GERALD MILLER

Gerald Davis Miller, 76 Gary Miller, 76, passed away on Sunday, March 31, 2013, at Good Samaritan Hospital in Puyallup, WA. He was born on December 12 in 1936 in Oklahoma City to Mabel Hansen and Walter Miller. Gary grew up in Seattle, WA, where he attended Lincoln High School. He was a member of the Coast Guard from 1952 to 1956. Shortly thereafter he began an apprenticeship as a steamfitter with the Local 32 in Seattle. He went on to work for Johnson Control, where he enjoyed a 35-year career, receiving numerous accolades, including a 50-year membership recognition from the United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipe Fitting Industry of the United States. He retired from Johnson Control in 1995 as a Construction Superintendent, and started a partnership with Scott Folk called S&G. He retired from S&G in 1998. Gary married Anita Brown on July 23, 1955 in Seattle, WA. They were happily married for 57 years. Gary and Anita were members of the Calvary Church of Sumner, and were very involved with the Sumner Food Bank. Gary enjoyed the simple and authentic things in life: WIllie Nelson, Merle Haggard, country western books and films, his dogs, playing and watching sports, and spending time with his immediate and extended family and friends. The many of us who loved Gary will remember him as a man who could fix anything. He didn't speak up often, but when he did, it was important. He was a great listener, and he offered all of those in his life essential common-sense wisdom in rare moments when it was most needed, traits for which he was deeply respected. He also had a great sense of humor and a deep sense of honor. Gary was preceded in death by his parents Walter Francis Miller and Mabel Hansen, his sister Fran Goodson, and his brother Jim Miller. Gary is survived by his wife, Anita Miller of Lake Tapps, WA; his sons John Miller (Jennifer Miller) of Boise, Idaho, Terry Miller (Catherine Miller) of Lake Tapps, WA, and Stacey Miller (April Van Lierop) of Puyallup, WA; his grandchildren Sarah and Carrie Miller of Lake Tapps; his brothers Paul and Walt Miller and sister Barbara Wood; his brother-in-law and sister-in-law Gerald and Marsha Vandenberg; his niece Nicole Vandenberg; his nephew Jason Vandenberg (Janill Vandenberg); his great-grand nephews Blake and Brayden Vandenberg and numerous other loving relatives. A memorial service will be held at Calvary Community Church, 15116 Gary St. E in Sumner, WA, at 11:00 am on April 6, 2013. Reception afterwards in the church hall. Kegger to follow at The Millers, as always. If friends and family members wish to make a memorial donation in Gary's name, they can do so at the Sumner Food Bank.