Roger Dean Miller, 60, of Ontario, Oregon, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family on March 31, 2016. Roger is survived by his daughters, Kaycee and Nickole Miller of Gresham, Oregon, two grandchildren, Kellen Miller, son of Nickole, and Halle Farris, daughter of Holli Farris, twin brother Rodney Miller and his wife Francie of Eagle, Idaho, brother Randy Miller and his wife Nancy of Bend, Oregon, and sister Diane Miller of Caldwell, Idaho, along with their children and grandchildren.
Roger was born to parents William (Bill) and LaDona Miller, November 23, 1955 in Nyssa, Oregon. The family moved to Ontario, Oregon before Roger started grade school. Roger resided in Ontario, Oregon throughout the rest of his life. He graduated from Ontario High School in 1974. Roger was a talented mechanic, following in the footsteps of his beloved father. He worked with his father in the auto repair business from the age of 19. Roger took over the business in 1992 when his parents retired. He enjoyed many years of success as the owner/manager of Miller’s Repair until health issues brought about an early retirement in 2008.
Roger met Patti Rathbone in 1979; they married in 1984 and had two daughters, Kaycee J. Miller (1982) and Nickole D. Miller (1986). Roger loved fishing, camping, hunting, and spent many years rafting in Hells Canyon. He loved the ‘River’ and shared many trips with his family and friends. Roger loved cooking and entertaining, whether it was dogs on the grill at the shop or putting on a spread for his friends at home. He was the king of backgammon and took great pride in taking the most games out of 100 at any given backgammon marathon.
Roger’s girls moved to the Portland area in 1996. He joined them in 2014 and lived with them there for several months. During this time, he was blessed with the opportunity to develop a relationship with his beloved grandson, Kellen Miller, with whom he absolutely fell in love. Although he loved his girls, Roger finally had ‘his boy’. Being Grandpa to Nickole’s son, was a highlight in his life that we are forever grateful for.
A special thank you to so many friends and care givers that helped watched over Roger thru his last years of illness. He was a very proud man and it was his goal to stay home and independent to the end. He succeeded, but not without the help, love and kindness of each of you. Please join us Saturday, June 11, 2016 from 1pm – 4pm, for a Celebration of Life, at the Clarion Inn’s Sawtooth Wilderness Room, located at 1249 Tapadera Ave., Ontario, Oregon 97914. Food, refreshments, music, and memories will be provided and shared. We hope you can attend.
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