J. CRAIG MILLER

It is with profound sadness that we announce the death of our darling J. Craig Miller, on April 24, 2024, in Montreal, Quebec, at the age of 57. Craig died surrounded by his family's loving embrace after an 18-month experience with lung cancer. Craig was so many things to so many of us: a true gentleman, a conscientious citizen of the world, a well-read debater, stargazer, sunset catcher, cottage lover and crossword enthusiast, but most importantly, he was simply the most honourable husband, father, son, brother, uncle, business leader and loyal friend that one could ask for. Craig had many happy places throughout his vibrant life, forging lifelong friendships in each of them. He developed a love of the outdoors from childhood days sailing at the Port Credit Yacht Club in Mississauga, cherished summers at Camp Ahmek in Algonquin Park, loved his time spent at the Millden farm and Beaver Valley Ski Club. His formative years at Western University, where he met his love, Christina, included a year abroad together in the South of France, which set the course for his adult life. Craig and Christina married in 1991 and lived in Toronto, where they built a network of friends while Craig worked for AC Neilsen & Cott Beverages. Work took them to London, England, where their first daughter was born, and then they moved to Montreal in 1997 where they settled in Westmount and two more daughters completed the family. The shores of Lac Simon became Craig's sanctuary, where he enjoyed gardening, reading on the dock, pulling the kids waterskiing, and countless laughter-filled weekends with cherished friends and family. In 2014, Las Terrenas, DR , became the family's second home, where they created lasting memories as part of yet another loving community. Craig's robust career in Montreal included 11 years in the textiles business with QMD Medical, followed by 16 years as the Canadian President of Sigvaris Corporation. He volunteered for several organizations which mattered to him, and helped Christina behind the scenes in her company too. In each of these places, he worked with so many people whom he loved and respected. Despite Craig's grave diagnosis in October 2022, he impressed us all with his positivity as he focussed on his health. It is no exaggeration that he would go from chemo to the tennis court and recently enjoyed a 10 km walk on Mount Royal after radiation therapy. Craig did not like the phrase 'battling cancer.' He preferred to say he was "climbing a mountain, one step at a time," and that "You don't always make it to the top, but you never give up trying." Craig insisted that nobody ever say 'poor guy' when speaking his name, as he was very grateful for a life filled with the happiness associated with his friends, family, a great education, and all the privileges that come along with those things. Craig was deeply loved by his wife of 32 years, Christina Ayoub Miller; his three daughters, Erika (Pablo Vera Arias), Justine, and Olivia; parents, Beth and Roy Miller; siblings, Alison (Richard Turner), Scott (Trish Linton), and Samantha; his in-laws, Maila and Steve Ayoub, Jeff Ayoub (Margot McCulloch); his ten nieces and nephews, and a host of friends who he treated like family. All are welcome to a visitation on May 9th at 10 a.m., followed by a funeral service at 11 a.m. at St. George Orthodox Church, 575 Rue Jean-Talon East. Expression of condolences to the family may also be made from 6-6:45 p.m. at Maison Principale, 872 Rue du Couvent in St.Henri. An evening tribute to Craig for friends and family will follow. Donations to any of three causes close to his heart would be most appreciated: On The Tip of The Toes Foundation, The Cedar's Cancer Foundation – Craig's Crew Dragonboat Team, or The Dominican Joe Kids Foundation.