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Alexander Miller Obituary

Alexander Harold Miller 40, of San Francisco, died Wednesday, March 19, 2008, in San Francisco, after a valiant battle against colorectal cancer. Alex was born in 1968 in San Diego. He is survived by his wife, Alise; his parents, Dr. Kenneth and Jean Miller of San Diego; sisters, Caroline Miller Lund (Bob and niece, Isabel) of Los Angeles, Jennifer Miller Brown (Steve) of Newport Beach; brother, Christopher Birge Miller of Sausalito; an extended loving family, including dozens of cousins and many dear friends. Alex grew up in Mission Hills, San Diego, attended Phillips Exeter Academy in New Hampshire, and graduated from La Jolla Country Day School in 1986. He received his undergraduate degree from U.C. Berkeley in 1990 and was a member of the Chi Phi Fraternity. He attended U.C.L.A. Anderson School of Management, where he obtained his M.B.A. in 1998. His career was in the banking industry, most recently at Wells Fargo in San Francisco. Alex married the love of his life, Alise Mayeda Miller, on September 30, 2006, in San Francisco. Alex and Alise shared a passion for travel, going on many trips, including to Rome and the Amalfi Coast early in their relationship, frequent visits to Hawaii, and later a Safari Honeymoon in South Africa. They also loved to prepare gourmet meals and entertain family and friends. Alex was known for his sense of humor, devastating wit, relaxed style, kindness to all, and many devoted and life-long friends. Alex traveled to six continents over the course of his life. Alex loved Alise, his family and friends, reading, history, Jeopardy, dining out and fine wine. On his last Sunday, he completed the New York Times Crossword Puzzle. He had a lifelong abhorrence of mimes. He will be missed by all. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Old Town, San Diego, 2540 San Diego Ave., San Diego, CA 92110 March 29, 2008 at 11 am. A reception will follow. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the UCSF Colorectal Cancer Center. Donations should be made payable to the UC Regents in memory of Alexander Miller and mailed to: Dr. Alan Venook, UCSF Mt. Zion Cancer Center, 1600 Divisadero, 4th Floor, SF, CA 94115. Alex, you will be in our hearts and minds always.

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Published by San Francisco Chronicle on Mar. 23, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Alexander Miller

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Bill Ottenheimer

April 17, 2008

To the Miller Family, I am deeply sadden by the loss of Alex. It is a terrible loss. He had been in my prayers during his illiness. I continue to pray that your fond memories of Alex will give you comfort.
With much love from a very long time friend of the family,
Bill Ottenheimer and Family

Ramon and Kathleen Pinon

April 9, 2008

Dear Ken and Jean,We live on Sheridan Avenue in Mission Hills. You may have heard of the Pinons the way we always knew of the Millers. We learned of Alex's untimely death form Al Thomas. Our hearts ache for you. Our daughter, Rachel, died when she was only nine days old.The pain has never left but I would gladly die today if Rachel could have had forty years of life. You have been blessed in having Alex as long as you had.I know your loss and pain are tremendous. I can only pray that all the wonderful memories you have of Alex, the marvelous things you know of him that made him Alex and no other may give you comfort in the days and years to come.In The Prophet, it says joy and sorrow are the two faces of the same coin. We are hurt the most by the loss of what has given us the most joy. If there is anything I can do, please let me know. Kathleen

Marshall Cochrane

April 7, 2008

I was saddened to hear about the loss of Alex.
My deepest sympathy on his passing.
I met Alex at U.C. Berkeley. After experiencing his charm, wit and especially intelligence, he quickly became a role model. There are so many things about Alex that to this day I try to emulate. “What would Alex say in this situation?” It is a daunting task to try emulating such a man. The only trait that I could really get close to emulating was his ability to smile. Throughout all of my memories of Alex and our time In college I cannot think of his face without a smile. Many different expressions, but always a smile.
Condolences to Alise and the Miller family.

Marshall Cochrane

April 5, 2008

I was saddened to hear about the death of Alex.
My deepest sympathy on his passing.
I met Alex at U.C. Berkeley. After experiencing his charm, wit and especially intelligence, he quickly became a role model. There are so many things about Alex that to this day I try to emulate. “What would Alex say in this situation?” It is a daunting task to try emulating such a man. The only trait that I could really get close to emulating was his ability to smile. Throughout all of my memories of Alex and our time In college I cannot think of his face without a smile. Many different expressions, but always a smile.
Condolences to Alise and the Miller family.

Darren Garnier

April 4, 2008

When I try to think of what to write to explain the regard I have for Alex, I just keep coming up short. Alex was a good man, and he made those around him better for knowing him. My sympathies to his family and all his many other friends.

Frank Dunlap

March 31, 2008

Dear Miller Family,

Words can not fill the loss that you must feel. I offer condolences on behalf of the Bellaire Tower Homeowners Association, who has lost a dear neighbor.

Frank Dunlap
President, Bellaire Tower Homeowners Association

Suzie and Bill Hanley

March 30, 2008

Our sincerest condolences to you, Jean and Ken. We just heard of your heart wrenching loss from mutual friends, the Kewleys. Our thoughts are with you at this very sad time.

