Garret Lee Miller

The youngest of five, Garret was born in Bismarck, North Dakota, on March 10, 1968, to Gary and Darla Miller. From the scorching summer days to the frigid winters of North Dakota, he spent as much time as possible outdoors, embracing the changing seasons.

After high school, Garret worked as a machinist in Mandan before moving around a bit and eventually settling in Denver, Colorado. There, he worked as a framer in a gallery and at various bike shops. In 1998, he began working at UPS, where he remained until his health no longer allowed him to continue due to his illness.

Born with an explorer’s spirit, Garret found his greatest joy outdoors. Whether carving through fresh powder on his snowboard, tackling rugged trails on his mountain bike, or casting a fly line across a quiet river, he felt most at home under open skies. He embraced every season, every landscape, and every chance to be outside. Garret’s passions were as wide-ranging as the mountains he loved. He spent countless weekends camping, riding dirt bikes and motorcycles, and seeking out new places to wander. He also enjoyed target shooting, finding peace and focus in the discipline and precision it required. He loved a good cup of coffee, savoring the simple pleasure it brought to his mornings.

Music was another thread woven through his life. From an early age, he knew he was meant to play, and a true musician he became, sharing his passion with warmth and soul, often performing at open mic nights in Denver or having jam sessions with his friends.

After the passing of his father, Gary P. Miller, he felt the quiet pull of the same creative path, turning to drawing and painting in the spare moments between life’s demands. In the rhythm of pencil and brush, he found peace—sketching as he traveled from the rugged peaks of the Rocky Mountains to the red stone canyons of Moab and beyond. He also loved painting the things that stirred his spirit—his favorite musicians, classic cars, and the thrill of his own bike races.

Those who knew Garret will remember his steady presence, his adventurous heart, and the way he encouraged others to appreciate the beauty around them. His life was a reminder to live boldly, breathe deeply, and find joy in the wild places.

His fearless spirit and love for the outdoors were contagious. Garret lived more in his 58 years than many do in a lifetime. He leaves behind a legacy of bravery, kindness, and a reminder to always explore the world around us.

Garret is survived by his mother Darla and James Hauer in North Dakota; his brothers Dana and Susan Miller in Colorado, Keenan Miller and Tammy Dewall in North Dakota, Kent and Lisa Miller in Arizona, and his sister Kara Rechtzigel in Minnesota, his nieces and nephews, Nicole, Morgan, Derek, Dallas, Keaton, Brock, Rachel and Ryan. He also leaves behind his close friend and former wife Nancy Lovick of Colorado and countless friends who shared his passion for the outdoors.

A celebration of Garret’s life will be be determined at a later date, where friends and family will be able to share memories and honor the man who lived life with such spirit.

His Facebook page will be set up as a memorial page. Please feel free to add stories and photos of your favorite memories. Garret will be so deeply missed by all.

Please consider donating to any of these organizations Garret’s honor.

National Kidney Foundation https://kidneytribute.rallybound.org/

Colorado Parks and Wildlife https://www.mightycause.com/donate/Colorado-Parks-And-Wildlife