William (Bill) George Miller, age 86, of Salem OR and Oak Harbor, WA, passed away on 21 November 2022, peacefully in his sleep at home surrounded by the people he loved.
Bill was born on 25 February 1936 to George and Margaret Miller and grew up in Siletz OR. Being adventorous as a 17 year old, Bill enlisted in the US Navy and worked as both a mechanic and an aircrew flying on multiple aircraft at various duty stations throughout the US and Asia, including tours in the Vietnam War. After honorably serving for 20 years, he retired and started a new career as a backhoe operator which he was gifted at and enjoyed. Still seeking adventure, he then became a cross-country truck driver where he enjoyed the open road well into his 70’s.
This picture taken from his wallet shows his pride and joy, after he caught this by himself under Deception Pass Bridge. Through the years, Bill enjoyed fishing, crabbing and hunting with his children, grandchildren and friends, cooking for his family, and making friends wherever he went. Blessed with an overabundance of common sense, Bill was able to fix anything and often enjoyed using his skills with heavy equipment, never hesitating to help his children and friends on their home projects.
Naturally gifted with a tender heart for animals, Bill was known to care for bunnies, chickens and whatever animal that needed to be rescued. He loved feeding the birds and turkeys, and anyone that knew Bill, saw he loved his many dogs and cats through the years.
Bill is survived by his wife, Janet; his children: Clay Miller (wife Beverly), John Miller (wife Kathy), Anna Melnick (husband Todd), Sam Miller (wife Katrina) and his stepchildren Trisha Ritter (husband Mike), Robert Cancelosi (wife Becky); as well as 18 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by both of his parents, his sister Joy Miller and step son Curtis Cancelosi.
At his request, in his final wishes, there will be no memorial service or funeral by his immediate family. He wished to be remembered and acknowledged as a hardworking, loving father and grandfather, who never had an unkind word to say about anyone. He will be missed by his family, friends, and neighbors.
