James "Bud" MILLER

MILLER, James Edgar "Bud"
James Edgar "Bud" Miller of Lloydminster died peacefully in hospital in Edmonton on January 23, 2015 at age 91, after a short illness. Bud leaves his wife of 67 years, Margaret (nee Quinn); children Ken (Georgina), Sandra (Vern), Bill (Val), Joe (Liz) and Dan (Kathy); twelve grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and his brother Dirk. He was predeceased by his parents and sister Barbara.
Bud was born on March 31, 1923 in Kitscoty, Alberta, where his father ran a grain elevator. A good student, he was keen on athletics and excelled at hockey and baseball. He trained as a bombardier with the Canadian Air Force during the Second World War. He studied Agriculture at the University of Saskatchewan, and married Margaret in 1947. He ran unsuccessfully in the Alberta Provincial election of 1948. In 1949, Bud and Margaret started their family and began a successful family farming venture just north of Kitscoty.
Bud's interest in politics prompted him to run for election in 1971 as part of Peter Lougheed's Progressive Conservative Party in the Vermilion River, now Lloydminster, constituency, where he won four consecutive elections until his retirement in 1986. During his time as an MLA, including one term as cabinet minister, the Miller home served as the constituency office, with Margaret handling all the tasks which would now be done by an executive assistant. Bud received numerous honours in recognition of his contributions to the province and his community. He was pleased to be the namesake of Bud Miller All Seasons Park in Lloydminster and the Kitscoty Junior and Senior High school gymnasium.
After retiring from provincial politics, Bud served on the Kitscoty Town Council, and remained active in community initiatives. In 2006, Bud and Margaret moved to Lloydminster, and have lived in the Dr. Cooke Nursing Home since 2014.
Bud was very proud of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He was often the coach, manager and driver for his kids' sports teams, and attended the games his schedule would allow. He was an active and vocal spectator. He welcomed all visitors, especially his family, to his homes.
The Miller family thanks all who have helped maximize Bud's quality of life in his later years, including the staff at Hearthstone Manor, Hemstock Residence and the Dr. Cooke Nursing Home. Special thanks to Dr. Raff Sayeed, Bud's friend and physician.
A Service will be held in the Kitscoty Hall on Thursday, January 29 at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Dr. Cooke Patient Comfort Fund or the Kitscoty Minor Hockey Association.