Carl R. MILLER

1939 - 2020

MILLER, Carl R. 1939 2020 Carl R. Miller was born at home on March 29, 1939 just outside the town of Winthrop, WA where he joined two older brothers, Ross and Swede. Carl lived his formative years in the Methow Valley, graduating from Twisp High School in 1957. After high school he attended Washington State College, Pullman, WA for a short stint. He returned to Winthrop to marry Sandra Magers in December of 1958. This union gifted him three daughters. Carl and Sandra moved their family to Spokane, WA where Carl worked in the construction trade. He joined the City of Spokane Fire Department on March 14, 1967 while still working his construction job on his off-days. In July of 1973 Carl married Roxie Bryan Oens who came with three kids in tow. They kept busy raising six kids, remodeling an old farm house on Seven-Mile Rd. north of Spokane and then building a home on the same piece of property. During this time Carl made Lieutenant with the Fire Department and was able to hang up his hard hat. After the kids were grown and out of the house, they built a second home just below Mt. Spokane. After serving 27 years as a City of Spokane firefighter Carl retired on March 15, 1994; reaching the rank of Captain and Incident Commander. Carl thoroughly enjoyed his career with the Fire Department. The comradery he felt for his fellow firefighters was expressed each day on the job. He was a mentor and leader to the younger recruits, all the while gaining respect and trust of the whole department. In 1994 Carl and Roxie returned to the Valley he loved and to be nearer to his younger brother Claude. In 1995 they began the process of building their 3rd home in Winthrop, WA overlooking the Methow river and looking out to Gardner Peak and the mountains he loved. Many words come to mind when describing who Carl was. One of his grandson's said it best "He was a True Cowboy." Whether he was riding a bucking bronc, traversing a Class 4 rapid, swishing down a cross-country ski trail or putting 1000's of miles on his bicycle, there was always another adventure awaiting. Carl can be described as a conservationist and instigator of ideas with his wife Roxie always by his side. While he was in Spokane, he ensured that generations to come would be able to enjoy the beauty of Mt. Spokane, while on their x-country skies or in the warming huts they brought to fruition. In their new home town of Winthrop there was always a community project that drew their attention. They worked many hours to make the Shafer Museum what it is today preserving the history of the Valley for years to come. Carl and Roxie's commitment to Conservation of farm land in the Methow Valley enabled him to work towards sustainable farming for generations to come. The "Miller Boys" are remembered as a tough lot. But sometimes life throws a ringer your way and you have no recourse to fight it off. Carl peacefully passed due to Alzheimer's on December 12, 2020. A special thank you goes out to all the entities who assisted in his care. The EMT's and firefighters of Arrow Methow Rescue Service, Three Rivers Hospital, Brewester, WA and Cornerstone Court Memory Care in Spokane. He remained there under the watchful eye of Hospice of Spokane until his passing. Carl is survived by his wife, Roxie, who remains at their family home in Winthrop, WA. His 6 children, Melany (Keith) Hovda, Libby Lindquist, Marcy Romans, Sharyl (Kent) Read, Craig (Kathy) Oens, and Diane Oens. Also surviving is his brother Claude, 9 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. Sarah from the Methow Valley Conservancy sums it up best: "Carl was a good man. He lived a good life. He was deeply loved and loved deeply." Carl was interred at Sullivan Cemetery in Winthrop, WA on December 21, 2020. The family wishes gifts in his memory be given to a non-profit of your choice.