THOMAS MILLER

Thomas Miller passed away peacefully in his sleep on Sunday, Sept. 30, 2018.
Born in Devlin, Ont on Oct. 14, 1936, Tom lived out his childhood and early years in Fort Frances and Crozier, Ont. He enjoyed playing hockey and stock car racing.
In his early 20s, Tom married Orla Gustafson and they had a family of four children, Tammy, John, Judy, and Donovan.
The family moved to Vernon, B.C., where they spent many years raising their children. Later, they would follow their eldest son and his family to Nakusp, B.C., where Tom spent the rest of his days nestled in the backcountry.
While living in Fort Frances, Tom often would enter stock car races and was known for following the sport.
He had a strong work ethic and spent many years working for logging companies and driving machinery during his time living at the lake. He also taught the heavy-duty equipment operator course at Quetico Centre.
Later in life, he happily would share stories of his time working on the logging roads and the projects he had completed.
Tom and Orla shared a love of driving, and loved to take road trips to Banff and around B.C. They also could be found spending time with friends.
His nieces and nephews fondly referred to him as “Cowboy Uncle Tom” because of the cowboy hat he always wore. He loved to read old westerns, often leaving his paperbacks around Nakusp at restaurants and local coffee shops.
Tom is survived by his son, John, and granddaughter, Trinity; and siblings, Henry, Jan, Jim, Betty, Bob, and Josie.
He was predeceased by his mother, Bethel Miller; wife, Orla; daughters, Tammy and Judy; and sister, Marg.
Tom will be missed dearly and will live on in our memories. He will be remembered for his quiet nature, his love of books, knowledge of history, his story-telling abilities, and his passion for racing cars.
His granddaughter always will remember falling asleep on his belly while Grandpa read a book and watched racing. He would carry her on his shoulders when they walked home on Friday nights, and the days they spent golfing, drinking root beer, and listening to old music in the car.
To share memories, friends and family are invited to a come-and-go tea on Sunday, Oct. 21, 2018 from 2-4 p.m. at the Sister Kennedy Centre in Fort Frances.
A private family interment will take place.