On Sunday January 9th, 2022, Robert “Bob” Miller, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family, as was his wish.
Bob was born in Kenora, Ontario on March 30th, 1933, to David and Agnes Miller, the youngest of 5 brothers and one sister, Nora, who adored him. Kenora was where he met his first wife, the beautiful Aileen Heaver. They were married February 4, 1955, and they were blessed with 3 handsome sons (Robert, Murray and Stuart) whom they raised lovingly to be honest, respectful and hardworking men. They shared 30 wonderful years together, filled with many adventures, until Aileen’s untimely death in 1985.
At the age of 21, Bob joined the OPP and served in Kenora, Red Lake, Minaki, and Dryden where he joined the Town Police. He was very proud of his years with the police force and was of a generation who would pick up an intoxicated young man and deliver him home to his parents (instead of the drunk tank). He was never afraid to flash his “OPP Veteran” card if the occasion warranted. In his later years he worked as a guard at the local jail. After leaving the police force, he worked for the Department of Labour in Kenora and then joined Shaw Baking. He was known in the surrounding area as “The Breadman” and was well liked and admired by his customers. In 1993, due to a heart condition, he took early retirement from Shaw. Bob was also very involved in the local Judo Club and excelled at the sport (and was an honorary member of the Mitani family). Two sons, a granddaughter, and grandson followed him into this sport.
Bob was blessed to find another loving partner in Mary Ellen Fuerst, who he married in 1990 and shared the last 32 years. Bob welcomed her daughter Brenda and 2 sons, Lee and Dustin, to his family and loved them as his own. After Mary Ellen’s life changing stroke in 2006, Bob confidently took over much of her care and they continued to enjoy going on trips, going to the casinos, participating in the local powwows and taking in many of the Bingo nights in the surrounding area. They enjoyed fishing and camping. It became a tradition for the “boys” to have a fishing weekend with sons, grandsons, and nephews. This year was a little quieter, but Bob still enjoyed a pampered weekend at Thaddeus Lake fishing with his oldest sons. Robert, Murray and Stuart also started joining their father on Fridays for a couple of cocktails and catch up on the weeks events with the tradition continuing right up until the Friday before Bob died.
One of Bob’s greatest joys was spending time with family, especially his grandchildren. Many get togethers were spent at the house on the lake on Sandy Beach Road and later Lisa Lane. Summer days fishing and water skiing and playing lawn darts. Christmases around the iconic stone fireplace in the little house that radiated a feeling of love and family. Grandpa Bob was always up for spending time with the kids, be it playing a competitive game of Aggravation, sneaking treats and sharing stories or teaching them how to mix the perfect whiskey and diet Pepsi. He was a constant presence at all the kids concerts and graduations and could often be found at a judo tournament, in the arena watching hockey or ringette or on the sidelines of a football field whether it was in Dryden, Winnipeg or Thunder Bay. Bob always made sure to tell each of his grandkids how proud he was of them and how much he loved them. He taught them all how to be strong, capable individuals and instilled a sense of pride in the Miller name. So much so that his adult granddaughters all still carry the name to this day, like a badge of honour.
Bob is survived by his wife Mary Ellen, boys Robert (Pam), Murray (Brenda), Stuart (Linda), Lee Morriseau (Julie), Brenda Rouleau (Pat), Dustin Fuerst (Leslie). Grandchildren, Aubree (Matt), Kendall, Marquee (Joseph), William (Erica), Darren (Veronique), Alana, Alyx (Clinton), Dom, Calli, Dakota (Connor), Sebastein (Frankie), Courtney, Grayson and Kennedy. Great grandchildren Vann, Vayda, Matsun, Rhyatt, Patience, Watson, Robbie, Reggie, Rowan. and Zoe. He was predeceased by his parents, his first wife Aileen, all his siblings and their spouses and his great grandson Lennox.
We are truly going to miss walking through his door and seeing those deep wrinkles on that always sun kissed skin, hearing that soothing voice and being greeted with the warmest welcome. We love you and miss you tremendously…bye for now.
Condolences(12)-
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Jo-Ann Allen says
January 16, 2022 at 6:46 pmRob, Murray, Stuart and families:
So sorry to hear if the loss of your dad.
I will miss our chats and his infection smile.
Donald Miller says
January 16, 2022 at 10:35 pmUncle Bob may you rest in peace. We will stay in touch with aunt Mary Ellen.
Love Don and Shawn.
Windsor On.
Alan & Carole Miller says
January 18, 2022 at 3:44 amOur sincere condolences to all the family.
What a great guy he was!
Will be greatly missed.
Marilyn says
January 20, 2022 at 3:46 pmRob, Murray, Stuart and family,
So sorry to hear of your dad’s passing. I have so many great memories of our times camping and trips to the States. Though I haven’t seen him in years I thought of him often. My sincere condolences. Sending hugs to all of you.
Sally Sipos says
January 20, 2022 at 4:52 pmMy deepest condolences to you all on the loss of your father. I remember him as such a kind, soft spoken man, always with a smile and so proud of his family.
Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers as you hold on to the wonderful memories of time spent with your dad.
Bette Joan Lee says
January 20, 2022 at 6:03 pmSo sorry to hear – Bob was such a wonderful person, father and community member. He will be missed by everyone. Sincere condolences to all families.
Lorraine and Rick Wyder says
January 20, 2022 at 7:45 pmPlease accept our sincere and deepest sympathy during your time of sorrow. No words can ever express the pain that all of you are going through but please know our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Always remembered and never forgotten. ? Rick and Lorraine Wyder
Ted McInnes says
January 20, 2022 at 11:24 pmMy sincere condolences to the Miller family.
Mario Rodrigue says
January 22, 2022 at 3:38 pmSorry to hear -Robert,Murray ,Stuart and family
pleased acccept my sympathy
Mario Rodrigue
Mark says
January 25, 2022 at 4:03 amRobert, Murray, Stuart, Granddaughter Alana and Grandson Dom
I was so very sorry to hear the loss of your father / grandfather.
Whether I was 14 or 54 he always treated me with such kindness and was always interested in our conversations.
I always looked forward to spending time with him learning about Dryden Judo history from the 1960’s. A true story teller.
Condolences M.Jackson
Dryden School of Judo and the North West Region
Darcy and Donna Harrison says
January 27, 2022 at 7:26 pmRob, Murray! Stuart and families, we are saddened to hear of Bob’s passing. Extending our deepest sympathies for your loss.
Jean Jones says
January 31, 2022 at 3:33 amI was sorry to hear of your dad . He will be sadly missed by many who new him. I can remember him coming into the store with such a smile , l don’t think he ever didn’t smile. I will keep you all in my prayers. He is not suffering anymore. Take Care
Donations can be made to Heart & Stroke through the Dryden Community Funeral Home, 249 Grand Trunk Avenue, Dryden, ON P8N 2X3
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