VICTOR JAY MILLER - OBITUARY

January 12, 1921-May 14, 2009.

Vic was born on 1-12-21 in Geff, Illinois. His father died when Vic was four leaving his mother with three small children and a fourth on the way. Despite this, he was able to attend the University of Illinois on an FFA scholarship. There he received his BS, MS, and PhD in horticulture. His studies were interrupted by WWII. He volunteered for the Rangers. He was with the 5th Rangers during the D-Day invasion. In Germany he was taken prisoner, escaped, and was later recaptured. After the war, and graduation, he was chairman of horticulture at the University of Nebraska. He came to ASU in 1958 and taught there until retirement in 1986. While there he was host of GARDENING FOR FUN a weekly TV show on KAET for over twenty years. He also wrote a column for the AZ Republic with the same name. He was president of the Faculty Senate, on the Camp Fire Board, active in Community Christian Church, Toastmasters, East Valley Ex¬POW's, and the Board of Boyce Thompson Arboretum. He also enjoyed hiking the Canyon and other areas of the Colorado Plateau. He is predeceased by Joyce his wife of 56 years, Mary KerckhoffMiller, his second wife, Kerry, his son, step-grandson Wes, and his brothers Bob and Kay. He is survived by his wife Faye W. Miller, his sister Vera Lee Cox of Fairfield, Illinois, his son Brian Miller(Kazuko) of Tokyo, daughter Bobbie Miller(Steve Trimble) of Tempe, grandchildren Douglas and Amelia Miller, step¬-grandchildren John, Chris, Robin(Wes) Trimble, and great-step-grandson Jake Trimble. Services will be May 25, 2009 at 2 p.m. at Community Christian Church 1701 S. College Ave. Tempe, AZ 85281. In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to Community Christian Church, or the Boyce Thompson Arboretum 37615 Highway 60, Superior, AZ 85273. 

Published in The Arizona Republic on May 17, 2009