David D. Miller

1924 - 2010

July 26, 1924 - October 8, 2010

David D. Miller passed away October 8, 2010 at Cedars Sinai Hospital in Los Angeles. Born on July 26, 1924, in Los Angeles, David lived a full and prosperous 86 years, residing in the Los Angeles area for most of his life. He was a successful businessman and family man who cared greatly about his community and those around him. David graduated from both Fremont High School in Los Angeles and Compton Junior College. He became a photographer for the San Diego Tribune before moving to Los Angeles, where he met and married Denyse McCann. In the 1960s, David and his brother, Lou Miller started Miller's Surplus, a store specializing in Army/Navy surplus goods. David and Lou later expanded the business into four stores. In the late 1960s, David founded Miller's Outpost, a Southern California-based retail clothing chain which eventually grew to over 300 stores in Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada and New Mexico. The chain, which he sold in the 1980s, later became known as Anchor Blue. He also had a prominent career in residential, commercial and industrial real estate. He founded and ran Kodash, a development company specializing in Southern California real estate projects. He was also a principal in the residential real estate company Woodhaven Developers. David continued in the business of commercial and industrial real estate development until his passing. During his life, he was able to give charitably to many individuals as well as to educational and other enriching institutions, making a positive difference in many people's lives. His motto was "I will help you help yourself," and he helped many in his path. His compassion, curiosity, generosity, humor and wisdom will be missed by all who knew him. David passed away of congestive heart failure after battling Parkinson's disease for the last 6 years. Mr. Miller is survived by his wife, Denyse; his sister, Ruth Kahn of Tustin; his five children, Thomas of Alta Loma, Dennis of Pacific Palisades, Alison of Laguna Beach, Marisa of Brentwood, and Deidre of Cardiff-by-the-Sea; along with 16 grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents, Bella and Jacob Miller of Breslitosk, Russia, and his siblings, Lou, George, and Sarah. The family has requested that in lieu of flowers or gifts a donation be made to: The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research In Memory of David D. Miller, Church Street Station, P.O. Box 780, New York, NY 10008-0780. Please sign the guest book at www.dailybreeze.com/obits.