We Remember
MILLER, Gerald Dean
October 1, 1934 — March 29, 2016
Gerald passed away peacefully in Kelowna General Hospital from lung complications on March 29, 2016.
He was born and raised in Bienfait, SK and was predeceased by his parents Flora and Zack Miller and younger sister Deanna. He leaves behind his loving wife of 50 years, Marion, as well as many friends and relatives.
In his younger years he played saxophone in a band, “The Blue Jays” with his cousin James and brother-in-law Bill.
He owned several businesses in his lifetime including the Melfort Dairy Queen for 19 years where he was greatly respected in the business community.
Gerald’s great love was spending time at his cottage at Kipabiskau Lake. He also loved travelling and golfing. After retirement he enjoyed living in Mesa for 6 months each year for 18 years. When he was unable to travel South, they moved to Kelowna, BC where he truly enjoyed his last years.
A memorial service will be held Wednesday, April 6, 2016 at 2:00 pm at Springfield Funeral Home Family Center, 2020 Springfield Rd, Kelowna, BC. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to a charity of your choice. If you wish to send a condolence, post photos or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Share Your Condolences.”
Service
Wednesday, April 6, 2016 at 2:00 pm
Location
Springfield Funeral Home Family Center
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In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to a charity of your choice.
Memorial donations may be made to a charity of your choice.
Service Information
Service Details
The service for MILLER, Gerald Dean is scheduled for Wednesday, April 6, 2016 at 2:00 pm . Below you will find the map for the service location and the contact information should you have any questions.
Address & Contact for Service Location:
Springfield Funeral Home Family Center
2020 Springfield Road Kelowna, BC
Phone:
Special Requests:
None.
Funeral Pointers:
Condolences
On behalf of myself and members of the Michael J (and Theo) Miller family, please accept my deepest condolences on the passing of Gerald Miller. Although I did not know him personally, I wish I had known he was so close to me (in Vernon BC) and inclusive of the big Miller clan that originated in Bienfait Saskatachewan. My father, Michael Miller, talked fondly of his aunts and uncles and cousins from Saskatchewan. I am close to my Uncle Remie (and Auntie Marlene), also of Kelowna, who I thank very much for including me in this announcement. Unfortunately, I return from Cabo San Lucas to Vernon April 9, so won’t be at the Memorial but will be there in spirit. Please forward my name, Gwen Miller (Gwen_Miller@telus.net) to Gerald’s family so we may stay in touch. I come to Kelowna often and would love to get together. Blessings to all. Gwen Miller
Uncle Gerald was a great man when I was younger we used to visit with him in Melfort doing things for the Dairy Queen those were fun times he always made you laugh and he had a laugh that could brighten up a room
I will miss him dearly love Kerri
We have had the pleasure of being friends with Marian and Gerald for fifty years. We had super fun times with them whether in Saskatoon or Melfort. Our girls called them uncle and aunt because they were like family. Gerald’s sense of humour and his laughter were contagious. We will miss our conversations and fun times but we will cherish them always. Out thoughts and prayers are with you, Marian. May God bless.
Gerald was a very dear friend of ours and our family for many years, and we spent lots of good times together at Kipabiskau. We enjoyed staying in touch with him via phone calls after their move to Kelowna. We treasured his friendship and we will cherish our memories of him. Our heartfelt sympathy to Marion- wish we were there to give you a big hug but please know we are holding you close in thoughts and prayers. We will miss him.
My heart aches to know that Uncle Gerald is no longer with us, but I am so thankful that he is no longer suffering. Uncle Gerald had the best laugh that always filled a room. There was never a moment that he didn’t have that little twinkle in his eyes. I wish that my children would have a chance to get to know him – they would have loved him. I am sending you lots of love Auntie Marion. I am so sorry that we cannot be with you during this time. I just know that Uncle Gerald will be forever watching over you – all of our love, Michelle and family
Gerald was my first ‘boyfriend’ or so I thought as a girl of 5! My memories of him are of laughter, fun and love! A true honest man filled with so much joy for life. He will be greatly missed. Much love, Starla.
I am so sorry to hear of your loss Marian – I did not know Gerald but thro my friend in Melfort I am told he was a super person and a great business man. May he rest in peace.
