John Michael Miller

John Michael Miller, age 66, passed on from this world in the early morning hours of October 18, 2025 in Salem, Oregon. He was born in Gold Beach, Oregon on September 10, 1959 to Gilmer and Joan Miller and grew up as the fourth of five sons, settling in the Gervais area in 1966. After graduation from Gervais Union High School, he joined the US Army, trained as a helicopter mechanic and served at Fort Lewis and served in Germany with the 501st Aviation Battalion. In 1980, he married Mary Gardner and together they raised four children in the Keizer area.

John had many interests including fishing, gold panning, coins and history. The peace and solitude of the outdoors were a constant draw for him and in 2012 he found the perfect fit when he became an Oregon State Park Ranger stationed in the Santiam Canyon and worked there until health issues forced him into retirement. John's large presence will be missed by his many friends and his family, especially at the holiday dinner table. He treasured his family and friends and he had so many, as shown by the outpouring of support he received during his recent illness.

John was preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Monte Miller and David Miller. He is survived by children Karen (Cody) Orton, James (Alayna) Miller, Brian (Sara) Miller and Laura (Brandon) Pike, his brothers Tony Miller and Cole Allen Miller and many much loved nieces and nephews. He was also a proud and enthusiastic grandfather to Frank, Emma, Claire, Maeve and Maren.

A reception to honor John's life will be held at 1:00 on October 30, 2025 at the Keizer Elks Lodge.