Gary William Miller

We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of our beloved Gary William Miller. He passed on January 25th, 2023, at the age of 74, in his hometown of Princeton, BC.

Gary was born in Windsor, ON to William (Bill) and Patricia (Pat) Miller (nee Callery) on May 13, 1948, and grew up with his brother Keith (Christina) and sister Patty (Joe). He came to BC with his partner, Janice, to pursue employment opportunities and they settled in White Rock beach, where Gary built the family home. Gary and Jan shared 14 years together and had three children, Spencer, Kyle, and Christine (Matt). Gary was deeply proud of his children and was thrilled to become a grandparent to Alex, Elizabeth, and Austin. Gary was a cherished member of his extended Leskun family, becoming close with his brothers-in-law Rick (Marilynn) and Ron (June), and sister-in-law Jo-Ann. His family loved him dearly.

Gary will be sadly missed by his favourite Uncle Andy, his surviving aunts, his niece and nephew, as well as many cousins, (especially John) and friends in the Windsor area and Michigan. 

Gary was a skilled tradesman with his own plumbing company and later, a department supervisor at Home Depot. He was also a valued faculty member at BCIT, teaching piping trades to students and coaching the school’s competitive rugby team for over a decade.

As a lifelong athlete, sports played a central role in Gary’s life. He was an accomplished long-distance runner in his youth and remained an avid runner throughout his life. He loved rugby, valuing the camaraderie and friendships he made with his teammates at the Windsor Borders, Burnaby Lake, and Twilighters rugby clubs. Later in life he became a competitive dragon boat racer with the Draggin Riders and loved being on the water. He loved the outdoors and spent much of his time running, hiking, camping, and kayaking in BC’s beautiful forests and oceans.

Gary was known for his booming laugh and his willingness to help anyone in need. He will be remembered as a kind and generous man who touched the lives of all who knew him. Gary’s legacy of hard work, kindness, and laughter will live on in the hearts of his family and friends. He will be deeply missed.

Funeral Service and reception will be held on Thursday, February 23rd, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at the Good Shepherd Church, 2250 150 St, Surrey, BC V4A 9J3.