John Michael Miller

Obituary John Michael Miller Good news! John and plane safely touched down at the gates of Heaven 11:20 a.m. on June 20, 2012, to the cheers of his father Hugh Charles Miller, mother Kathleen Miller, and brother Christopher Miller! Born March 16, 1944, John grew up in North Tacoma with three brothers and one sister. After graduating from Stadium High School (1962), John continued his education at Olympic Junior College, University of Washington, and University of Puget Sound, graduating Phi Delta Theta in 1967. Soon after, he proudly served in the United States Navy, earning the rank of Lieutenant J.G., aboard the USS Ranger as a flight control officer. Following his military service, he taught 5th grade at Twin Lakes in Federal Way for a couple of years before embarking on his very successful building career through his business North Bay Development Corporation for 32 years. Community involvement was vital to John. He was very committed to Master Builders Association of Pierce County. His achievements include President, and he also served as Director for BIAW and NAHB for several years. He was named Builder of the Year in 1987 and received the honor of Local Life Director as well as being inducted into the MBA of Pierce County Hall of Fame in 2002. In addition, John also served for many years on the Board of Directors of Foss Waterway Development Authority. Most recently, John enjoyed flying for LIGA International (Flying Doctors of Mercy) and was a member of Baja Bush Pilots. John definitely lived his life to the fullest! His passions included flying (evidenced by trips across country, to the Bahamas, and Mexico); boating every summer locally as well as in the San Juan Islands, Gulf Islands, and Desolation Sound; racing his sailboat from Newport, California to Cabo and from Newport to Hawai'i; hiking the Grand Canyon and Machu Picchu, Peru; traveling throughout Europe with friends; running the Western States 100 (100 mile race), and reading, reading, reading! John is survived by his wife Linda; his daughter Erin (Jose) Gorospe, grandchildren Conor and Keely; his daughter Kristin (Jim) Yurina, grandchildren Tyler, Haley, and Chase; brother Chip (Julie), niece McKenzie and nephews Gaven and Kyle; brother Ken (Cecelia Pier), nephew Nick; sister Wendy Miller, and former wife Maureen. Many thanks to those who provided care at Tacoma General Hospital and the wonderful, caring staff who provided end-of-life care at Franciscan Hospice House. And thanks must gratefully go to the many friends who contributed to making John's life what it was and for being with him, whether by emails, cards, visits, or prayers, to the very end! Thank you especially to Jimmy, Doyle, and Ernie for staying nights to watch over John. "Thank you John for asking me to become Mrs. Miller. It was and always will be the happiest day of my life!" Donations can be made in honor of John to Mary Bridge Children's Hospital, Hospice House, or Caringbridge.org. Services celebrating the person and life of John will be held at Skyline Presbyterian Church, 6301 Westgate Blvd, Tacoma on July 2nd, at 1:00 p.m. with reception following at Fircrest Golf Club, 1500 Regents Blvd, Fircrest.