Mr. Robert Miller

Robert Miller, age 59, of Waterford, died March 31, 2012. Beloved husband of Valerie. Dear brother of Constance Rehahn of Traverse City, Mich. Survived by his loving pet, Bella; many in-laws, nieces, nephews, and friends. Predeceased by this parents, Sarah and Robert Miller. Funeral Service Tuesday, 11 a.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church, 8130 Chapp Street, Warren 48089. Visitation Monday, 2-9 p.m. at Resurrection Funeral Home, 40800 Hayes Road, Clinton Township 48038. www.resurrectionfuneralhome.com

To Mr. Robert Miller, the entire world was a stage. An expressive, optimistic, and uninhibited individual, he was a performer in the theater of life. To everyone around him, he seemed to be eternally happy, and he willingly shared that joy with anyone whose life he touched. For Robert, bringing out the best in any situation was as easy as offering a smile, a witty remark or the twinkle of an eye. And with just those simple gestures, he could evoke the most pleasant of emotions. Robert really mastered the art of living and had great fun in doing so.

Robert was born on April 30, 1952 at Holy Cross Hospital in Detroit, Michigan. His parents were Sarah Elizabeth and Robert Henry Miller. Robert was raised in Center Line, Michigan. Even as a child, Robert had the ability to lift the spirits of all those around him. He was raised to be warm, caring and friendly. He couldn’t help but capture everyone’s attention. He was definitely a little bit of a show off, but in doing so, he succeeded in entertaining his entire family.

Always a good playmate, Robert was easygoing and fun loving. He managed to lighten the mood wherever he was, even during family squabbles. He seemed to have a knack for bringing compromise and erasing tense situations around the house. Due to a generous dose of common sense, Robert managed to find a satisfying solution to basic problems. Robert was raised with one sister, Constance Miller-Rehahn.

All of Robert's playful good humor carried over into his childhood. He was possessed with an outgoing personality, a lively imagination and a mellowed enthusiasm for life that allowed him to be constantly on the go. As a result, Robert experienced a rather active childhood, and this suited him very well. He took part in track and football. In his spare time he loved to play army as a small child. In high school he took part in track and football. Robert's memorable achievements included breaking a high school track record that has yet to be beat to this day!

Ask anyone who knew him from school and they would tell you that Robert was a class “cut-up.” He didn’t do it to be unkind or to garner all the attention. Rather, Robert simply enjoyed others’ laughter and the sounds of his friends and acquaintances having a good time. It could be said that for Robert, grades may not have been the most important thing to him, but he really did enjoy his school experience. Since experience was Robert's best teacher. He enjoyed hands-on learning and applying the “practical” approach to knowledge, rather than getting caught up in “theory.” Robert graduated from Center Line High School. In 1971. He enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite classes and teachers. His favorite class in high school was shop and auto mechanics. The teacher he enjoyed learning from the most was his auto shop teacher. He was the only student that was allowed to drive his Vet. His biggest accomplishments in high school were his track awards and karate.

Robert never actually encountered a stranger in his dealings with people. He was drawn to individuals and crowds, using his gregarious, adaptable and outgoing personality to captivate his audience. This quality allowed Robert to continually develop new relationships, ever widening his circle of friends. Robert delighted in his role among all his acquaintances, because he viewed them all as potential spectators for his performance. Whether it was a story, a joke, a song or just plain fooling around, Robert was always right at home putting on a show among his friends. Robert utilized his interest in others as a great way to connect with them. While growing up, one of his best friends was Art Reiterman. Later in life, he made tons of friends. Robert loved sharing life and having his home filled with people he knew.

The gift of being emotionally expressive and outwardly affectionate made Robert very easy to approach. On September 9, 1972 Robert exchanged wedding vows with Valerie Ann Latowski at Trinity Lutheran Church of Warren, Michigan. He tried hard not to impose on his spouse. He was always sensitive to other people’s feelings, and that was especially true in marriage.

At work, as in life, Robert was a real “people person.” He had a very successful way of dealing effectively with others, and his enthusiasm and energy was often contagious. Robert liked to see himself as something of a virtuoso. When dealing with various projects and problems, Robert was an adaptable realist, using his common sense and trusting his experiences and impulses to uncover the correct answer. Robert's talent for being a down to earth thinker, allowed many around him to see Robert as an excellent problem solver. His primary occupation was a blueprint maker. He was employed for 32 years by the Chrysler Corporation.

Robert enjoyed his leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. His favorite pursuits were fishing, hunting, boating, Michigan Football, and gardening. Robert was content to enjoy his hobbies alone but was also willing to share his interests with others.

Robert felt excited and challenged by sports. Robert loved to participate and thoroughly enjoyed the competition and the pleasure of being around other people. Robert relished the opportunities where he could make an impact, and he would often push himself to play above his abilities. A quick thinker who understood the basics, Robert never seemed to get caught off guard, even when confronted with unexpected conflict. In high school, Robert was on the track and football teams. Recreational sports included fishing, hunting, and boating. Robert was also something of a sports fan and enjoyed watching his favorite events whenever he got the opportunity. Tops on his list were Michigan Football and wrestling.

A generous person who often wore his heart on his sleeve, Robert often found himself involved in activities he deemed important. He was charitable, kind and giving, qualities that made him a natural volunteer. Robert was Santa Claus for the UAW Christmas parties.

Vested with a deep concern for spiritual development, Robert recognized that his faith was important to him throughout his life. He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Warren, Michigan for many years.

Naturally outgoing and generous, Robert was regularly doing things for others. For him, the gift of giving to others was second nature. Though he never set out to gain individual recognition, Robert was given accolades for his many and varied accomplishments throughout his life. Some of his most prestigious awards included catching the biggest pike on Harsens Island to this day! And growing the largest tomatoes and squash in Oakland County.

Living life in the fast lane suited Robert just fine. It is no surprise that he loved to travel and to visit new and different places. He was naturally curious about other parts of the world and loved the real life adventure that came from visiting them. He was impulsive and willing to try anything once. Favorite vacations included two trips to California for the Rose Bowl when U of M played.

Robert was a lover of animals and cherished his pets, enjoying them almost as much as he enjoyed being around other people. Some of Robert's favorites were his dogs Patches, Meisha, and now Bella. He was best friends with Patches for15 years, Meisha for 12 years.

Robert believed that you had to experience life, and his life in retirement was no different. When that day finally arrived on February 29, 2004, Robert took it in stride as one more way to have fun. With his boundless energy and a desire to get the most out of life, Robert remained busy with people and projects. In retirement, he found new pleasure in traveling, fishing, hunting, and gardening. Even in retirement, Robert continued to stay in touch with his old friends and, since he'd never met a stranger, he made plenty of new acquaintances as well.

Robert passed away on March 31, 2012 at St. Joseph Mercy Oakland Hospital in Pontiac, Michigan. Robert passed away from complications due to diabetes. He is survived by his wife Valerie and his dog Bella. Services were held at Trinity Lutheran Church in Warren, Michigan on Tuesday, April 3, 2012. Robert was laid to rest in Cadillac Memorial Gardens East in Clinton Township, Michigan on Tuesday, April 3, 2012.

Robert brought joy to all of those around him. He never had a mean bone in his body. He loved to have a good time and was an eternal optimist, always looking on the bright side of things. He loved to share his energy, wit, and his zest for all of his activities with his friends and family. Mr. Robert Miller lived life to its fullest and made everyone around him happier just for knowing him. He will be remembered with a smile.