Lawrence M. Miller

05/08/1920 - 07/18/2011

MILLER, Lawrence M.

Larry (known by many as "Red") was born 91 years ago in the rolling hills of southern Ohio. He came out to North Idaho as a "CCC boy" and lived in Spokane for 65 years until his death from natural causes on Monday, July 18, 2011. His family came from New York, Missouri, Texas, Alaska, and Washington State to be with him before he passed.
Larry was born May 8, 1920 in Martins Ferry, Ohio to Jesse and Thelma Miller. As the second oldest of eight children, he started working at an early age to help the family when the Depression hit. At age 17, he joined the Civilian Conservation Corps, or CCCs, sending most of his wages home. He was posted first in Pomeroy, WA and in 1937 was assigned to the North Fork of the Coeur d' Alene River. Here the "CCC boys" built roads, bridges and trails, planted trees, trimmed brush, and fought forest fires. And, it was on the North Fork where Larry met his bride-to-be, Elva Wilson. They would subsequently enjoy 68 years of marriage, raising one daughter and four sons in the same Spokane home.
After serving four years in the CCCs, Larry was drafted into the Army in 1941. Two years later, he came back on leave to marry Elva in Wallace, Idaho. Together they relocated to the army base at Douglas, Arizona where their first child, Nancy, was born. Shortly after, Larry was sent to the Philippines, where he served until the end of the war. When he was discharged, he rejoined his family in Spokane where Elva had moved, and where their four sons-Larry, Gary, William, and Andrew-were born and raised.
Larry joined Western Farmers Association in 1945 where he missed only one day of work in 39 years, retiring in 1985. During that time, he worked many jobs, including warehousing, driving truck, and farm sales. Throughout his life, Larry put family first, passing up promotions if it meant uprooting his family. He loved to do things with his family -- going to movies, playing cards, camping, hiking, swimming, playing softball, or coaching a softball team.
Having grown up in the land of bluegrass and traditional music, Larry loved music and taught himself to play the guitar and harmonica. Family gatherings always featured music, which later included his son, Andy, on guitar and granddaughter, Emily, on violin. In fact, Larry played his harmonica just days before his passing. Through all his years, you could hear him whistling with the birds. He also taught his children and grandchildren to whistle.
Larry enjoyed working in the garden. Every year, he and Elva raised a beautiful garden admired by the entire neighborhood, and canned hundreds of quarts of fruits and vegetables, often sharing canned preserves and baked goods with family and friends. Larry loved dogs, and usually had a dog by his side or in his lap when at home.
After retirement, Larry and Elva volunteered thousands of hours at the Inland Northwest Health Services for 18 years, and in 2002, they were named the Outstanding Couple volunteers for the City of Spokane at the Inland Northwest Senior Wellness Conference.
Larry was humble, even when he lost his eyesight. Later when it became difficult for him to walk, he never complained and continued to help Elva around the house. He was frugal and self-sufficient, yet would give you the shirt off his back. People mattered to him, not money, positions, or possessions. He was not a rich man as measured in money, but he was rich in what mattered.....love. He loved his family and honored his wife.
His family, friends and neighbors celebrated Larry Miller's life in their beautiful Spokane yard on July 20, 2011, by playing and singing music, and sharing how much Larry meant to them. He will be deeply missed, but Larry lives on through those who survive him: wife Elva, five children, six grandchildren, and five great grandchildren. He is now in a better place without pain, undoubtedly playing his guitar and harmonica and entertaining the heavens.
In his memory, donations may be made to Lilac Services for the Blind, 1212 North Howard Street, Spokane, WA 99201.