Robert G. "Bobby" Miller

Robert G. "Bobby" Miller passed away peacefully at Fairbanks Memorial Hospital on Feb. 14, 2014. He was 96. Bobby was born in Fairbanks in 1917, one of nine children of pioneer immigrants from Slovenia, Frank and Mary Miller.
After graduation from High school, Bobby went to work in the mines at Flat for the Miscoviches, and after a summer there, vowed he would never use a pick and shovel again. In the early years, Bobby worked with his brother, Max, and AI Ghezzi in the transportation business. When World War II began, Bobby joined the U.S. Army, spending two and a half years at Cold Bay in the Aleutians. 
After the war, Bobby started buying military surplus aircraft and equipment. His company, Miller & Bentley Equipment, operated out of the old Bentley Brothers' Dairy, across College Road from what is now the Bentley Mall. Many Fairbanksans remember Bobby and close friend, Joe Vogler, in Bobby's office animatedly discussing their dislike of the federal government, judges and lawyers.
Bobby, very early on, recognized the importance of aviation in Alaska and in 1944 learned to fly with Cliff Everts as his flight instructor. He was a founding member and chairman of the board of directors of Northern Consolidated Airlines. In 1968, NCA and Wien Airlines merged, forming Wien Consolidated Airlines. In 1973, Bobby retired from management of the company, but remained active on its board of directors. The Alaska Aviation Museum recognized Bobby as one of Alaska's Aviation Legends in 2013.
During the '70s, Bobby operated a dragline gold mine in Manley Hot Springs. His business partner in Man Mining Co. was Jack Neubauer. To help miners sell their gold, he formed Alaska Gold Sales. In 1977 he held a weeklong auction at Alaskaland, selling 10,000 ounces of gold.
In 1980, Bobby purchased Arctic Circle Hot Springs as a way to cater to local Alaskans. He married Laverna in 1990, and together they enjoyed operating the springs until it closed in October 2002.
Bobby was preceded in death by his siblings, Mary, Albina, Josephine, Polly, Billy, Max, Hank and Emma. He is survived by his wife, Laverna; step-daughter, Karen Lavery; nieces and nephews, Andy Warwick, Randy Warwick, Miriam Warwick, Bob Burglin, Stacy Miller, Scott Miller, Blair Miller, Hank Miller, Richard Miller, William Witcher and Geri Miller Koerner.
Memorial service will be at 1 p.m. April 5 at Friends Church, located at 1485 30th Ave., in Fairbanks, and there will be a celebration of Bobby's life immediately afterward. Remembrances may be sent to: Laverna Miller, 95 Farewell Ave., No. 3, Fairbanks, AK 99701.
The family suggests that in lieu of flowers, donations be sent to the Fairbanks Community Hospital Foundation, P.O. Box 71396, Fairbanks, AK 99707; Pioneers of Alaska Igloo No. 4, P.O. Box 70050, Fairbanks, AK 99707; or KJNP Radio Station, P.O. Box 56359, North Pole, AK 99705.