Obituary of David Miller

William David Miller (Dave) passed away Saturday a June 19, after fighting cancer for just over two years. Dave was recently able to celebrate his 40th anniversary with Lorrie Miller (Nielsen), and his kids Michelle Stafford (Mike), Matt Miller and Angie Purves (Chris) as well as his grandkids, Alice Stafford, Paisley Purves and Claire Purves. And perhaps most importantly, his dog Harley. Present in spirit was Dave and Lorrie’s son baby Dave (pre-deceased). Also celebrating with us were his sister and brother-in-law and close friends Hermoine Nielsen and Matt Van Hoof. It was a beautiful day spent laughing and crying, eating and listening to music—especially Dave and Lorrie’s wedding song, “Whiter Shade of Pale.” Dave was very sick for these two years and he never complained (while also always complaining, as those who love him will understand). He kept his spirits up and loved his life with his family to the end. Listening to Neil Young, visiting with friends and family, making terrible jokes, giving everyone a hard time, enjoying Ontario produce, watching baseball and hockey and golf and the movies he loved, like Jurassic Park and Field of Dreams, he lived his life the way he wanted to live it, and chose to die at home surrounded by his family. We feel so lucky to have spent his final hours and minutes together. Our family wants to express gratitude and love for the nursing staff at Bayshore Home Health in Orillia—especially Andrea Elgar, who has been Dave’s greatest champion—for showing compassion and care to Dave and to all of us. We would also like to thank Joanne Matte and everyone who provided palliative care to Dave and support for Lorrie in this time, and Dr. Ravi Aggarwal, Dave’s physician, whose work putting Dave at ease was so appreciated. It took a village to care for Dave these last years and you were that village. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you. We would also like to thank the OPP for their support. Dave’s favourite things were music and family and friends, playing slo-pitch and hockey (wearing number 14), snowmobiling and camping. He loved golfing and playing cards with Lorrie, and was a Scrabble hustler. He was the most social guy. He would chat with anyone about anything. He would do anything he could to help anyone who needed it. And if he loved you, he loved you. He never judged anyone and took everyone just as they were. He could always see the best in people. He was stubborn and smart, hardworking and silly. Our family’s best memories were from Mariposa Folk Festival, which we attended together every year, and camping at many of Ontario’s beautiful Provincial parks. Right to the end Dave was adamant that he had a lot to live for. He taught all of us to love our lives and live them in our own way. We will love him forever and cherish our memories with him always. Dave was very truly one of a kind. If desired, please make donations in Dave’s honour to the Orillia Youth Centre.