Obituary of Albert Miller

On December 20th, 2024, Dean passed away peacefully with family by his side.

Dean was born in Calgary Alberta, at the tender young age of 17 he met his to be wife Pat and married at the age of 18.  They were totally inseparable for there entire married life and were married for 65 wonderful years, and had 4 children.

They moved to the Columbia Valley in 1972, owning and operating Timber’s Resort in Fairmont, B.C. As well as running the Fairmont Esso Garage and store.

In 1977 the family moved to Cranbrook, B.C., to start an auto body business called Miller Enterprises. In 1979 they moved back to Invermere, the business was then known as Sun Valley Auto body they continued operating it with their children. Their oldest son Jim would later take over the Sun Valley Auto Body business.

Dean and Pat along with daughter Tammy, owned and operated the Skookum Inn restaurant and campground in Windermere in 1992.

Dean played bass in the family band called The Maylanders for many years, with his wife Pat on keyboards, son Jim on Steel Guitar and son Ted on Lead Guitar, our drummer was a local friend Larry Lunn.

Dean always had to be busy, Dean had a huge passion of customizing old buses into beautiful motorhomes which he loved to drive for miles on end, he would pack up every winter and drive south with Pat (Mom) by his side, to meet up with some family and friends they made over the years of traveling. Classic cars were another passion of his, if he wasn’t out traveling in the bus, he would be in his shop cleaning and waxing his classic car.

Dean is survived by his brother Gary Miller, his children Jim (Pat), Ted (Patsy), Tammy and Kelly. Grand Children Chris, Tana (Paul), Charlene (Jay), Jennifer (Dallas), Jackie(Colten), Teagan (Matt) and Kelvin.

Great Grand Children Tristan, Tyla, Miles, Aubrey, Isaac, Dakota, Reese, and Roy.

Dean is predeceased by his wife Irene “Pat”, Elsie & Albert Miller (parents), Roy Miller (brother), Shayla Wilisky (great granddaughter), Karen Miller (daughter in law) and Larry Mullikin (son in law)

The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to all the home care/home support staff, and Doctors, for their kindness support and care shown for our dad, grandfather and great grandfather.

A very special Thank you to some of Dean’s neighbors, Sandra Stettler and her sister Vilma Ballestero, Craig & Karry Girodat, Dennis & Diane Tlanidin and Mark & Kirstan. For all the help you gave to Dean whether it be home cooked meals, taking care of his yard, checking in on him or providing friendship and spiritual support. A big thank you to sister Tammy for all you’ve done through the years for mom and dad. Not once did it go unnoticed, we really appreciate all you have done.

 In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Canadian Cancer Society of B.C

 God saw you getting tired

When cure was not to be.

So, he wrapped his arms around you

And whispered, “come unto me”

You didn’t deserve what you went through.,

And so, he gave you rest.

God’s garden must be beautiful.

He only takes the best.

So, when I saw you sleeping

So peaceful and free from pain.

I could not wish you to come back,

To suffer that all again.

A Celebration of Dean’s Life will be held at 1:00 PM, Friday, January 10, 2025, At Lake Windermere Alliance Church, 326 10th Ave, Invermere.

The service will be livestreamed for those unable to attend in person, please click the following link to view:   https://www.hdezwebcast.com/show/albert-miller-service

Interment to follow at Mt. View Cemetery, Invermere.