William N. Miller

William Norman Miller “Bill”, a retired professor at Westfield State University, died on January 17th, 2022, at the age of 61 after a long battle with Alzheimer’s. Bill was born in San Francisco, CA, grew up in San Diego and spent the last twenty-eight years of his life in Western Massachusetts.

Bill is survived by his devoted wife Nancy Bals and loving son Wade Miller of Westfield, MA; stepmother Judy Miller of Rohnert Park, CA; step-siblings Andrew, Tim and Joanne Miller of Rohnert Park, CA; mother-in-law Marilyn Bals and partner Jon Cole of Lubbock, TX; father-in-law Gene Bals and wife Sally Roberts of Lubbock, TX; sister-in-law Teresa Bals-Elsholz and husband Kurt Elsholz of Hanna, IN, sister-in-law Jill Bals and husband Travis Durham of Midland, TX; niece Augusta Durham and husband Drew McMillian of Texas, nephew Axel Durham of Denver, CO; lifelong friends and Lancer Society brothers Paul Salazar (and Diane Daniels Salazar) of Chino Hills, CA; Richard (and Siobhan) Dunham of Saratoga Springs, NY; Doug (and Kim) Kanovaloff of Sacramento, CA; and many friends and colleagues from Westfield State University and western Massachusetts. He is predeceased by his mother, Barbara Nathanson Connolly of La Jolla, CA; his father, William R. Miller of Rohnert Park, CA; his grandmother Elaine T. Barthorpe of San Francisco; his grandfather Norman Jess Nathanson and his step-grandmother Maxine Nathanson of Menlo Park, CA.

Bill was born to William R. Miller and Barbara Nathanson Connolly on May 4, 1960. After graduating from La Jolla high school his grandparents encouraged him to pursue a career that he would love and he became a certified Athletic Trainer in 1983. He most recently served as Professor and Director of the Athletic Training Education Program at Westfield State University where he gained the initial Accreditation of Athletic Training Education in 2000.

Bill received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Physical Education from Whittier College, a Master of Science Degree in Physical Education and Athletic Training from Indiana University, and in 1997, a Doctor of Physical Education Degree from Springfield College. Additionally, Bill was strongly impacted by the Middlebury College (VT) German Intensive Language Program and a study abroad program at the University of Copenhagen.

Prior to arriving to New England to pursue his doctorate, Bill served as Assistant Athletic Trainer and Instructor at California State University, Northridge, CA; Head Athletic Trainer and Instructor at St. Ambrose University, Davenport, IA; and a lecturer at the United States Sports Academy, Dhahran, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Bill also served as an Athletic Trainer at the Tenth Pan American Games in Indianapolis, IN, the United State Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, CO, the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, and at California State University, Hayward, CA. Bill was actively involved in the NATA, EATA and served many years as a site-visitor for the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education. The students that Bill taught, however, were his passion. His role as an advisor and mentor resulted in many students making contributions as healthcare professionals.

Bill loved sports and was a lifelong San Diego Padres fan. He was also a fan of the (former) San Diego Chargers, the Boston Red Sox, and the New England Patriots. Bill was a world traveler and passed on the love of traveling to his family. Bill was a wonderful giving husband and a proud father. Bill loved to laugh and is known for his strong independence, loyalty and thoughtfulness.

Calling hours will be held at Firtion- Adams Funeral Home in Westfield, MA on Sunday, January 23, 2022 from 3-5:00 p.m. His funeral will take place at Holy Family Parish in Russell, MA on Monday, January 24th, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. Due to the pandemic, the family will appreciate it if masks are worn by all.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of William N. Miller to curealz.org or to Westfield State University or Whittier College. www.firtionadams.com