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BORN
1927
DIED
2015
Van Miller Obituary
Bills President Russ Brandon announced Saturday that retired broadcaster Van Miller died on Friday.
Miller began his broadcasting career in 1955 calling high school sports for WBEN radio and television. He became the Bills' play-by-play man during the team's first season with the AFL in 1960.
Miller served in that role from 1960 to 1970 and again from 1978 until his retirement in 2003. He called a total of 605 Bills games during his career.
"As the 'Voice of the Bills,' Van's historic radio calls of Bills games over the years will forever resonate with our fans," Brandon said in a statement. "His Hall of Fame and Wall of Fame talent was overshadowed only by his engaging personality, his witty sense of humor and his love for the Bills. We will all dearly miss 'Uncle Van,' but his legacy will remain deeply embedded in our franchise's history and in the hearts of his countless fans in Western New York and throughout the NFL community."
Miller was remembered by friends and colleagues as a funny guy and an expert at his craft.
"He was hilarious," Bills broadcaster John Murphy told reporters Saturday. "He's probably the funniest person I ever met."
Murphy worked with Miller professionally for 16 years, but the two were friends for more than three decades.
"It is a difficult day," he said. "My two sons think of him as Uncle Van. Our whole family is close to him."
In addition to his job as a Bills broadcaster, Miller also called games for the Buffalo Braves from 1971 to 1977 and worked as a weather reporter, game show host and television sports director.
He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Gloria; a daughter, Cathy; a son, Van; and three grandchildren.
Copyright © 2015 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
34 Entries
Harry Simpson
July 17, 2017
Godspeed Van, and thank you for sharing a part of your life with us.
Oliver Spellman
August 25, 2015
I remember meeting Mr.Miller at our sports award banquets.He always had a hearty handshake and encouraging words for young athletes.Van-demonium will be missed.RIP.
Carter
August 3, 2015
I think when everything has been said and done, all will agree that Van Miller made a great name for himself as a professional broadcaster, as a family man, and as a friend. Surely his life story is indelibly stored in God's memory and he is indeed precious in God's eyes. My condolences to his family and fans!
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July 31, 2015
He was quite a guy, and one of a kind. I met Mr. miller in 1978 during a taping for the "It's Academic" TV program. He was a very positive influence and led to deciding on Journalism as a Major before I attended Northwestern University. May he rest in peace.
Susan Maunz
July 27, 2015
Rest in peace Van. You were loved by many!
July 26, 2015
Gloria - so sorry to hear of Van's passing . His voice and witt will always be remembered . I always like seeing him walk around the block . He was always so kind to all the neighbors . You and your family are in our thoughts .Cathy,Jerry Covert (Grayton rd)
Joseph Tapia
July 25, 2015
RIP Van I worked with van at the aud during the Braves games I was the equipment manger for the Braves at the time he was a great brodcaster for the team I will miss him for a long time
Grady Youngblood
July 25, 2015
Van Miller is Known for SportsCasting.
Rimas Musteikis
July 24, 2015
My deepest condolences to the family of Van Miller. You are in my prayers. Van was the best sportscaster to ever come out of Buffalo and Western New York. Just an incredible quick wit, insight into sports and storytelling ability, the whole package. You will be missed. There will never be another Van Miller.
L S
July 24, 2015
You will be missed...
L & J
July 24, 2015
The Lord has called a legend from our midst. Van will no longer have to suffer. He is now at peace. What a career for the native of Dunkirk and us sports fans were the beneficiary of his greatness and the wonderful calls he made of the evening sports on Ch. 4 and the calls of the Buffalo Braves and Bills on local radio. Who can forget "It's Fandemonian." Van had a good one learning from him--John Murphy. RIP Van Miller.
July 23, 2015
I will always remember Mr. Miller for giving me my first opportunity as a broadcast news reporter at age 16. In 1965 I sent taped radio reports from the National Girl Scout Roundup in Idaho to him for his radio show. He also interviewed me when we returned. This fall I complete 45 years as a TV news reporter in St. Louis. -Betsey Barnette Bruce
Doug Fenton
July 23, 2015
I remember playing midget football with Van's son with the Brighton Bears and recall that he always served as the MC for our Awards Banquet at the Brighton Fire Hall...also enjoyed playing in his Hometown Hero Golf Tournament at Shorewood Country Club in Dunkirk since its inception in 2008 since my employer Fredonia Place was one of the sponsors...my thoughts are prayers are with his entire family.
tony conwall
July 23, 2015
you are the best broadcaster around you
will be miss.
Scharmach
July 22, 2015
Thank you for all the memories Van you will be so missed! May God Bless you and your family.
Carol Rzeszutek
July 22, 2015
RIP Van you will be missed.You made every game more exciting.You were the best.My thoughts and prayers go out to Vans wife and family.
Rrr
July 21, 2015
I am so sorry to hear of the death of Van Miller,
God lovingly invites you to pray to him for the help you will need during this difficult time.
MaryLou Piller
July 21, 2015
Our condolences to Vans family..he will live forever in the hearts of Bills Fans and we will never forget "Fandamonium"..he was such a big part of our lives.
July 21, 2015
Beloveds, I know he will truly be missed. May the God of loyal love comfort you during this most difficult time . . .
July 21, 2015
My condolences to the family. May the God of all comfort prove to be a stronghold and a refuge for the family (Psalm 18:2)during this difficult time.
Kathie Keating-Neely
July 20, 2015
I had the pleasure to work with Uncle Van for just shy of 2 years. Great Man!! He will be truly missed.
AK
July 20, 2015
Van - so talented, so kind, so friendly and so welcoming to all he met. He was funny, down-to-earth and enjoyed his work. When I interned at Channel 4, I would hope to run into him in the halls. The passing of a legend.
My deepest sympathy to his devoted wife and family.
Well done good and faithful servant. Rest in peace Uncle Van.
July 20, 2015
May the God of all comfort be with you during this difficult time.
Jeff Nixon
July 20, 2015
HE GAVE US "FANDEMONIUM" AND HE WILL ALWAYS BE REMEMBERED AS THE VOICE OF THE BILLS. TO ME HE IS "VAN-DEMONIUM" AND WE WILL MISS HIM! - JEFF NIXON (BUFFALO BILLS FREE-SAFETY 1979-84)
Maria
July 20, 2015
You have my deepest Sympathy.
May the God of all comfort be with the family during this difficult time, Psalm 83:18.
July 20, 2015
May the God of all comfort and peace be with all your fond memories of Van.
Linda
July 20, 2015
I am so sorry for your loss. Life seems so short and those we love are gone from our lives too quickly. May the God of loyal love comfort you during your time of sorrow. -
David Czuba
July 20, 2015
This is sad to hear. Van was our voice of the Bills. Dad had season tickets on the 45 yard line, and I learned football by listening to Van. Rest now.
joe beras
July 20, 2015
I want to say you always be uncle van and a good sport anouncer in my book you be miss your friend
mike nolan
July 19, 2015
gloria,
my deepest sympathy. he took me under his wing when we worked together in 1966 on bison baseball and at ch 4. he was the best.i have thought of him often through the years.
Dwayne Bickham,Sr.
July 19, 2015
In God's care rest in peace
July 19, 2015
Vans the man
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