Timothy Jon Miller

Timothy Jon Miller Timothy was born on December 13, 1953. Tim and his sister, LeAnn Miller Nealz, were raised in Salina, Kansas by their loving parents, Bonnie Trump and Arthur Miller. Throughout his entire youth, Tim showed excellence in sports and academics. Tim enjoyed playing baseball, basketball, football, and golf. The highlight of his athletic career was leading the Salina South High Cougars as their starting quarterback. Tim's children never tired of hearing his humorous anecdotes regarding his quarterback glory days. Tim attended the University of Kansas, where he joined the Phi Delta Theta fraternity and developed life-long friendships and connections. While at KU, he began his passion for Jayhawk Basketball, a trait which he passed along to his children (and thus a small population of young adults in Terra Linda). Tim graduated with honors in Psychology and continued post-graduate studies in Cognitive Psychology. At the age of 10, Tim met his future wife, Diana Sauder, in Sunday school. They were married in 1975 at Sunrise Presbyterian Church - the church where they met and where both their families attended. At the time of Tim's passing, Diana and Tim had been married only a few weeks shy of 41 years. Tim and Diana's first son, Nathan, was born in Lawrence, Kansas. Shortly after Nathan was born, the family drove a VW bus from Kansas to California where they have lived ever since. Settled in Terra Linda, they welcomed two more children, Kaetlin and Jacob. Tim was a long-standing member of the Terra Linda community. He was an avid local sports fan and engaged deeply in his children's activities. Over the years, Tim served as the Co-president of the Terra Linda Orcas swim team and President of the Marin Swim League. Tim also jumped at the opportunity to coach and train youth sports teams. For decades Tim gave his time to coach teams from Dixie Soccer, St. Isabella's Basketball and Dixie Terra Linda Little League. One of Tim's happiest memories was coaching the 1996 Dixie Terra Linda Blue Jays to a Tournament of Champions title. Tim's deep appreciation for sports was evident, as he was a fixture at most Terra Linda High School sporting events. His enthusiasm was passed along to his children and even their friends. Sports aside, Tim's true love was his family. His dedication to his children and wife was unparalleled. Tim's aim was always to make sure that everyone had a good time, and there was never a shortage of good times when you were with him. Extremely talented on the barbecue, Tim naturally oversaw many get-togethers, cook-outs, beach trips with friends and family, and excursions to West Marin. Tim was incredibly fond of playing whiffle ball with his grandchildren, and remains unrivaled in playing the air guitar (particularly at weddings). He also enjoyed spending time in Pismo Beach with his beloved mother Bonnie and his stepfather, John Trump, both preceding him in death. Tim worked in the technology sector for more than a decade before transitioning to work in the social services sector in Marin County, most recently at Community Action Marin. Tim passed away on a beautiful Sunday on May 15, 2016, surrounded by friends and family after a 5-month battle with ALS. Even in his last few months, Tim showed the example of how to live life fully. The strength and courage he displayed through his battle with ALS was admired by all. Tim is survived by his wife, Diana Sauder Miller; children Nathan Miller, Kaetlin Henry, and Jacob Miller; their respective spouses Amber Zeddies, Matthew Henry and Elena Maguire; grandchildren Oliver Miller, Adelaide Miller, Amelia Henry, and Ella Henry; sister LeAnn Nealz; in-laws Bill and Dorothy Sauder; and other relatives Jan Sauder Lowry, Paula Markussen, and Grahame Fowler. All were the most important part of Tim's life. The family wishes to extend a sincere thanks to the Golden West Chapter of the ALS Association and the staff at Hospice by the Bay. The family would also like to sincerely thank the many friends and family members who gave so much support during the last few months. The family feels blessed to have so many great friends. There will be a celebration of life for Tim on Saturday, August 13th at Stinson Beach. Please reach out directly to a member of the family for details.