Richard Dick Eugene Miller

Christine Talley Miller, daughter in-law

Altoona, Pennsylvania, 1928 – a baby boy, Richard Eugene Miller is born into Al and Florence Miller’s large family of 9 children. Richard, or Dick as he is known to friends and family, grew to become a very patriotic man and eventually joined the Army. He was stationed in Texas, and then later in Japan, where he was a trained operator of Howitzers. His service to our country was a great source of pride for Dick and occasionally he would share a story, although always very humbly; down playing his contribution.

Once discharged, Dick moved with his family to California where he met the precious love of his life, Belle Muench, at a Bible study in 1961. It didn’t take long for true love to be recognized by both, and they were married by 1963. They built a beautiful family of three children – Heidi, Halden, and Ulric. Dick tirelessly supported his family working at IBM for over 30 years in their finance department, but one of his greatest joys in life was travel. And travel. And more travel. Dick loved every aspect of the quintessential American family road trip – the planning, the itineraries, the driving, and of course Denny’s – because it just wasn’t a vacation without Denny’s.

As I have had the honor to watch Dick live his life over the years, I am reminded of Matthew 7:12 – “So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you….”. I cannot think of another human being that exemplifies this principle more. Dick was a rare man. His generosity and ability to forgive had no boundaries. All his children – adopted, natural, in-lawed, and grandchildren- have experienced this throughout their lives. I am sure they will all agree when I say that there was nothing any of us could have done to shake his love for us – the forgiveness and love just kept coming. His comforting, easy-going nature sustained our family through the beautiful moments and the hardships that all families go through. Dick’s family continued to grow throughout the years. Two daughter in-laws, Kathy and myself, were added, and he ultimately ended up with 8 grandchildren – Tara, Tawny, Taylor, CJ, Drew, Cole, Courtney, and most recently Autumn. All his grandchildren meant the world to him. He lived just long enough to see the first of the next generation born – Maliah on December 18, just 10 days before his death.

While Dick’s life had many different phases and facets, one aspect remained persistent and abiding – his spirituality and faith. Dick had a deep and sustaining love for God. While very often he was quiet, reserved, and taciturn, his spiritual depth was felt by all who knew him and the way he lived his life was evidence of his life long walk with God.

Dick’s favorite verse was John 14:6 which says, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” Dick lived his life in this way, and now, he has gone home.