Brendan Prescott Miller

1988 - 2024

Brendan Prescott Miller, 35 years old, passed away suddenly and tragically 6 May 2024. He was the only son of D. Douglas Miller and Heather Orr Miller and younger brother to Caroline Miller.

He will never be forgotten by his partner Ali Siegenthaler, his Aunt Cheryl Orr, Uncles Glenn and Kevin Orr, cousins Stefan and Sophie Kepinski and many friends and extended family. Brendan was pre-deceased by his much beloved grandparents Leonard and Hazel Allen Orr and Donald and Gwen Dawson Miller, as well as his uncle Cameron Miller.

Brendan was born in San Antonio, Texas 14 July 1988 and lived there until he was 3 years old when the family relocated to St. Louis, Missouri. He brought with him, even at 3, a distinct love for tortillas and the phrase "big 'ol" when describing anything. He attended Forsyth School in Clayton, Missouri from kindergarten through 6th grade then moved on to Mary Institute and St. Louis Country Day School (MICDS) in Ladue, Missouri through the end of 11th grade. He moved with his parents to Augusta, Georgia as he was entering 12th grade and attended Lakeside High School, because it was the only school in Augusta with a lacrosse team in 2006.

Brendan loved life. As a youngster he woke up every morning with a big smile on his face, a glint in his eye and more energy than any one person should have. He embraced every day trying to find any new, often physical, challenge he could. He loved to play soccer, hockey, basketball, and lettered in football and lacrosse at MICDS and lacrosse at Lakeside. He had a special passion for snowboarding, trick-biking, and skateboarding. He thought he was invincible and had the scars to show for it.

He was accepted early into the pre-business program in the Moore Business School at the University of South Carolina. He closed the door to all the other colleges he had applied to and said, "I'm going to USC". He returned to Augusta where he attended Augusta University the following year. His next few years were a mixture of personal success and struggles with substance use disorder. He received wonderful care from doctors and facilities in many places for this chronic illness since that time, with varying degrees of health and success.

While in recovery in Statesboro he chose to attend Ogeechee Technical College and graduated with honors from their welding program. Brendan loved the creativity and precision of being a skilled tradesperson and went on to apprentice with the Local 150 Union in Augusta and earned a coveted job as a welder at Plant Vogtle. After 4 plus years he returned to Statesboro and was asked by the director of the welding program at Ogeechee Tech to teach there. Brendan was gobsmacked to see his work from 5 years earlier prominently displayed in his office during the job interview. He loved teaching and inspiring others to be excellent welders.

In the last years of his life while living in Statesboro he fulfilled his dream of returning to college working towards a degree in computer science. He met and fell in love with Ali and shared many happy times running, working out, eating & cooking healthy foods, visiting the beaches of Tybee Island and Charleston, gardening, and mostly being together. Brendan died 4 days before their 3rd anniversary.

Brendan was a force of nature. He was a loyal and true friend and family member, showing great wisdom, humor and personal integrity. As a baby, a boy and a young man he brought tremendous joy and pride to his entire family. It is beyond comprehension that he is no longer with us and we will desperately miss him all our days.

A Celebration of Life will be held for Brendan Saturday 25 May, 2024 from 1- 3pm at Platts Funeral Home, Belair Road.

In lieu of flowers please consider donating to the American Society of Addiction Medicine: www.asam.org.