Robert Earnest Miller

Robert Earnest Miller, of Lacey, Washington, passed away peacefully on Friday, February 10, 2017. Bob was born in Sedro Woolley, Washington on November 7, 1931 to Ray and Tessie Miller. He lived all is life in Washington State. Bob is survived by his wife of 67 years, Earline; two daughters, Kathy (Tom) Deering and Karen (Larry) Slade; son, Ray (Cheryl) Miller; grandchildren, Greg (Lorna)Deering, Angie (Darin) Russell, Tony Slade, Shannon Slade, Debbie (Jake) Tobeck, Jason Slade, and Jenine Slade; and six great grandchildren. Bob was born during the period known as “The Great Depression.” However, if you asked him, he never considered it that way. He used to say that, in those days, it was like everyone was part of a big family, all helping each other through a difficult time. He loved growing up in Concrete, Washington. His dad was always working on a project. One of these was a playground he built in the yard, and it was normal for Bob to be out playing with up to 20 kids on the ‘ol tire swings. Bob loved going sledding up Burpee Hill in Concrete. As a child, he used a sleigh his Dad made. Now, this was no normal hill; this was a road, and there was a part of it that ran straight up/down hill for a good long distance. Bob loved telling about how Mrs. Davies would set aside a cupcake and Twinkie for him every week from the local country grocery store she ran. Bob was always a dreamer. And his first dream came true when he met the love of his life, Earline Bowman, in the mid-1940s. Now Bob started college at St. Martins in 1949; however, he didn’t do too well since he spent most every weekend coming home to see Earline. Well, as you can imagine, one thing led to another and on January 6, 1950, Bob married Earline. It was in these early years of marriage that Bob and his wife, Earline, developed a deep and powerful relationship with their Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and our Lord placed a calling on both of their lives. In July of 1951, Bob and Earline had their first child, Kathy. Bob worked at least two jobs in those early years to support his family. He worked at a gas station, at a cannery, and in the lumber industry in the woods. And in January of 1953, Bob and Earline had their second daughter, Karen. While working to support his family, Bob enrolled at Western Washington University in Bellingham, Washington, to complete his education, earning a B.A. in Education. Also, Bob started for the Vikings football team before graduating in 1958. That same year, he and Earline rounded out their family with the birth of their son, Ray Miller, in May. After graduating, Bob was hired in the position of Director of Special Services for Skagit Valley College in Mt. Vernon. In 1961, Bob continued his education at Western Washington University, earning his M.A. in Education. In 1965, Bob changed his career focus, taking a job with the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation in Seattle. During these years, Bob developed a passion for flying. He purchased his first airplane, a Piper Cub. Flying gave Bob a freedom that he would say sometimes is difficult to find on terra firma. In 1968, Bob accepted a promotion to Program Administrator that required his family to relocate to Olympia. Having to sell his beloved Piper Cub prior to the move, he later purchased a Luscombe 8 that he used to learn aerobatics. Over the course of his life, Dad developed his talent for writing poetry, which provided great joy to him. He especially enjoyed writing poems for his love, Earline. So, so many poems. He really had a knack, not of just rhyming, but how to convey ones heart in a message, sent in love. Today, when we read them, they take us back to a time that seems to stand still. In 1975, Bob took a position in management with the State of Washington’s Department of Personnel, where he remained until 1980, when he established an independent consulting business, Management Action Systems. During these years, Bob’s love for sport continued as he played on numerous County league basketball teams where he excelled, as did his teams, winning a number of County-wide league championships. You didn’t want to get too close to Bob when he was engrossed in watching a sporting event up-close on TV, or you might accidently get an elbow as he engaged himself so intensely in the sports he so loved. Later in the 1980s, Bob added to his private pilot’s license, earning his sea or floatplane rating with Kenmore Air of Seattle. In the early 1970s, Bob and Earline purchased a piece of heaven they called “Gods Acres” in Darrington, Washington. It was 20 acres on the Sauk River. There is not sufficient space available to list how many joyous family outings and events that were held here up until the sale in the late 1990s. Words cannot adequately express the effects these times and this location had on contributing the make-up of who we are today. It was also during these early years that Dad taught himself to play the guitar. No life story of Bob could be told without including his love for song. In many ways, it was his “soul” work. Dad came alive when he sang. So many wonderful memories around the campfire singing and just chilling. You felt a million miles away. Dad loved to send the grand kids out on a snipe hunt. And yes, they always returned to the camp fire……..empty handed! Also during these years, Bob rekindled the passion and calling to ministry for Jesus Christ that was placed in his heart back in the early 1950s. Bob, while working full-time, began a program under the guidance and teaching of Pastor and friend Dean Hackett (today Lead Pastor of Living Faith Church in Hermiston, Oregon) that led to his receiving his Pastoral licensing with the Assemblies of God. In 1985, Bob and Earline established their ministry – Lighthouse Ministries, which ministered in many different areas and cultures; however, it focused on ministry with and to Native Americans. Bob, while growing up in Concrete, had many Native American friends, some of whom consequently also went into Christian ministry and developed a lifelong bond with Bob. There was nothing Bob loved to do more than to be part of a Native American “Tent Meeting” where preaching started at around 8:30 p.m. and finished sometime around midnight or 1 a.m., when the feast would be served. Oh how he loved his Lord. Something that was especially important to Bob was that he would see all his children come into the fullness of a relationship with Jesus Christ. And thanks to Dad’s prayers and consistent caring, all of his children are. Thank you, Daddy. This love for our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, his ministry, his family and especially Earline continued up until he was called home by the Lord. And with that, we his family have a message of thanks we are sending to him: The Gift God Gave Me Was You – by Lea Gomez I will never say goodbye to you my Father Because I know this is not the end for us to see each other. You will only be going to a place where there’s no pain nor suffering. I am happy for you, for you will be with God. For now we need to go in separate ways. I remember how your arms hold me and give me strength. You were always there to listen, love, and defend me in everything. You were my very best friend. In my triumphs you were always proud. I’m very grateful and proud to call you my dad. Here deep inside my heart you’ll always be. I would give up everything I have just to hug you one more time. I remember the last time I held your hand and how you looked at me in the eyes. If only I could turn back the time I would have never let you go. I felt the world stop and my heart stop beating when they told me you were gone……. How I wish I was only dreaming. Just like the rain; tears fell down from my eyes, I couldn’t speak for awhile. Thank you Dad…. For always understanding, listening, caring, and loving me your whole life. The greatest gift God gave me was YOU……..my Dad… It’s difficult to let you go but I must… I must return the gift God gave me… Till then; See you in Heaven……… Please leave memories of Bob or condolences for his family in the Guestbook below.