Lieutenant Commander D. Douglas “Doug” Miller, USNR, died on 16 October 2002 in his Orchard Park, NY home from complications related to treatment for leukemia. He was 45 years old.
Doug was born in Columbus, OH, on 30 October 1956 to David and Carrie Miller. He grew up in Columbus where he gained his passion for running and music. He entered the Naval Academy with the Class of ’78 in July 1974. Doug was a member of 32nd Company throughout his four years and his infectious laugh was often heard throughout the halls of the distant Eighth-Wing. His easygoing demeanor and unflappability, despite many challenges of the Academy, were Doug’s distinctive traits. Despite “blowing out his knee” during spring softball just prior to graduation, Doug received a commission in the Marine Corps and served for a number of years as a n aviation supply officer.
Upon leaving the service, he earned a master’s degree from the University of Utah in nuclear engineering and joined the Naval Reserve, continuing to serve until the last years of his life. Settling in the Buffalo, NY, area, Doug worked for the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority on the West Valley Demonstration Project.
An avid runner, Doug once competed in the Boston Marathon, as well as completing the JFK 50-Mile Run. He enjoyed the outdoors, particularly camping and canoeing, and held several leadership positions at the Church of Latter-Day Saints in Orchard Park, NY.
Doug is survived by his wife of 21 years, the former Rebecca Wiltbank; four daughters, Hannah, Amanda, Janae and Adrienne; son D. Tyler; mother Carrie Miller of Columbus, OH; and two brothers, Donald Miller of Arlington, VA, and Eric Miller of Riverside, MD.
An absolutely dedicated husband and father, Doug’s love for his family was epitomized by his final words, which were delivered at his funeral from a letter he had written to and about his family. “My name will never appear in Forbes magazine, but let there be no mistake – I am the richest man in the world.”
Services were held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Orchard Park, NY, and were attended by a large turnout of his 32nd Companymates and fellow Reservists. He was laid to rest in the Wiltbank family burial ground in Arizona.
Memorials to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints are appreciated.