Aug 26, 2018

IN MEMORIAM | Bob Miller

The passing of our friend Bob Miller has had a profound affect on a lot of us. This is because Bob was many things to many people. Father, brother, husband, soulmate, mentor, counselor, photographer, fellow amateur radio enthusiast, crossing guard and of course one helluva friend. Each were titles he enjoyed to the fullest, took seriously and wore so well.

I had both a biological father and a step father yet the relationship I had with Bob was more meaningful and fulfilling than the other two combined. This is not intended as a slight, more an admission of what most already knew.

Bob was always so accepting and open with me. He was a huge fan of all things Scribbles and I hope somehow he's seeing this tribute section and wearing a big smile.


When asked once about his knowledge, I remember Bob stating "I know a little bit about a lot of things."

In actuality, Bob knew quite a lot and was only too pleased to share his wisdom with those who were eager to listen (and sometimes even with those who weren't.... LOL!)

There were many fond memories featuring Bob and my family, preserved within Scribbles vast archive of photos and videos.

It was both heartwarming and heartbreaking for me to look through those gems in the past 2 weeks, looking for what would make it to the tribute video that appears below.

Although I always enjoyed his company throughout the years, I must confess, I had the most memorable conversations with Bob during his final months with us. He lived within short walking distance of me and we would sit on his balcony and have the absolute finest of visits. Nothing was off limits and there was a peacefulness to those times that I will truly cherish forever.

Till we meet again my friend.



SCRIBBLES VIDEO  | Remembering Bob





Missing "Crossing Guard Bob"

In recent years, one of Bob Miller’s joys was being the crossing guard at the corner of Russell Ave & George St in St Catharines. Even when his health was not the best, he still ventured out each school day to assist the kids across the street.

His efforts did not go unnoticed. Someone has put a flower and a sign at the intersection Bob loved to watch over.

“Bob we’ll miss you” is what the sign says. And it is a sentiment many can relate to, myself most definitely included.

Butterflies Are Free...

Three times in the week following Bob's funeral a monarch butterfly fluttered around me when walking the dog. On one occasion, one flew around me in two locations including above my home at the end of our walk. 

Considering how much he loved nature and walks, it seems fitting I would be visited by a butterflies in this way.



CLASSIC SCRIBBLES VIDEO |  A Fish Story

One of Bob's many passions were his tropical fish, which he housed in MANY aquariums in his apartment. In 2014 I created the video below after visiting Bob and his fishies.




BOB MILLER'S OBITUARY

Robert "Bob" James Gill Miller [March 1, 1942 - August 12, 2018]

As the sun rose, Bob passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 12, 2018 in his 77th year. Loved and loving father to Jennifer (the late Bob) Harper and David Miller (Lindsy Reid). Godfather to Carol Ann Hayes. Jamie will miss his “Chosen Papa Bob”. Survived by brothers; Walter (Marg) of Mississauga and John (Betty) of Montreal, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his parents John and Evelyn, his twin brother Douglas and sisters; Anne (Al) Farrell and Eleanor (the late Bill) Edmondson. Bob leaves behind many dear friends, especially Dave and Keith.

Bob treasured time spent with his children. He enjoyed “talking” and helping anyone however he could. His faith allowed him to follow God’s footprints. His church family and Bill W. friends guided him through his journey. Past-times were aquariums, photography, amateur radio and gun club.

Born March 1, 1942 in Montreal, he moved to Niagara in 1967, working at Domtar – Thorold office, various management positions at real estate boards in St. Catharines, Hamilton and Oshawa, Niagara Farm Labour Pool, counselling at Detox Centre, physio assistant at Hotel Dieu and the General hospitals, and in retirement “Crossing Guard Bob” at Russell Avenue and George Street.

The family thank the friends that were there for him to the end; Dave, Keith and Joyce, Jim, Will, to mention a few, as well as SCGH for making his final days as comfortable as possible.

A Memorial Service was held Saturday, August 18, 2018 at St. Thomas Anglican Church, 99 Ontario St. St. Catharines. Visitation was held [prior to] the service time. In lieu of flowers, donations made to the St. Thomas Building Fund would be appreciated. Arrangements entrusted to the Hulse & English Funeral Home & Chapel, 75 Church Street, St. Catharines (905-684-6346).

Online tributes remembering Bob may be read and added at www.hulseandenglish.com




If there are any photos that you have seen in our tribute to Bob Miller [on the video or within the post] that you would like a copy of, I'd be happy to send those I have the rights to. Please email me at kenscribbles@gmail.com  




You give yourself permission to grieve by recognizing the need for grieving. 

Grieving is the natural way of working through the loss of a love

Grieving is not weakness nor absence of faith.

Grieving is as natural as crying when you are hurt, sleeping when you are tired or sneezing when your nose itches. It is nature's way of healing a broken heart.