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Michael Miller Obituary
Michael Paul Miller, 56, of Oxnard, passed away April 8, 2008, at his home.
He was born Feb. 29, 1952, in Compton, Calif., to Paul Miller and Yvonne Carr (Ellis). Mike graduated from Oxnard High School in 1970 and from the Guitar Institute of Technology in Hollywood in 1981.
He was united in marriage to Julie Oppegaard on Jan. 22, 1983, and to his union one son was born. Mike's life and musical inspiration came from this struggle of living with Tourette's syndrome, a genetic disease that manifests itself by vocal and motor tics, ADD and severe depression. This made Mike unable to maintain a normal job, so he found his solace in drawing, songwriting, singing and playing guitar.
At age 17 he began traveling the states until he found his future wife, Julie, in a small nightclub in Minnesota.
Mike believed in the power of music and the ability it had on changing lives. He performed in many bands, the last being Blue Stew, for which he wrote numerous songs for their four albums. He also produced a solo album, "Homeward," alone in his quiet hours, and enjoyed music trivia, watching movies, playing with his dogs and anything that included his son, Justin. His loving, tender soul has touched us all.
Mike is survived by his wife of 25 years and their son, Justin Michael Miller, both of Oxnard; mother, Yvonne Carr of Oxnard; sister, Joelle Brooks of Tucson; aunt Arline and uncle Dick; and nephews, Michael, Spencer, Dana and Dylan.
He was preceded in death by his father, Paul, and sister Becky.
Mike's last thoughts, found on a notepad, were, "So many rivers to cross; Just one more river to cross."
Mike has turned his many stumbling blocks into steppingstones and has now crossed that last river. May our memories of him be an inspiration for all, and may his spirit live on through his music. Hear Mike's music at http://www.bluestew.com.
A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Monday, April 14, at the Ted Mayr Funeral Home, 3150 Loma Vista Road, Ventura, with the Rev. Cathy Norman officiating. A reception will follow at the Hi Cees Cafe, 1591 Spinnaker Drive, Ventura.
Donations to the Miller family may be sent in care of the Ted Mayr Funeral Home, 3150 Loma Vista Road, Ventura, CA 93003.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Ted Mayr Funeral Home and Crematory, Ventura.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Michael Miller
Crystal Thomas
May 7, 2008
Julie, I signed the guest book already. However, I bought 2 other CD's like the one you generously gave all of us at the funeral. I gave them to a couple of my friends and one of them would like to make a donation. My email address is: [email protected]. Could you please give me your address so I could mail the donation to you. Thank you.
Bob,Sallie Aguilera
April 19, 2008
Yvonne and Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family in your time of grief,may your memories bring you comfort.Our hearts go out to you in the days ahead.Yvonne,Julie & famliy,we share your grief.
Bob & Sallie,Aguilera
Pete & Ann Rhodehamel
April 18, 2008
Dear Yvonne and family, Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you in the loss of your son.
We didn't know him, however have hear nothing but wonderful things about him and Pete remembers meeting him in the park. He was very blessed to have you for a mother.
Linda Cathaway
April 18, 2008
Julie, My heart and prayers are with you and your family thru these difficult days..My husband, Rick Cathaway, passed in May last year, and Mike was there for me at Rick's Celebration of Life. Rick and Mike worked together at Instrumental Music until Rick was no longer able to work, and he played with Mike on numberous occasions at the Hi Cee's over the years. One of the last times Rick was able to play was with Mike. I hadn't heard of Mike's passing until one of Rick's musician friends called, and unfortunately it was after the fact, so I'm so very sorry I wasn't able to attend Mike's memorial..I do know the pain you are experiencing at this time and please, if there is anything I can do or you just need a new ear to talk to, please feel free to contact me..I would love to be there for you, as so many were there for me. May God ease your pain and heal your heart, as time and support are the ingredients to healing. Linda Cathaway
Charles Goldberg
April 17, 2008
Julie,
My condolences to you over the passing of your husband.
He sounds like a very talented person.
Charlles Goldberg
Sandra Ehlers
April 17, 2008
Mike,
Your special voice and contribution to the music and mood at HiCees will be missed greatly. I'm happy and privledged I got to be there when you were.
Thank you for sharing your talent with all of us.
Sandra Ehlers
Jana Israel-Ljepava
April 16, 2008
From a new fan of Blue Stew, So sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you (family)and the band members. and all who will feel the loss of this very talented man.
May the comfort of the LORD surround you.
Shari Baird
April 15, 2008
Dearest Julie & Justin,
I really wish I could of met Mike, after reading everything here he sounds like such an amazing person, a true treasure to any family. You were grown up and married a bit before me & the 2 times we got to visit in the last 6 months wasn't very much,but I could planely see how in love you were with Mike, and such a wonderful father he must have been to Justin. Our family has taken an awful loss this past year, but you & yours most of all. I am so sorry for all that you have to endure.
