Gregory Clifford Miller

Greg passed away peacefully at home at the age of 66. He spent his last weeks surrounded by family and friends with bountiful conversations, coffee, and jokes shared.

He was predeceased by his father Clifford, mother Jean, and brothers Allan and Brian. He leaves behind his wife Mary Ann, son Keenan (Jamie) and daughter Kelsey.

He was born in St. Boniface Manitoba and spent his youth in Winnipeg and Thompson, Manitoba. Here he developed a love of the outdoors and a keen interest in pursuing a career in aviation. He proudly served in the RCAF as a flight engineer with Squadrons 408 Tactical Helicopter in Edmonton, 440 Transport flying Twin Otters in Yellowknife, 435 Transport & Rescue with C130 Hercules in Edmonton, and finished his military flying career in 413 Transport & Rescue in Greenwood, NS. His aviation career continued as a civilian with First Air in Yellowknife flying the C130 Hercules.

Relocated to Smithers in 2011, Greg continued flying with First Air. He also worked for Airconsol refueling aircraft at the Smithers airport. He enjoyed conversations and stories with pilots passing through. After a short retirement period he put his years of handyman skills to good use working at the local Home Hardware store.

Greg was a committed lifelong learner as attested to by the many hobbies he has pursued over the years. Some of his happiest accomplishments were building a 21 ft sailboat named for his mother, the Ginny Rae, which had many a voyage on Great Slave Lake. He restored a 1967 Datsun Fairlady Roadster in memory of his brother Allan, rebuilt a canvas & cedar canoe, and crafted custom wood furniture in his workshop.

He was always willing to help others, by offering advice, loaning out tools, and sharing a beer (or Scotch) in the garage with a listening ear. He was an active community volunteer giving countless hours to church ministry work, Scouting, AFS Student Exchange program, and his most recent involvement CASARA (Civilian Aviation Search and Rescue Association).

A gathering to celebrate Greg's life will be held at a later date. Donations in his memory can be made to the Bulkley Valley Hospital or CASARA by E-transfer at pepair.casara@gmail.com or by cheque to Pep Air/CASARA, 100 Cranbrook Street North, Cranbrook, BC  V1C 3P9.

We wish to thank the compassionate staff of the Bulkley Valley District Hospital, Cancer Unit, 3rd Floor Nursing Unit, Emergency Room, Palliative Care, Home Care, Home Support, Dr. Dykstra and Dr Pretorius for their support and care.

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