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BORN
1925
DIED
2019
Keith Miller Obituary
He became governor on Jan. 29, 1969, while serving as Secretary of State (now Lieutenant Governor) when Walter Hickel resigned to become Secretary of the Interior under President Richard Nixon.
Governor Miller presided over the state's first Prudhoe Bay oil and gas lease sale, which brought in $900,000,000. He established the Seward Skill Center - now called the Alaska Vocational Technical Center, the Pioneer Home in Palmer and a new fish hatchery in Petersburg.
A native of Seattle, Wash., he was interested in Alaska from an early age. After service in the Army Air Corps during World War II, he took a Canadian ferry as far as Juneau, Alaska, in 1946. In the summers of 1948 and 1949, he worked as a deck hand on an F.E. Company gold dredge in Fairbanks, Alaska. Then, in 1957, he jumped at a chance to come to Anchorage to take a job with the Internal Revenue Service. His political career began in 1962, when he won a seat in the state house; then, in 1966, Walter Hickel, running for governor, asked him to run as his Secretary of State (now Lieutenant Governor). In 1972, he served a four-year term in the state Senate. Then, in 1977, Governor Hammond named Miller to a seat on the Alaska Transportation Commission to serve as its chair. He served on the commission until it was abolished.
He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Jean Cuffel Miller; son-in-law, David Slater; and stepgrandsons, Darren and Matthew Slater; by his parents, Sarah Margaret Harvey Miller and Hopkins Keith Miller; brothers, Robert, Arthur and Donald; and stepsons, Bill and Bob Cuffel.
He is survived by stepchildren, David Cuffel (Sumara) of Anchorage, Carol Slater of Fairbanks, Don Cuffel (Amy) of Tacoma, Wash., and Deidre Oaks (Martin) of Anchorage; and many stepgrandchildren and great-grandchildren.
No public services are planned. Condolences and may be sent to Carol Slater, 1143 Bainbridge Boulevard, Fairbanks, AK 99701.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Keith Miller
M G
March 31, 2019
My deepest sympathy goes out to the family. May God grant you peace during your time of grief.
Psalm 121:1-3
Sandy Nusbaum
March 14, 2019
I will miss Governor Keith We were friends for almost 60 years and stayed in touch all these years - lots of memories - including his singing of Please Release Me
RIP Governor Miller
March 12, 2019
My sympathies to the Miller family. May the God of all comfort be with you during this time
D I
March 12, 2019
Condolences to family and friends of Mr. Miller. May happy memories of your loved one and the words of (Isaiah 57:15) provide you with much needed comfort.
JR V
March 12, 2019
My deepest Sympathy goes out to the Family during your time of grief ,May God's loving kindness comfort you and help you through this diffcult time.(Psalams 37:39
Gary Farnsworth
March 11, 2019
Kieth was always the champion of the people. Should have had another term. Alaska would be a better place.Rest In Peace Governor.
MaryDee, and son William Wheaton-Piers
March 7, 2019
Our loving Sympathies to Mr. Kieth Miller"s family.
As pioneer Alaskans ourselves, we were honored to know Kieth Miller, an associate of my Father Sherman Wheaton, when Alaska seemed much "smaller" then, not so many people as now. :)
Kieth Miller was a huge part of building our beautiful state, helping Alaskans..
We will keep him in our prayers.
With love, MaryDee and son William E. Piers
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