Michael Patrick Miller

Michael “Mike” Miller passed away unexpectedly in a car accident at the age of 49.  Raised in La Habra, California, by Judge Jack Miller and Ann (Miller) Smith, Mike was a natural athlete, starting in baseball, soccer, and NJB as a young child and going on to be a star player for football and basketball at La Habra High School.  He was heavily influenced as a kid by his in-depth reading of National Geographic, and deepened his love of learning through two of the biggest influences in his life: His father as well as his beloved LHHS teacher and mentor, Bill Cole. 

Mike traveled extensively, meticulously mapping out travels that usually lasted weeks and up toward months, engaging with the people and immersing in the culture of any area in which he went.  He traveled to all seven continents and repeated visits to favorite spots, many of which were right here on the California coast. 

Mike enjoyed doing an internship at the Smithsonian Institute’s African American Museum, as well as engaging in travel assignments affiliated with National Geographic.  He had a knack for engaging people in descriptive stories, so it was a natural choice when he decided to become a public school teacher, spanning many grade levels and school duties such as coaching and other guidance roles.  He was a beloved teacher in several school districts–East Whittier, Norwalk-La Mirada, and most recently Santa Ana Unified–where he was recognized several times as Teacher of the Year. 

As he was trying out the idea of teaching, Mike substituted in the classroom of his future wife and love of his life, Maria (Torres) Miller.  Together, they built a beautiful oasis in Laguna Hills, filled with Mike’s stunning photography and artifacts that he hand-picked from around the world.  Together they enjoyed road trips, time at the beach, and many family gatherings, showering love on his numerous nieces, nephews, and sharing stories and laughs with family members.

Mike is survived by his wife, mother, step-father, sister, brother-in-law, step-brother and step-sister, as well as his wonderful in-laws through marriage.   His children were his students, and he took great pride in their growth and development while they were under his care and beyond, since many kept in touch with him years later to seek his guidance and keep up on his recent car shows or travel adventures. 

A viewing  will be held this Saturday, September 17, 2022. at McAulay & Wallace Mortuary in Fullerton and service at 2:30 PM.  A reception to celebrate his life will follow at his sister’s house in Brea.  Family and friends are invited to attend either or both events: Please see information at mcaulaywallace.com or call them at (714) 525-4357.