Obituaries

Raymond E. "Ray" Miller
Keeseville - Raymond E. "Ray" Miller, 62, of the Highland Road, Keeseville, died Thursday, February 2, 2012 at his home with his loving wife and children by his side.

He was born in Fort Riley, Kansas, October 5, 1949 the son of Robert and Clare (Williams) Miller.

Ray graduated from Peru Central School in 1968. He worked construction for most of his life. He was a member of the Laborer Local 186. Ray served on the executive board and later as President, a position he held until his retirement in 2002.

Ray loved the outdoors. He enjoyed deer and rabbit hunting, ice fishing and brook trout fishing. He spent many hours in his canoe on Adirondack ponds and made several fishing trips to Canada.

He was also interested in history, especially the Civil War and the Old West. Ray read many books about them and enjoyed visiting places like Gettysburg, Appomattox, Harpers Ferry, Tombstone, Deadwood, and Little Big Horn.

Ray's greatest love was his family. He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and brother. He and his wife enjoyed traveling. Their latest vacation was a 2 week trip to Alaska to celebrate their 40th Wedding Anniversary. Ray was very proud of his sons and loved spending time with them. He went to all their school functions and sporting events. Without complaint he brought his son, Eric to those 5:30am hockey practices. He coached Eric's little league baseball team from grasshopper thru babe Ruth. He taught both his boys how to fish. From the time he was old enough, his son Justin became his fishing and hunting buddy. They went downstate hunting every year and made several fishing trips to Canada together, plus all the weekends they spent locally in the woods, on the ponds or on the ice. Ray thought becoming a Dad was great, but becoming a Papa was super special. It was double the love. He spent as much time as possible with his five grandchildren from never saying no to babysitting to attending grandparents day and cheering them on at sporting events, and even going on field trips. Whatever he could do with them or for them he was there.

Ray also enjoyed boxing and went to as many of his brother Bob's boxing shows as he could, especially if his nephews Shannon or Shawn were fighting. He also looked forward to his brother Jim's annual family reunion. Ray could always bring a smile to our face or make us laugh. He was always there for us when we needed him, no matter what. We miss him already.

Survivors include his wife of 43 years, Mary (Bourdeau) Miller; 2 sons and daughters-in-law, Eric and Annemarie Miller of Massena, and Justin and Dawn Miller of Mooers; five grandchildren, Catherine, Eric, Jr., and Ethan of Massena and Raymond and Zachary of Mooers; three brothers, Robert Miller and wife Linda of Altona, James Miller and wife Joann of Chazy, and David Miller and his companion Marianne of Johnsonville; six sisters, Delores Varin of Ellenburg Depot, Marlou Woodward of Dover, Delaware, Joyce Jones of Galway, JeanAnne, Carol, and Esther; two brothers-in-law, Joseph Bourdeau and wife Henriette of Keeseville and Larrie Parker of Massena; sister-in-law, Tanya Frank and husband James of Keeseville; and many nieces and nephews including one very brave and generous nephew, Shannon Miller of Troy who was Ray's liver donor.

He was predeceased by his parents; three brothers, Ronald, Kenneth, and Herbert; sister, Patty; and foster parents, Justin and Irene Allen.

Calling hours will be held Sunday, February 5, 2012 from Noon to 2 p.m. at Hamilton Funeral Home, 294 Mannix Road, Peru. A funeral service will be held Monday, February 6, 2012 at 11 a.m. at the Hamilton Funeral Home. Burial will follow in the Port Douglas Cemetery.

Donations in his memory may be made to KOLD (Knock Out Liver Disease), 70 Leversee Road, Troy, NY 12182.

Arrangements are in the care of the Hamilton Funeral Home, 294 Mannix Road, Peru.

643-9055