A memorial is planned on September 23rd for Joe Miller, who died a week ago, just a few weeks short of what would be his 57th birthday. We received this tribute to share with you:

Joseph Brian Miller
September 24, 1955~September 5, 2012

Joe was born September 24, 1955 at the West Seattle Hospital to August “Gus” and Kathleen Miller. He was the 4th of 6 children and easily the most charming from birth. He was considered by some to be a local celebrity, everyone knew and loved Joe Miller. Words fall short to describe the good feelings everyone had for Joe Miller.

He was a graduate of Chief Sealth High School. He worked in sales and marketing for more than 30 years and lived many places, but his heart always remained in West Seattle where he was raised. Joe spent the last 20 with Trendwest Resorts, now Wyndham Resorts, frequently earning awards for his top performance. It was a natural fit for a man who truly loved people.

The last couple years with Wyndham took him to Cabo San Lucas to work, which he considered his second home. He made many friends where ever he went and will be missed by to many to name.

Joe was a lifelong sports fan and he loved the Huskies, Seattle Seahawks, & Seattle Sounders. He especially loved Chief Sealth men’s & women’s soccer.

He left us on September 5, 2012, after an 11-month battle with cancer, peacefully at home with his family and friends at his side. He always maintained his positive outlook on life, even when faced with the challenges of his cancer.

Preceded in death by his father Gus, he is survived by his mother Kathleen and stepfather Jack Reifschneider as well as his siblings Kathi Smith, John Miller, Dan Miller, Cindy Harvey, and David Miller, and their spouses Phil, Toan, Diana, Ron, and Tracey, respectively. Uncle Joe was a favorite among his 13 nieces and 12 nephews. Joe made friends wherever he lived and was gifted with never forgetting anyone. He leaves behind many friends, and most he considered family.

He was one of the greatest guys you could ever know and one of the best friends a person could ever have. our dear friend, one of the most caring and gentle individual souls ever known.

While it seems impossible to greet the passing of a loved one whom we all cared so much about with anything but sadness, we must muster the strength to join together in this period of grief and turn it into a time of celebration. This gathering of friends and family will be a wonderful way to preserve Joe Millers wonderful spirit and memory.

The Miller family invites all Joe’s friends and loved ones to a celebration and honor the memory of Joe’s life September 23rd, 2012 at the West Seattle Golf Course at 1:00 PM and focus on the positive legacy Joe has left in all of us.

For those who helped support and care for Joe, our family is truly grateful. A special thanks to Dr. Andrew Coveler, Dr. Sam Hundert, & Providence Hospice of Seattle.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Providence Hospice of Seattle or the charity of your choice. Joe would have wanted us to pay it forward to someone else who needs the care he received.