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Gary Miller Obituary

Gary G. Miller Gary G. Miller, J.D., was born September 9, 1947 and died unexpectedly November 18, 2014 after a lunchtime game of racquetball at the YMCA. He was born in Jina, Louisiana to J.D. and Norene Miller. He and his family moved to Topeka, Kansas in 1957 and wore (shocking!) red pants on the first day of school! After graduating from Topeka West High School in 1965, Gary attended Washburn University where he majored in political science and avoided the draft (and yes, he did inhale). He earned his J.D. from Washburn Law School in 1972, worked for the State of Kansas before setting up his own law practice in Topeka in the mid-1970s. Gary s only child, Bryce, was born in 1976. On February 23, 2014 Bryce s wife, Sara, gave birth to twin sons Leo Michael and Edward Grey and Gary became a doting grandfather with great plans to shower them with noisy, obnoxious toys. In 1994 Gary married Rebecca Nelson and they began a 20-year marriage filled with love and laughter, wine and travel and the occasional ranting (from Gary of course). Gary could always be counted on to have an opinion about anything and everything whether he knew about the subject at hand or not. He was an opinionated Democrat in a Republican state who was so disappointed in the results of the last election he was tempted to discontinue voting. Enjoying a good argument, Gary s eyes would sparkle and his mouth would run! And yet, he was deeply loved because underneath all the bluster and opinions and hard-headedness was an intelligent, kind, understanding and compassionate man. Following Gary s wishes, no service will be held and he will be cremated. Any donations can be made in Gary s name and sent to the YMCA in Topeka. All who knew Gary are invited to share their memories at Grace Farm, 2748 SE 29th Street, Topeka, Kansas on Saturday, November 29, 2014 from 7:00-10:00 p.m. Please join us in toasting the man who lived a full life or, as he liked to say, I ve had a good run. Gary G. Miller

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Topeka Capital-Journal from Nov. 20 to Nov. 21, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for Gary Miller

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Jeannie Schnellbacher-Brookdale

November 14, 2020

The first time I actually “met” Gary was in the maternity ward the day Bryce was born.... my son was 2 weeks late, and they were doing a “test” to see if they could start contractions. Scary for me, all of a sudden my husband hears a voice from the next room, and he left my room to the hall. I hear 2 guys outside my door talking about a set of “knock-off” wheels for a corvette. My nurse called my husband in to my room and he and Gary continued the conversation! Less than a minute later, Bobbi’s nurse came to the door and said “ Mr. Miller, your wife is giving birth- you better NOT miss it! Very shortly after we hear Gary shout- “it is a boy”! Bryce and our son spent lots of time together, doing boy things and running away from a wooden spoon... So happy Bryce has 2 sons to see what he and any of him many friends put his folks through during his childhood! Love you, Bryce and Bobbi, Love you both!

Larry Diediker

November 14, 2020

Gary was my best friend from eighth grade on through high school and college. He was a great guy. I will never forget him. R.I.P. ole buddy.

December 3, 2014

So sorry but Gary was doing what he loved to do at the Y. Many years have passed but Becky You were so lucky to have a man that was as great as Gary was. Prayers!!

December 1, 2014

This is alittle late but just found out that Gary had passed away. My sympathy goes out to you. My dad broke his hip in October and it has been a whirlwind since then. I haven't gotten a chance to read the paper very much since then. Remember all the wonderfull things you got to do together and take it one day at a time. God Bless

Sue Gaither

November 27, 2014

Gary was our neighbor when he lived on Oakley. We were friends and enjoyed many good times. Gary always had every kind of tool and my husband, Max, had a hammer.He went to the hospital with me one time when my daughter, Diana, broke her arm on her
skateboard. We used to spend time at the YMCA and would see him there also.He was quite a character and will be missed by many. R.I. P.

Jonathan Gorman

November 27, 2014

What fond memories I have of sitting on Gary's couch, listening to his hi-fi, drinking his latest batch of home brew, and hearing him rant about whatever subject he happened to be the expert on that evening. It was always obvious to me that Gary was passionate about life, and he loved his family with all his heart. The world has lost a great individual.

November 27, 2014

The first time I met Gary he told me his name for Sara was "Petite Sirah" and asked if that was ok with me. (Sara & Bryce had just been dating a few months at the time.) He will be missed! Joan Thezan, Belton, MO

Sarah Palubinski

November 24, 2014

I am truly and deeply sorry for Gary's family. I spoke with him about a case a few weeks ago....and we both were laughing and in tears by the end of the phone call. I also want to say that he brought up his wife and how much he loved her and how forward he was looking to Thanksgiving and his grandchildren. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Charles and Misty Ard

November 23, 2014

Our hearts are heavy with the loss of this great man. Gary, you will truly be missed. No words can ever thank you enough for all you have done to help our family. Rest in peace.

