Rufus Jeffris Miller

1957 - 2024

Rufus Jeffris Miller was born in 1957 in Northfield, Illinois, the fourth of five siblings in the Miller family. He attended Middlefork and Sunset Ridge schools before moving on to New Trier West High School. In his senior year, when his parents relocated to St. Louis, Rufus transferred to St. Louis Country Day School, where he enjoyed an exceptional year. He participated in several sports and won the Missouri State Championship in wrestling.
Rufus continued his education at the University of Colorado Boulder, where he discovered his lifelong passion for rock climbing. After graduating, he worked as a drilling fluids engineer on oil rigs for several years. When the oil industry suffered a downturn, he relocated to Steamboat Springs, Colorado, where he met the love of his life, Blair Parry. The two were married in 1984 and began a life of adventure together, skiing, biking, running, and climbing in Steamboat Springs. Rufus and Blair later moved to Durango, before eventually settling in Indian Hills. They welcomed two beautiful daughters-Bree in 1990 and Leighton in 1992. Both girls were raised in Indian Hills, imbued with the adventurous spirit their parents shared.
Rufus transitioned into a career in education, earning his teaching certificate and eventually a master's degree. He spent 31 years teaching in Denver Public Schools, primarily at Lincoln High School, where he taught college-level computer science courses and coached soccer. Throughout his career, he made a lasting impact on countless students, earning the affection and respect of both his students and colleagues.
Rufus was a man who put others at ease with his warmth, offering bear hugs and always arriving with a chainsaw or tool kit in hand to help friends and family with projects. His only "fee" was camaraderie and the joy of sharing a cold beer once the work was done.
Rufus was an avid climber throughout his life and became a beloved figure in the climbing community, particularly on the Morrison Cliffs. His friendly presence was a fixture at any crag, and his passion for climbing led him to explore and document new routes, sharing them with others on the Mountain Project site. He was also a dedicated cyclist, known for riding everywhere. Local friends and family will fondly remember his friendly face and brain teasers at Buchanan Recreation Center, where he worked after retiring from teaching.
Rufus is survived by his devoted wife of 40 years, Blair, his daughters Bree and Leighton (Edward), his siblings Marion (Bob), Lynn, Roys (Brad), and Jackie (Hal). He was a cherished uncle to his nieces and nephews, who will deeply miss their "super cool" Uncle Rufus, as will his many grand-nieces and nephews, cousins, and close friends. Rufus will be remembered for his irreverent sense of humor, his kindness, and his adventurous spirit.
The family wishes to extend their heartfelt thanks to the Search and Rescue volunteers for their expertise, professionalism, and support during the difficult search for Rufus. He was climbing and camping in one of his favorite spots near the Middle St. Vrain Trailhead when he tragically passed away in a climbing accident. Though heartbroken, his family takes comfort knowing he was doing what he loved most.
A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, October 5th, from 6pm-9pm at Buchanan Park Recreation Center in Evergreen, Colorado.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Rufus' memory can be made to the following organizations:
Rocky Mountain Search and Rescue
Foothills Animal Shelter
Majestic Canine Rescue
Evergreen Animal Protection League