Please know that your family here in Minnesota has you in our hearts.
Your Cousin,
Shari & Family
Pr. Tim Lundeen
April 14, 2008
Julie,
Our prayers are with you and Justin. I have also visited with your mother these past days. If there is more that I can do you please ask. Pr Tim
Dan Pollock
April 14, 2008
This was quite a shock to say the least! Although I didn't know Mike that well, I always admired his playing and his dedication to the blues. Most blues of today is thinly veiled Rock & Roll but Mike was the real deal! I know what its like to lose a dear friend and bandmate. My thoughts are with his family and each and every member of Blue Stew..
Bernice Nance-Miller
April 14, 2008
Dear Yvonne,
My thoughts are with you. Please call if there is anything I can do, or if you would just like to hang out with Sallie and I.
Sherrie Rolston
April 14, 2008
Mike was a special person to us. He will be remembered in our prayers for his soulful voice and talented song writing. We send our deepest sympathy to Julie, Justin and Mom. We will never forget our Mikey
We will never forget our Mikey.
Linda Elsje
April 14, 2008
It was such a pleasure to listen and dance to your music at Hi-C's. Thank you for your kindness, devotion to your music and sweet spirit. My sincere condolences to Mike's family and band members.
Marjorie Brown
April 14, 2008
Thank you Blue Stew you got me through many rough days and even a few years. Thank you for your talent to lift ones spirit. It's not as easy as it looks I'm sure.
To the Family I know your loss...be strong you will see him again.
Rod Beveridge
April 14, 2008
My condolences to Mike's family and friends. All of us swing dancers will greatly miss him. I am glad I was able to have him and Blue Stew play for our dances and at the Black and Blue Ball for the Muscular Dystrophy Association several years ago. I am sorry for your loss.
Rod
Terry Odor
April 14, 2008
I knew Mike primarily on line on Blues-L but we did spend an evening together in Pasadena a few years ago. His humor and humanity will be missed terribly.
Jimmy Simpson
April 14, 2008
Hey Mikey! Next week is Blues Week in Baton Rouge. You, me and Justin shared this week back in '02.
Pic, Sundanze and Kenny Neal say hi. Remember the Downtown Alive gig in Lafayette with Sarah Todora. A dozen Harleys started up right behind us and my Pro Reverb you were using just quit.
The damn bikes rattled the 6L6s right out of their sockets!!!
I did "I'll Be Walking Home Today" at Teddy's tonight for ya.....and be assured there is always a place at my table.....
I'll keep the jokemobile full of oil, and crank her up now and again.
I played with Sean Carney this last weekend, and we were talking about you at the IBC.
I'm dedicating Baton Rouge Blues Week to ya bro......thanks for the memories.
HoodooJimmy
SARAH PETERS
April 13, 2008
JULIE,JUSTIN,YVONNE & JOELLE,SO SORRY TO HEAR OF MIKES PASSING,OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU,MIKE WAS A GREAT MAN,LOVE TO YOU ALL SARAH & TOM PETERS
Carol Bidwell
April 13, 2008
Somewhere up there, the angels are dancing to the blues and mike's wailing away. But we'll miss him down here. My sympathies to his family.
alex gutierrez
April 13, 2008
i admired mike for his dedication. he'll be missed. he was a good harmonica player and always made me feel right at home when i would sit in. my thoughts and prayers go out to his family and band.
BOBBY BRAGG
April 13, 2008
Dear soul Mike. Thanks you for the music you allowed me to share with you and for your devotion to music.
Mike was a beautiful man, always supportive and plain and simple a great artist. His kindness, steadfast professionalism and great chops will always be an inspiration to me.
Kathleen Linthicum
April 12, 2008
The bond of music is never-ending. Mike was always supportive and kind. Julie my heart and thoughts are with you and Justin.
Brian Batchley
April 12, 2008
Mike truly was an artist ,a genius and a friend. God bless him and his family always.
Pete Gallagher
April 12, 2008
Mike will be deeply missed. A true artist will a kind soul.
Crystal Thomas
April 12, 2008
I am so sorry for your loss. He will be missed by all. Such a talented, kind man. I can see him sitting on his stool playing and singing in haven.
December 7, 2007
martin jones
April 12, 2008
To my enjoyment Mike played Hand Jive and recently, also at my request, Hanky Panky.
Mike knew how much I enjoyed his music.
Martin Jones
Susan Dinwiddie
April 12, 2008
When I remember "Mr. Mike", I remember his humility, his talent, his kindness to my children, and his sincere faith in Jesus.
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