Steve Farrell

November 23, 2014

I've stewed all week about what to say since hearing of Gary's death. I am both sad and mad. We spent a lot of time together from high school to our early 30s, and thankfully reconnected several times in recent years. My deepest sympathy goes out to Becky and Bryce, and Gary's new grandsons who undoubtedly will hear many stories about their unique grandfather. RIP GGM.

Gylene Cook

November 23, 2014

So very sorry for your loss. he was a very nice person,
Garry and Gylene Cook

John Campbell

November 22, 2014

Becky I am so sorry to hear of Gary's passing. Although I never met Gary I feel I have missed an incredible, gregarious and gracious person just from the notes people left in the guest book and from the obituary. I know that I would have liked him and that you will miss him in your life but the memories will last. Take care Becky.

Geoff Zeller

November 22, 2014

My wife and I will sorely miss you Gary. You were not only a friend but a car guy, talking about all of the hotrods that you have had or own or wanted. May the lord bless you with wings because you were an angel for saving my marriage, he refused to finish the papers because he knew that was not what we needed, still together coming up on 23 years, Thank You Gary.

With love and compassion you will be missed. The Zellers.

Marlene watson

November 21, 2014

My prayers go out to you Becky Miller..I met you long time ago,at Norene's..I'm Sana Lentz's ex sister in law from the "Beall" family

Stefana Esquivel-Dome

November 21, 2014

I met Gary some 40 yrs ago; he was a friend of a friend who who could tell a story to entertain anyone, anywhere, anytime. Whenever I would see him thru the years, we'd pick up where we left off. Becky & Bryce , I am so sorry for your loss. Gary's quick wit & sly smile will be missed by all who were lucky enough to call him "friend".

Joseph Konrade

November 21, 2014

Becky and family my thoughts and prayers are with you. I will miss his greetings and smile. Joe Konrade

Glenda Senne

November 21, 2014

When I worked at the YMCA you could always rely on a visit from Gary each noon hour. Along with a smile and kind word. A zest for life indeed! RIP Gary, and may your family left here on earth continue your love for life!

Keen Umbehr

November 21, 2014

Gary became my friend and mentor after I graduated from law school and set up my private practice in the same building. And he remained my friend and mentor even after I moved my office to Alma. We co-counseled on several cases together and whenever I stopped by he would walk and talk all the way to my car. We were pretty much polar opposites politically but I considered him one if my closest friends. He will definitely be missed.

Kelly McAlllister

November 21, 2014

It has been said a couple of times already, but Gary would be so proud of his obituary. I can hear him saying those exact words. I worked at the courthouse for a number of years and Gary and i had many discussions, laughs, and poked fun at each other. He always had a smile on his face each and every time i saw him. I will miss his stories the most. He was a good man and will be greatly missed by many people in the community as well as abroad.

dale griffin

November 20, 2014

I only knew Gary from the ymca..only talked a few times..I was at the y when he passed...so sorry for your loss...I wasn't sure who it was at first , then someone said it was the guy that talked alot ..I knew then who it was..nice guy...

November 20, 2014

Although there is a good chance I may have met Gary through some other attorney friends or at a democrat function a number of years ago, I am not sure. But he may have known my husband Ron Prochazka who graduated from the law school a year after Gary. Ron passed away on March 12th of this year and I know how hard this is for you all. My condolences to wife and family.
Kathy Prochazka

Ramon Esquivel

November 20, 2014

So sorry for your lost Becky, Gary will be missed.

Sandra Tompkins Krantz

November 20, 2014

Gary was a significant person in my life when he and Larry D were early buddies. We had such fun. Love to Bobbi and my condolences to the family.

Susan Andrews

November 20, 2014

My late husband and Gary were part of a group of attorneys who had a building constructed to house law offices at the corner of Topeka and Huntoon. More importantly, they remained friends through the process and for more than 25 years thereafter. My husband always said that when you needed friends to help with a project you could always count on Gary to show up. I officed in the building with Gary for 18 years and remember his routine of going to the Y every noon hour to exercise/talk to friends and everyone he encountered. Bryce, Becki and family; I'm very sorry for your loss.

Mecheke Ford

November 20, 2014

Natalie and I read this, and laughed because it is so Gary. Then we cried because we will miss him so much. Love you Becky. You will be in in hearts.