Dear Marion, our very deepest sympathies to you on your loss. Gerald was a wonderful man. He was immensely kind, vibrant, and full of the joy of life. He was a beloved member of our family, and a true favorite of all who knew him. Our thoughts and prayers are with you,
Love, Russell, Colleen, Jennifer and Alan
Our sympathy to you Marion on your loss. Although we had not been in touch with Gerald for many years, my memories of him go back to our school days in Estevan when he stayed with our family while attending ECI. He was a fun loving Cousin and I am sorry that the years went by without our crossing paths. Our thoughts are with you at this difficult time. Cordell and Dolly Sandquist
Dear Marion, It is with tears that we want to express our deepest sympathy to you. We learned of Gerald’s passing this week and are saddened to hear of your great loss. We will forever remember Gerald as the caring, compassionate, generous and fun-loving man he was. You both made entering the work force at the Dairy Queen for me, Lori, a positive and fun experience. It will be 40 years this August when Gerald toasted me as a bride. It was sad to see you leave Melfort after the many years of calling this home, but we knew you would create new friendships in Kelowna and life there would be easier for Gerald and his health and more enjoyable for you. We know his suffering has ended but at the same time, we think of you and want you to know we are keeping you close in thoughts and prayers as you honor Gerald and celebrate his life today. We are sorry the distance is keeping us from joining you. With love and big hugs, Lori and Gord
Marion. So sorry to hear of Gerald’s passing. You were such great neighbors in Melfort and our kids still remember you from the Dairy Queen even though we left so long ago. We always enjoyed our visits with you guys in Mesa when we were down. Thinking of you today.
Les Ann George and family
So sad Gerald has passed..I remember the days worked at the Melfort Dairy Queen for Gerald and Marion we had so much fun Gerald had that big smile on his the famous staff party at the cabin. Marion my heart goes out to you and you will always be in my prayers.
SharonTurner
Marion, so sorry to hear of Gerald’s passing.
We had a lot of fun with and Gerald and you, playing cards and then there was that trip to Vegas.
Jason loved the Dairy Queen when he was very young and had a tab set up there,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Guy and Judy
We were so sorry to hear of Gerald’s Passing. He was a great friend with a good sense of humor and will be missed for his friendly manner ,great laugh , pleasant personality and his music His band played for my (Dick) High School graduation dance and banquet (Alameda High School 1955) We will miss you . Doc & lil
Marion, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time.
Perry has many found memories of his DQ days and enjoyed his many visits with you and Gerald when he was able to get back to Melfort. Gerald always had a funny story, big laugh, smile on his face and a wonderful way with people. He will be sadly missed.
Ernie, Perry and I are thinking of you as you celebrate his life. Our condolences.
We’re thinking of you, Marion, and sending our condolences.
Olive & Don Rumberger
Melfort, Saskatchewan
Dear Marion:
May Al and I express our sincere condolences on the passing of Gerald. Al remembers fondly his regular Sunday morning visits with Gerald and you prior to Sunday morning Mass -what laughter! We always looked forward to your return from Mesa each year! Our thoughts and prayers are with you Marion. Sincerely Dot & Al
Dear Marion
We were so saddened to hear of Gerald’s passing. Larry still talks about how influential you both were in the successes that we have achieved in our lives. Our children still talk about how much fun they would have when we visited with you in Melfort.
We shall miss Gerald’s friendship, kindness & that hearty laugh of his. Makes us smile whenever we remember sharing a laugh or two over a drink at your cabin at Kip. Please know we are holding you close in our hearts at this sad time in your life. Thinking of you both often.. Larry & Carla Zosel & girls
I worked for Marion and Gerald at the Avalon Bookstore in Saskatoon my first year of university….1971/72. I will always remember what a great person Gerald was…..both Marion and Gerald were so good to me! Just recently, I have tried to reconnect with Gerald and Marion but didn’t know where they had moved until now. So sorry that I didn’t find them sooner….so sorry for your loss, dear Marion. I hope I can reconnect with you in Kelowna.
Marion – I am truly saddened to realize that the years and distance from Melfort have resulted in a search that saddens and leaves me so short of words. Finally in retirement, I wanted to plan a trip out West to share with you where life has taken me and to thank you for your your unconditional support, trust, mentoring and friendship throughout my developmental years. You gave me the confidence to try anything and my 40 year military career is a testament to this fact. I do hope that one day I will be able to express my appreciation in person. With all my love and respect, Lorne, 613-246-5249