acres Mortuary and Cemetery at 401 N. Hayden Rd. Scottsdale, AZ. Immediately following the service, a gathering will be held at the home of Denise McAdams, 10348 E. Becker Ln, Scottsdale, AZ 85260.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.greenacresmortuary.net for the Miller family.