Jon Phillip Miller

1946 - 2015

In this season of Christmas celebration, Jon Phillip Miller closed his eyes and died peacefully on Nov. 29, 2015. And so we celebrate his spiritual peace, the end of his suffering and the legacy he leaves to each of us. Part of that legacy was the letters that he wrote to his family throughout the years, especially his grandchildren on their birthdays. This is our love letter to him.

Dear Jon,

When you were born on Jan. 7, 1946, in Phoenix, Arizona, what a blessing our family received. You spent your early years in Phoenix and later your family moved to San Diego, California. You enjoyed all sports but your favorite was surfing where you mastered the long board and won several trophies.

You returned to Phoenix and attended college where you met your future wife, Patti McNelis. You married in 1966, had two beautiful children, Shawn and Pam, and loved family life. Our yearly vacation to Rocky Point in Mexico included swimming, fishing and playing beach volleyball.

In 1981 you moved your family to Bozeman, Montana, in hopes of giving your family the simple life. What a great place for you to be. Fishing, hunting, skiing and wonderful friends made your life complete. You became active in the community through the Gallatin Empire Lions Club and later joined the Sourdough Lions Club. Montana truly was the last best place for you.

You were a hard worker and eventually became the vice-president of operations at Video Lottery Consultants. Your job took you to many foreign countries; however, your favorite place to work was right here in Bozeman with your manufacturing family. We don't want to get anything started, but your Millerisms will never be forgotten.

Jon, you were a humble, caring man, and those traits were why so many respected you. Everyone will remember your love for family, friends and Mexican food. Your neighbors will miss visiting with you as you worked in your yard and filled your beloved bird feeders. Throughout your long illness, you faced so much with determination and dignity. We are so grateful we were a part of your life. Thank you for giving so much of you because you loved us with every part of your being.

Love through eternity,

Patti, wife and best friend for 49 years

Shawn Miller, Brooke (daughter-in-law), Taytem (granddaughter) and Camden (grandson)

Pam Taliaferro, Dave (son-in-law), Sage (granddaughter)

Family Members: Diane Kelley (sister, deceased) and Jones Kelly (brother-in-law), Heather (niece), Amy (niece), Greg (nephew); Chuck Miller (brother) and Laurie Miller (sister-in-law), Audrey and Katie (nieces); David Miller (brother) and Erica Miller (sister-in-law), and Brittany (niece); Penny Marsh (sister-in-law), Sky and Amber (nephew and niece); John Pierce (father-in-law) and Karla (wife). Jon had many aunts, cousins, close friends, neighbors young and old who loved and helped him over the years. Our Family and friends are the glue for our hearts.

A Vigil Service will be held Friday, Dec. 18 at 6:30 p.m. at Dokken-Nelson Funeral Service. A Funeral Mass will be held Saturday, Dec. 19 at 10 a.m. at Resurrection University Catholic Parish.

Arrangements are in the care of Dokken-Nelson Funeral Service. www.dokkennelson.com