Longtime Sandy resident, Richard Miller passed away peacefully in his home, surrounded by family, friends and loved ones on Sunday, March 10, 2013, after a courageous battle with cancer. He was almost 81 years old.
A Graveside Service will be held at Willamette National Cemetery with Military Honors on Thursday, March 14, 2013 at 12:30 p.m. A Celebration of Life will follow at 2:30 in the chapel of Sandy Funeral Home.
Richard Paul was born on March 25, 1932 in Medina, Ohio to Paul Charles and Ellen Viola Miller. He is survived by his wife Joan; 3 daughters, Paula and husband Rudy, Peggy and husband Jeff, Peri and husband Mike; 2 brothers, Jack and Sam; his granddaughters, Serena, Stephanie and Brianna; his great grandchildren, Jocelynn, Alexis and Mason.
In 1945, Richard’s immediate family relocated to California and Richard graduated from Sacramento high School in 1951. He served in the Navy aboard a destroyer escort in the Korean War from 1952 until his honorable discharge in 1954. Prior to his discharge, he was united in marriage to Joan Charlene Jackson on January 1, 1954. They made their home in California and began their family there. They re-located in 1969 and moved to Sandy and made their permanent home.
Richard was employed by Pacific Telephone and Telegraph/Pacific Northwest Bell since 1955. He began working as a janitor and elevator operator, and retired in 1987 as a planning engineer.
Richard had many passions including traveling, golfing, skiing and was actively involved in many organizations. He and Joan were very involved in the Sandy Kiwanis Club and hosted the annual summer picnic at their home for over 20 years. Richard was on the Civil Service Commission Board at the Sandy Fire Department and the Sandy Chamber of Commerce. On the 150th Anniversary of the Oregon Trail, Richard and Joan shared their property with hundreds of participants for the weekend events. Most importantly, Richard enjoyed spending time with his family and his friends in the Sandy Community.
Memorial contributions may be made to Mt. Hood Hospice or the American Cancer Society.