Published by Legacy Remembers on Aug. 24, 2002.
MILLER _ Gerald Allan (Gary) December 19, 1934 - August 19, 2002 Gary Miller, beloved husband of Frances Miller of Calgary, passed away at the Foothills Hospital on Monday, August 19, 2002, at the age of 67 years. Besides his loving wife, Gary is survived by his daughter Cory (Heather); beloved granddaughter Catherine; his father Tim (Pauline) Miller and his sister-in-law Helen Maxwell and family. He was adored by his many friends, cousins, uncles, aunts, and neighbors. Gary's mother Cora passed away in 1952. An actor and singer, Gary embraced with zest and love all aspects of life. His talent and love for the theatre continued to enrich and inspire others throughout his career. Born in Trail, BC, he was raised in Calgary and the Eagle Hill district (outside of Olds, AB). He made his theatrical debut on the old Palace Theatre stage with Eaton's Good Deed Radio Club. Crescent Heights High school operetta's, Workshop 14 and studies at the Banff School of Fine Arts convinced him that life upon the wicked stage was for him. Gary's musical studies began with Eileen Higgin, and took him to London, England. His career allowed him to work in many countries and his credits include TV, radio, film (Silver Streak), stage, clubs, revues, and certain gigs he did not care to mention. Gary's big break came in 1959 when he starred in Toronto's production of "The Boyfriend" which became, at that time, the longest running show in Canadian history. He appeared in lead roles in over twenty productions at the prestigious Woodstock Playhouse in Woodstock, NY, where he lived for thirteen years with his wife and daughter. Gary toured with Broadway shows, performed at Canada's Stratford Theatre, London's West End, and many Canadian regional theatres. Performing arts involvements have been highlighted in recent years with his promotion of seniors in the performing arts - notably his sell-out productions of "Up with Seniors" at the Jubilee Auditorium and the CFCN production of "The Late Bloomers" which has aired numerous times across Canada. Mr. Miller wrote, directed, and performed in the Plaza Theatre's critically acclaimed musical revues - "Salute to Cole Porter" and "An Evening With Irving Berlin". He considered his talented wife, his gifted opera singer daughter, his beloved and clever granddaughter Catherine and his father's induction into the Curlers Hall of Fame, to be highlights of his eclectic career. Returning to Calgary in 1973, Gary was extremely instrumental in the development of the performing arts in Calgary through his involvement with Theatre Calgary and The Calgary Theatre Singers. He was one of the forces that spearheaded the development of the old CNR Station into a renovated historical building for the arts (now Alberta Ballet's Nat Christie Centre). For the past twenty years, he was the vocal soloist at the First Church of Christian Science. Until recently, he taught drama classes for seniors through the Catholic School Board where he was known for his clever and humorous original skits and revues. He loved his seniors. Since his return to Calgary, Gary taught, inspired, and directed numerous talented young Calgarians for the Calgary Kiwanis Music Festival. He also adjudicated the Musical Theatre classes for the Kiwanis Festivals across Western Canada. Throughout his life, Gary had a flame within him for the performing arts and his talent and love for the theatre continued to enrich and inspire others. He was always a cock-eyed optimist. Gary and Fran's home was always open for anyone needing a laugh, a song, and a kind word. Funeral Services will be held at Christ Church Elbow Park, (3602 - 8 Street S.W.), on Tuesday, August 27, 2002, at 2:00 p.m. with the Rev. William P. Pike officiating. To e-mail expressions of sympathy:
[email protected], subject heading: Gary Miller. If friends so desire, memorial donations may be made directly to the Calgary Kiwanis Music Festival, No. 450, 301 - 14 Street N.W., Calgary, AB T2N 2A1 (Telephone 403-283-6009), for the Gary Miller Memorial Scholarship. Please sign your organ donor wishes on the back of your Alberta Health Care Card. In living memory of Gary Miller, a tree will be planted at Nose Creek Valley by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES "Park Memorial Chapel", 5008 ELBOW DRIVE S.W., CALGARY. Telephone: 403-243-8200. 329362