Donna, Steve and Jim Schultz

March 28, 2008

Dear Miller Family,
We are deeply saddened by your loss. Our love and prayers are with you. May God bless you and bring you peace.

Stewart Ramser

March 28, 2008

As Alex's roommate in Manhattan Beach during the second year of business school at UCLA, I witnessed first-hand his intellect, wit and passion for life. Alex and I traveled together both during and right after school -- exploring places such as Hong Kong, Shanghai, Hawaii and Brazil, and his unique and keen perspective on our adventures made them that much more enjoyable. Even in faraway lands, Alex was always calm, cool and collected, regardless of the situation. He didn’t need to travel the world to have a good time though. He always seemed to be in the middle of some fun activity, i.e. limo trips to see Jerry Jeff Walker at the House of Blues, a friendly game of beach volleyball or spending the weekend with b-school friends camped out in Winnebago's at C4C at Stanford. It was at C4C where he knocked everyone out with his dominance in the Jeopardy competition -- the UCLA students stood and cheered his accomplishments, waving towels and shirts and chanting Al-ex, Mil-ler. My thoughts and prayers are with his family in this difficult time, and I just want to let you know that he is missed by me and many others who were fortunate enough to know him.

carole gilano

March 27, 2008

Dear Alise & family:
On behalf of Bellaire Tower Association we are deeply sorry for your loss. Our thoughts are with you at this difficult time.

Jenny MacLaggan

March 27, 2008

Alex... memories of you. You were the little brother to one of my best friends, Jennie.

You were 30 years old when you were 10. You always had that killer sense of humor, that intellect, and that love of life that comes from a family that was "so Miller".

You embraced life. Music, history, food, travel, friends, family, and when you found love we were all so delighted you found it with Alise.

For your kindness, and all that you gave us, thank you.

We will forever remember Alex Miller.

Love, strength, and prayers to Alise and the entire Miller family.
Jenny and Peter Maclaggan

Matt Swartz

March 27, 2008

Alex was a terrific person and a great American. Before we met at U.C. Berkeley, I had heard of him (and his famous S.A.T.E. party) in high school in San Diego. He was very cerebral but he loved parties. He was self-assured but humble. He was highly sophisticated but totally at home with people who weren't. We have not spoken in years and, though I have recalled our various adventures together many times, I still smile when I recall them again. He was thoughtful, hilarious, and adventurous. My deepest condolences to Alise and the Miller family.

Bill and Debbie Dotson

March 27, 2008

To our dear friend Alise - May your memories of the happy times shared with Alex, your deep love for each other, and the care and concern of your family friends bring you comfort. We share your sorrow and will remember Alex fondly. We send our love and prayers to you and your families.

Jen Rodi Hoglin

March 26, 2008

I will always remember Alex' rosy cheeks and his friendly demeanor. My thoughts are with all of his family and friends.

Anuska / Adrian Smith

March 25, 2008

Ken and Jean: Please accept our condolences and expression of sorrow. We always felt a part of your family during those holiday dinners when all your children and their families were present and we would enjoy their many personalities. Alex seemed the most reserved but you knew that there was a strong and intelligent person inside. We also remember the joy he expressed at his wedding and these are the memories we will keep of Alex. Anuska and I will be pleased to share time with you both on Saturday. Anuska and Adrian

Victor Paul Johnson

March 25, 2008

Dear Family of Alex. I was stunned to receive Alex obituary. I remember him as the youngest Miller during our time together in Denver. He was so loveable. He matured into such a beautiful young man who coupled his success with love and compassion, He will be missed by many. May the good lord comfort you during this time of grief.
Love to all of you, Paul Johnson

knox bell

March 25, 2008

to the family of alex-
our deepest sympathies are with you all. we enjoyed knowing alex and spending time with him and his friends and family-- via our son tad.
knox, diane and kristin bell

Jim Valdes

March 24, 2008

To Alex's family, my thoughts are with you. I wasn't a super close friend or anything, but we were friends at UCLA and he made that experience that much more interesting and fun. Sorry for your loss.

Anna Marie Calegari

March 24, 2008

Alise- I am so sorry to have heard the news about Alex. You are in my prayers. Even though I had never met Alex I knew he was your one true love. When talked about him at the agency meetings your face always lit up. If there is anything I can do please let me know. God Bless you and your family. Anna Marie Calegari-New York Life

Kevin DiCerbo

March 24, 2008

You will be missed. Keep laughing always.

Susan Turner

March 24, 2008

Jean and Ken and family - You all have our deepest sympathy. Sue and Bill Turner

Brian Cano

March 24, 2008

Goodbye, buddy; you were sharp, funny, and I'll miss you greatly. It was my privilege to know you.

Wendy Thayer

March 23, 2008

I didn't want to let this opportunity go by without saying that I'm grateful to have met Alex and Alise. My life is richer because of it.

Pete Seyranian

March 22, 2008

Alex...I always remember you to never be at a loss for words...your wit was unmatched! Your memory will always be with me which, to me, makes a remarkable person!

To your family, I wish you peace.

Your Chi Phi pledge brother always...

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