November 20, 2014

Gary would have been proud of what you wrote in the obit. For years, 7 or 8, I would see Gary at the downtown Y. As he passed by he would ask if I was a new member there. Always same routine. I would say yes and ask him what his name was. He would say Gary Miller. and I would say nice meeting you. We were in the same law class, graduating in 1972, I believe. I will miss his opiniated comments of which I agreed with 90% of the time. Here is to you Gary. I will see you on the other side. You made a big difference for many people on this side
Jerry Shelor

Harry & Linda Christman

November 20, 2014

Becky,
So sorry to hear of your loss

Fred Zander

November 20, 2014

Becky and Family So sorry for your Loss. Gary was a Great Guy and will me missed RIP.

Steve Watkins Jr

November 20, 2014

Gary was a colorful, fun-loving, multi-talented character of my youth. I'll always remember him vividly. He'll be missed. All the best to Bobbi, Bryce and the rest of the family.

Megan Freise

November 20, 2014

I only new Gary for a short time. What a great person. He always left me waiting to hear what he was going to say next. I knew it was either going to be great advice or a funny story. The world will be less interesting without him in it. God bless him an his family.

Megan Freise

Sherri Kelly

November 20, 2014

GOD WILL comfort the Miller Family in their time of need. My thoughts and prayers are with the Family and Friends of Gary Miller. I worked in the same building with Gary under another attorney and we learned to work and celebrate life together. Yes, Gary was a TALKER HAHA!!!! He loved a good conversation with Him talking mostly!! But he loved life, people and he did what he wanted, his way. Extremely dedicated to his profession. I also remember he took his health very seriously, he has worked out for many years. I will miss his laughter,his wit, and our office celebrations. I remember client's coming by for assistant, but they loved coming to visit. They really enjoy talking with Gary. He will be missed!! May he rest in peace until that day when all GOD's people will rise up together!! I am truly thankful our paths crossed. I think of him and a smile comes to me. As Gary would of wanted us to think of him.

Peggy Fortmayer

November 20, 2014

my prayers are with the family, sister Sana, Mother Dildy. Peggy Fortmayer,
New Orleans, LA

Larry Diediker

November 20, 2014

Gary was my best friend through jr hi and high school and on into college. I moved to texas in 71 but we managed to keep in touch over the years though probably not as much as either of us would have liked. When we were 14-15 we agreed that we woujd have the same thought and say it at the same time, but he was usually louder. In the 9th gd at Jardine we met up with Jim Daniel and the three of us along with Gene Critchfield were inseparable. those were great years. We had so much fun and we also got into a "few situations" that we maybe shouldn't have. I don't have to explain to those of you who knew us. Rebecca. I never got to know you; I think we just met once or twice but I hope you had just half as much fun with Gary as I did. I know you did. I already miss him so. I told Jim I always thought I would be the first to go. God love him. I did.

November 20, 2014

Bryce and family,
So sorry for the loss of you Dad. Sending love and prayers to your family.

Jeannie Schnellbacher and family

Andy and Barbie Brooks

November 20, 2014

Gary will be greatly missed. My husband and I have known Gary for years. He was always quick to help us with any law needs. I enjoyed talking with Gary, he was always blunt and to the point with no beating around the bush. Which always made me feel that I could really talk to him with no judgments made towards my husband or I. His family is in our thoughts and prayers during this hard time.
The Brooks Family

Scott Ford

November 20, 2014

I didn't know Gary long enough or well enough, but thoroughly enjoyed every minute of that time.

Berni and Tom Brown

November 20, 2014

Getting the news of our dear friend's death has been devastating. He will always hold an irreplaceable part in our hearts and memories. We will forever remember our good times together, Gary's fabulous cooking, New Year's Eve, Gary in drag at Harry's birthday party, trips to Eureka Springs to the blues festival, and so on. Our deepest sympathies go out to you, Becky, and to Bryce, Sara and those darling little boys.
With much love, Berni and Tom

November 20, 2014

I didn't know Gary Miller, but his "eulogy" describes what life is all about. God bless him. And comfort to his family.

Steve Banning

November 20, 2014

Gary sure liked to talk, but I liked him anyway. I'll miss hearing about the car he's been building. RIP, Gary.

robin miller

November 20, 2014

Was so sorry to hear of Gary's passing. He represented me many years ago and made the process of needing an attorney much easier. Prayers to his family

Kathy Appelhanz

November 20, 2014

I am so sorry for you lose. Please know that he was with people who really loved and cared for him. I will miss his smiling face and his comments he made to us all daily. His friends at the YMCA will miss him greatly.

Kathy Roach

November 20, 2014

So sorry for your loss.

Terry Beck

November 20, 2014

He was a great guy and a good friend. Will truly be missed.

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