Garth Miller Memorial

This article was just sent off to the newspaper to honor our friend Garth Miller

January 21, 2008

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Garth Miller Defined This Rotary Club

The Rancho Bernardo Sunrise Rotary Club lays founding member Garth Miller to rest this coming Friday.

“Garth Miller was the very definition of a Rotarian – someone willing to give of himself while trying to make the world a better place” says club president Steve Sayler.

A highly respected RB resident for 22 years, Miller, who died January 6 at the age of 84, was considered by many to be the soul of the organization.

A WWII Navy veteran from Moberly, MO, Mr. Miller had been a sales manager for both United Board & Carton Corp. and Mead Corp. before retiring.

“Garth was the older brother whom you wanted to emulate.” says Elmer Getz. “I never questioned whether he had my best interests at heart.”

“A true Rotarian.” Rex Teets says, noting Mr. Miller was always active in the club’s leadership and a wide range of activities. “He’d go way beyond what was expected in everything he did. We’ll always remember Garth living his life in ‘Service Above Self’.”

“Garth was a multiple Paul Harris Fellow, and a gentleman – the father, uncle or grandfather everyone wishes they had” says Carl Kruse. A Paul Harris fellowship is awarded for every $1,000 donated to Rotary International’s Foundation.

“Garth had already been treasurer for years when I was president” recalls Jim Roth “I suggested he step aside, but he refused to quit anything he ever did.” Roth found Miller’s service to be “exemplary” and his contribution to be “invaluable.”

Miller ended up being treasurer for 12 straight years – typical of his commitment to all he did. “He kept us out of trouble” recalls David Breitweiser.

Longtime friend Harold Dokmo, who befriended Miller shortly after he and wife Marva moved to RB, observed: “He was a very special person who did everything with his whole heart.” Which is why, when the two men transferred from the RB Rotary (Noontime) to the fledgling RB Sunrise club, it was a foregone conclusion the new club would be successful.

Recalls Mr. Dokmo. “Whether he was giving of himself to his church, his Rotary, or in his position as president of the RB Country Club, he was always positive, energetic, and putting in at least 200%!” Asked for a single word describing Garth Miller, Mr. Dokmo unhesitatingly reports; “Integrity.”

“Garth’s solid approach to life has always, and will always, serve to inspire me.” says Getz, adding “I’ll miss him.”

He’s not alone. Says Mr. Dokmo: “No one can come close to replacing Garth Miller.”

Mr. Sayler adds: “To honor this Rotary giant, we’ve created the Garth Miller Memorial Award, to be given annually on his birthday (November 2) to the RB Sunrise Rotarian who best exemplifies Garth’s commitment to living life in true Rotarian style.”

Memorial services will be held at 3pm on Friday, January 25th, at the RB Community Presbyterian Church, with Dr. Bruce Humphrey officiating. The family suggests donations to the ALS Association in lieu of flowers.