October 18, 1942 – December 2, 2023
In loving memory ~
We are heartbroken to announce the passing of our father Hubert “Bert” Miller. He passed peacefully into the arms of God on Saturday December 2, 2023, at the Durand Manor Care Home with his son Allan and daughter-in-law Yvonne, by his side and his grandson Brandon talking to him on the phone. Brandon got to introduce Sadie, Brandon and Jen’s newborn baby to his grandpa before Bert drew his last breath.
Bert was born to Ray and Elsie Miller on October 18, 1942, in Fox Valley Saskatchewan. Dad was the second born of 6 children. He was predeceased by both of his parents, sisters Betty and Theresa, and his nephew Brad. Dad is survived by his two ex-wives Marlene and Debra. His children Allan Miller(Yvonne), Donna Jones(Terry) and Brian Miller(Jo Rae), and his stepchildren, Elaina Wasnock (Michael), Diana Wagner (Bruce), Christina Renney(Jamie), and Andrew Wagner. Bert was blessed with 15 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brothers Tim and David, sister Margaret and a large extended family.
Bert grew up in and around Beiseker Alberta with the exception of when his father Ray took his family to Newberg Oregon for a brief time. Bert’s first job was working at a turkey farm in Beiseker. From small beginnings, he spread his wings to come to Golden BC to work for the Kriese Brothers to build houses. He found the advertisement for the job in the Calgary newspaper. After that, he went to work at Evans Wood Products and immediately knew he wanted to do more. By 1969, Dad became one of the industrial pioneers of Golden and bought a dump truck and front-end loader. This is where Dad began his adventure as an entrepreneur around 1968. From there he went on to run the dump and a waste business. He eventually started silica mining which turned into a big venture. He employed approximately 30 people and shipped silica by railcar to the US to be processed. Following his mining venture, he became a land developer and created Canyon Ridge Subdivision. Throughout the building of the subdivision, Bert maintained his sand and gravel business as well. All of Bert’s kids have worked alongside him in some capacity over the years. As Donna and Brian moved away, Allan remained faithfully by his Dad’s side since they formally started to work with one another in 1979. Bert had a special bond with each of his kids and his children remain proud of their Dad and his accomplishments.
Bert is well known for his love of old Ford cars. When Bert wasn’t working, he was probably wheeling and dealing with his old car club buddies. He has an extensive collection of Fords and Meteors and even the odd Studebaker. Bert loved a good deal especially when it favoured him. He knew how to drive a hard bargain and would not part with his cars easily. He made lifelong friends through both business and car collecting. He was a regular at the Husky and Legendz Diner at coffee time. He couldn’t say no to ice cream. He was rarely seen without his signature big warm smile and bright blue eyes. He always had a smile and a kind word for people. He was well-known far and wide.
Bert’s family is very appreciative of the wonderful care provided to him by the staff at Durand Manor. We would also like to extend a special thank you to Dr. Page and Dr. Clare, multiple other doctors who all saw Dad at the clinic and emergency department and all the nurses and care aides. The family also appreciates the outpouring of support from the entire community of Golden and Bert’s close friends and neighbours.
Now that Bert is gone, we must learn not to live without him, but with the love he left behind. His light will never be gone because it will thrive through us and all who knew him.
In lieu of flowers, Bert requested donations be made to either vascular dementia research or Parkinson’s research in his name. To leave an online message of condolence, please visit www.bowersfuneralservice.com.
We would love for everyone to come celebrate Bert’s life with us at the Golden Civic Center on December 16, 2023, at 11:00 am with a tea to follow at the same location.