Obituary of Samuel "Sam" Miller

It is with heavy hearts the family of Sam Miller announce his passing on August 11, 2011. Sam was born in Osler in 1927 to Isaac and Susanna Miller. They moved to Sandbeach and when Sam was 11 years old to Timberlost. There the family farmed and started a private sawmill operation, with the logging accomplished using only a cross cut saw. At a youthful 12 years old Sam operated the steam engine that powered the sawmill, always terrified by the thought of a boiler explosion. At age 15 Sam left Timberlost to work for a Rosetown area farmer, then to a Calgary farm and later to Dore Lake, commercial fishing for Harry Husack. Sam and Eva started dating in 1944 but Eva and family moved to BC. They corresponded with weekly letters until 1949 and were married in 1951 in Aldergrove, BC. Sam worked in the A-1 Steel Foundry (Vancouver) for one year then the married couple returned to Big River, where he worked for Eikel Lomsnes hauling lumber. In 1953 while at Young's Garage, Sam and Eva began their family of three boys. In 1961, following some years with Les Colleaux as a mechanic, Sam started a family operated Texaco service station. While operating the station Sam and long-time friend and employee Bill Johnson became Interprovincial Journeyman mechanics. During this time he also served the community as mayor for 18 months and for many years following, as a loyal Elk member serving two terms as exalted ruler. In 1968 he sold the garage and spent a number of years self employed as a truck driver for Saskatchewan Department of Natural Resources. Sam and Bill Johnson again became coworkers at Saskatchewan Forest Products where Sam rose to become sawmill manager, a position he held for 8 years. Also during this time period Sam started a septic service business. He then left the sawmill and began semi-retirement with a machine shop business and part time trucking. Sam completely retired at age 76 contenting himself with his lifetime hobby of guitar playing, producing a cd of his favourite music, some being of his own composition. Machining likewise continued to be a part of his life and he produced three functional scale cannons and numerous other gadgets. He leaves to cherish his memories: His wife Eva, his children: Richard (Shirley ) of Big River, SK, Russell Miller, Kamloops, BC, daughter-in-law: Ellen Miller, Big River, SK; grandchildren: Jason Miller, Lloydminster, SK, Amanda Miller, Prince Albert, SK; Sisters-in-law: Susan Ens, Lorraine Fehr, Dorlene (David) Petkau and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He was predeceased by: his son: Serge Miller, his parents: Isaac and Susana Miller, his brothers: Infant brother, Isaac, George, Martin, Thomas, William and sister: Maria (Il) Isaacson. Funeral Service for Sam was held from the Evangelical Free Church in Big River at 2:00pm on Monday, August 15th, 2011. Interment followed at the Big River Cemetery. Donations in Sam's memory may be made to the Lakewood Lodge Auxiliary. Condolences send to will be forwarded to the family. Arrangements entrusted to Delores