Donald Miller

Donald V. Miller passed away unexpectedly but peacefully at the age of 88 on February 4, 2017 to be with his Lord Jesus Christ. Don was born March 21, 1928 in Oakland, California to Barthel and Olga Miller. Don grew up with his younger brother Keith in San Mateo and went to San Mateo High School. After high school he enlisted in the army. His tour of duty included service as a guard to Emperor Hirohito’s palace in Japan where on numerous occasions he had the opportunity to salute General Douglas MacArthur. When Don returned from military service he enrolled at San Jose State University, graduating in 1952 with a degree in Biological Sciences. While attending college Don met the love of his life, Martha Powers. They were married in 1953 and moved to Eureka, California. Don worked as Director of the Public Health Laboratory for Humboldt County from 1954-1962. In 1962 the family moved to Salinas, California where Don was the Director of the Public Health Laboratory for Monterey County for 26 years and president of the California Association of Public Health Laboratory Directors (CAPHLD)for one year. Don retired in 1989 and was recognized for his dedication as an outstanding public servant by the Monterey County Board of Supervisors on June 20, 1989. Don was passionate about many things. He was an avid fisherman, tennis player, bowler and gardener. His passions also included rooting for his favorite sports teams, including the 49ers, the Giants, the Warriors and any team on which his much loved grandsons played. Don was an active member of The Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd and served the homeless at Dorothy’s kitchen for many years. He was a kind, generous man and a loving husband, father and grandfather. He and his wife Martha enjoyed traveling all over the world before her passing on December 30,2015. Don lived a life filled with achievements, laughter, service, faith and love. He will be deeply missed by his family and friends. Don is survived by his sister Karen, his son Kenneth (wife Kathy Miller)his daughter Sandra (husband Peter Devereaux), and grandsons Benjamin and Patrick Miller and Matthew and Michael Devereaux, sister-in-law Panny Miller and her children. A Celebration of Don’s life will be held on Saturday February 25, 11:00AM at The Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd 580 Larkin Street, Salinas, California 93907. Donations in lieu of flowers may be made in Don’s memory to United Cerebral Palsy of Los Angeles 6430 Independence Ave. Woodland Hills, CA 91367 (818)782-2211.