JOSEPH (‘JOE’) MILLER

It is with deep sadness that the family of Joseph (“Joe”) Miller, 79, of Fort Frances, Ont., announces his passing on Sunday, June 7, 2015 at Rainycrest Long-Term Care in Fort Frances.
Joe was born Aug. 31, 1935 in Rainy River, Ont. to Mark Miller and Dora Marchuk. He resided in Fort Frances with his adoptive parents, Malon and Enabelle Westover.
He served in the Canadian armed services (RCAF) from 1951-58 as an air frame technician. During his time in the air force, he met and married the love of his life, Zita Miller, in 1956, prior to returning to Canada.
Following Joe and Zita’s return to Canada, they resided in Brampton, Ont. until finally making their permanent home in Fort Frances in 1971.
Joe was a hard-working man and this was evident throughout his time in the air force, as well as the trucking industry. He became a truck driver after returning to Canada.
Between 1981 and 1991, Joe created and ran Valley Paper in Fort Frances, a trucking company that hauled paper across Canada and the U.S. for Boise Cascade.
He thoroughly enjoyed entertaining people and often was known for the gatherings hosted in his and Zita’s home. As a hobby, Joe built numerous model railroads.
Prior to being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1983, Joe was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed spending time at the cabin with his friends and family.
Joe was adored by the staff at Rainycrest as he regularly entertained them with his witty humour and compliments. He will be remembered for his imaginative stories that he often shared with others, especially his grandchildren.
Joe will be lovingly remembered by his five children, Kathy Miller of Fort Frances, Ont., Debbie and Dale Lindsell of Thunder Bay, Ont., William and Kelly Miller of Ann Arbor, Mich., Kim Miller of Fort Frances, Ont., and Diana and Gary Angus of Fort Frances, Ont.
He also will be sorely missed by his grandchildren, Patricia and Joe; step-grandchildren, Lesley and Coral (Debbie), Derek and Lauren (Willy), Sabrina (Kim), and Shandy and Karlee (Diana); and great-grandchildren, Nolan and Kendra (Patricia), Hailey (Joe), and Johnny, Jesslyn, and Jadyn (Coral).
Also surviving is his sister, Carol Prashaw, of Dunville, Ont.
Joe was predeceased by his biological parents, Mark Miller and Dora Marchuk; adoptive parents, Malon and Enabelle Westover; and wife, Zita Miller.
A social gathering to celebrate Joe’s life will be held Thursday, June 11, 2015 from 2-4 p.m. at the Royal Canadian Legion in Fort Frances.
Should family and friends so desire, in memoriam donations may be made to the Royal Canadian Legion Br. #29 in Fort Frances c/o Northridge Funeral Home, P.O. Box 89, Emo, Ont., P0W 1E0.
Online condolences may be offered at www.northridgefuneralhome.com