John (Dusty) Miller, beloved husband of the late Joyce Miller passed away peacefully with family by his side on Wednesday, February 26, 2014 at St. Peter's Hospital in Melville, SK. He was 90 years of age. John was born to Emanual and Rosa Miller on the family farm in Orcadia SK on August 11, 1923. John attended school at Phone Hill, SK and helped on the family farm until 1943 when he ran away to join the Navy. While serving in the Navy, one of his important roles was his participation in the Normandy invasion. After being discharged in November of 1945, John returned to purchase land at Rokeby, SK. In 1947 he met the love of his life while playing in a ball game at Rokeby. John married Joyce Britton on August 19, 1948 at Rokeby, where they farmed until 1980. Besides raising seven children of their own, the Miller farm became home to numerous nieces, nephews and friends' children, who all had a special place in their hearts. During the 70's the Miller farm was transformed into a Dairy operation where all the kids were called into service, either by cooking, cleaning, milking, baling and other chores. John had a passion for sport and was active in gymkhana, ball, hockey and golf and encouraged all his children and grandchildren to participate. No matter how busy, he would always find time to coach hockey or run his extended family to fairs, rinks and sports days and later supporting his grandchildren by cheering (or shouting) loudly at all their games. This has continued throughout his life. He held a permanent spot behind the glass as he watched his "girls" at the curling rink and waited with a smile for his hugs. John was passionate about his community and volunteered for many years with numerous organizations: Royal Canadian Legion, UCT, Masons, Yorkton Exhibition Assoc., York Lake Golf Club, 4-H Club, Western Dev. Museum, to mention a few. John earned many awards over the years. Some of the more prestigious include Citizen of the year in 1988, Legionnaire of the Year 1993, Royal Canadian Legion Meritorious Service Medal 2000, Queen's Golden Jubilee Commemorative Medal 2002 and the Sask. Volunteer Medal 2004. John was predeceased by his parents Emanual & Rosa Miller, wife Joyce, brothers August and Robert, Sisters Bertha, Martha and Ruth, son-in-law Dave Hierlihy, Mother and father-in-law William and Daisy Britton, brothers-in-law Bill Blair, Joe Couvelier; Charles Howe, Harry Popowich, Gene Britton, sister-in-law Esther Miller. John leaves to mourn his passing, two brothers Ed and Rod (Ione) and two sisters, Tillie Howe and Dorothy Olson (Lad), brother-in-law Jack Britton (Lil), sisters-in-law' Adelaide Miller, Ann Britton, Joan Buckmaster (Lance). His children: Glenn Miller (Linda); Karen Hierlihy; Donna Liebrecht (Collin); Marlene Schrader (Rick); Bruce Miller (Sue); Myrna Nielsen (Bruce); Laura Pelechaty (Duane). His Grandchildren, Jonathan Miller (Briana), Rachelle Folkman (Seth), Desiree Miller, Nathan Miller (Nicole); Darin Hierlihy (Natasha), Andria McClenaghan (Dave); Becky Dutchak (Aaron), Ryan Liebrecht (Sally); Beau Stephens (Rae), Amanda & Adam Schrader, Mackenzie Shyngera; Jake & Sara Miller; Jennifer Zinger (Mike), Dustin Nielsen (Lia), Kristy Propp (Geoff); Jade , Jordyn & Shae Pelechaty. Great Grandchildren, Noah Folkman; Emileigh & Marshall McClenaghan; Ashlyn & A.J. Dutchak, Tyler, Ashton, & Axel Liebrecht; Taylor Zinger, Eleni Nielsen, Harper Propp; and numerous nieces, nephews and special friends. The funeral service was held on Monday, March 3, 2014 from Westview United Church in Yorkton with Rev. Molly Kitchen and Rev. Ken Buchan officiating. The tribute to John was given by grandsons Jonathon Miller and Dustin Nielson. Organist, Laurene Jemieff led members of the church choir and the congregation in the singing of the hymns "Jesus, You Have Come to the Lakeshore", and "Eternal Father, Strong to Save" (Naval Hymn). Great granddaughter Emileigh McClenaghan sang "Temporary Home". Members of the Yorkton branch of the Royal Canadian Legion as well as representatives from other branches of the Legion and the Canadian Forces formed an honor guard and performed the Legion Tribute Service. The piper was Erin Clifford. Urnbearers were Darin Hierlihy and Shae Pelechaty.
