Leroy Albert Miller

Dr. Miller passed away peacefully in the early morning of March 1, with his devoted wife, Mary at his side.

A passionate and dedicated physician, Dr. Miller was beloved by his patients, many of whom considered him not only their doctor but their personal friend. During 28 years of active practice, he delivered more than 14,000 babies. Some families traveled great distances to have him deliver their children. He was widely respected as a preeminent, OB/GYN specialist and receive referrals from colleagues throughout the region. Nurses, physicians, families, and hospital staff comprised a large part of his practice, a testament to the trust and esteem in which he was held.

He was among the first university trained OB/GYN physicians to establish a full-time practice in the South Bay and played a pivotal role in expanding medical services in the community. He helped reopen Bay General Hospital and contributed to the development of what is now Scripps Chula Vista. A dedicated educator, he taught residents at San Diego County Hospital and mentored third year UCSD medical students. As medical Director of Flying Samaritans, he helped establish clinics in Baja Mexico, providing care to underserved populations.

Throughout his career, Dr. Miller served repeatedly as Chairman and Chief of OB/GYN at several hospitals, including Bay General, Paradise Valley Hospital, and Chula Vista Community Hospital. He also served as Chief of Surgery, Chief of Staff, Board Member, and Committee Leader within numerous medical organizations, including the San Diego County Medical Society. He spent 20 years on its Legislative Committee and served on the National Disaster Medical Team.

In 1982, he helped form the South Bay PPO and later established the South Bay IPA, serving as president until his retirement. Even retirement did not slow him. He became Medical Director for the County Medical Services program and later Corporate Medical Director and Senior Vice President for a national managed care organization, overseeing Medicaid programs in multiple states. After 10 years, he was honored with a special citation for his outstanding medical management before retiring fully.


Born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, in 1931 during the great depression, Dr. Miller was raised with strong values of faith, hard work, compassion, and education. From a young age, he aspired to become a physician and worked tirelessly to achieve that goal, supporting himself through college and medical school while maintaining academic excellent excellence.

He earned his BA from Andrews University and his MD from Loma Linda University, where he received the Michael Reese scholarship award. He completed his internship and OB/GYN residency at Wayne State University, serving as Chief Resident , and received additional oncology training at Massachusetts General Hospital, and St. Mary's Hospital in Montreal. He was a fellow of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology , the American College of Surgeons , and numerous professional societies.

Outside of medicine, Dr. Miller lived life fully. A lifelong athlete, he loved hockey, skiing, tennis, cycling, and water sports. He traveled to more than 94 countries, often encountering former patients around the world. He was an accomplished art collector, gallery partner, and cherished time spent on his ranch with family. Despite losing the ranch in the cedar fire of 2003, he remained grateful that his family and animals were spared.

Dr. Miller was known for his generosity, integrity, and commitment to education. He established multiple scholarship, endowments to support deserving students and remained closely connected to friends, colleagues, and former trainees throughout his life. In recent years, he organized a retired senior physician group in Chula Vista, bringing colleagues together and fellowship, and continue learning.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Mary, daughters Rene, Marissa, and Vanessa; sons, Grant, Lee Scott, and Chris; three granddaughters, one grandson and one great granddaughter and his sister Lorraine Clarke.

Services will be held Saturday, April 18 at 11:00am at Little Chapel of the Roses in Glen Abbey Memorial Park, 3838 Bonita Rd., Bonita, CA.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the "Leroy A. Miller M.D. and Mary Van Fossen Miller Endowed Scholarship Fund" for students attending Andrews University. Contact number is 269-471-6667.