Richard Alan Miller

Although he was a bit reserved and more quiet by nature, Richard Alan Miller was a kind and thoughtful man who was as sweet as could be once you got to know him. With the love of his life by his side later in his journey he experienced so many of the best things that life has to offer. There was no greater gift in Richards life than his family, and it was when he was surrounded by their presence that he was most happy. A true patriot, dedicated worker, and loving family man, he will be deeply missed while his memory is forever cherished. The 1950s were a vibrant time in our nations history filled with changes that forever transformed the cultural fabric of our nation. It was this decade that witnessed Rosa Parks ignite the Civil Rights Movement when she refused to give up her seat on a Montgomery, Alabama, bus and Alaska and Hawaii become our 49th and 50th states. Elvis Presley and Jerry Lee Lewis introduced us to the sounds of rock n roll while television shows like I Love Lucy and The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet entertained us from our own living rooms. Nestled within this colorful decade a young mother named Kathleen Miller was delighted to welcome a healthy baby boy into her heart and home on October 23, 1954, in Muskegon, Michigan. Richard Alan was the third of six children in his family and was raised in the family home alongside his older siblings, Michael and Barbara, and his younger siblings, Robert, Steven, and Nancy. While he was growing up he enjoyed spending time with his Grandpa Kooi in addition to watching sports and eating ice cream. As a student Richard attended Fruitport Elementary and went on to graduate from Fruitport High School. After he completed his formal education Richard was ready to embrace all that life had in store for him. He served his country in the Navy for four years, returning to Michigan once he was discharged. For several years Richard worked in maintenance at Shorehaven Nursing Home in Grand Haven. It was at work that he met the woman with whom he would spend the best years of his life. Her name was Candy Riley, and she worked in housekeeping at the nursing home. At first their relationship was merely a casual one, but after she was in a car accident Richard began giving her rides to and from work. From that point forward they were always together. They were a perfect pair, too, as Richard was more introverted while Candy was more outgoing, and it was through her that he came out of his shell a bit more. With a desire to spend the rest of their lives together Richard and Candy became husband and wife on October 21, 2000. They enjoyed trips to Las Vegas on more than one occasion through the years. The first time they went Richard was so excited about everything that he was up all night downstairs with his wife coming down there in her pajamas in an attempt to get him to come up to the room! Together they also enjoyed traveling to other destinations and to the local casinos as well. Richard and Candy adopted a German Shepherd mix from the humane society that they named Rocky. A bit later they adopted another mixed breed, Buddy, and their dogs were always an important part of their family. Richards life was enriched in so many ways. Spending time with his family was always the most important thing in his life, and he especially looked forward to spending Christmas at his mothers home in Fruitport. Richards wife loved her Christmas decorations, and he just loved giving her a hard time about having no place to sit with so much stuff all over. Interestingly, it was Richard who usually bought all the stuff that he was always complaining about! He enjoyed deer hunting up North at a relatives cabin, and he was a huge Detroit Lions fan. In fact, people knew that during their televised games on Sundays Richard would be parked in front of the television cheering them on. After several years at the nursing home he accepted a better position as a facilities management technician at the Muskegon County Building. Richard Miller has been described as a gentle, soft-spoken, and respectful man who was a gift in the lives of those around him. He fully embraced each and every day he was given and was someone who was completely content in all things. It was easy to see that Richard adored his wife, and that it was with his family near that he found true happiness. With a life that spanned times of great change around him, he created a colorful mosaic of memories that will remain a lasting treasure in the hearts and lives of those he leaves behind. Richard A. Miller died on Thursday, September 13, 2012. Richards family includes his wife, Candy; son, Matthew (Tina) Miller; mother, Kathleen Miller; brothers, Michael Miller, Robert (Kathy) Miller, Steve (Lela) Miller; sister, Nancy (Daniel) O'Brien; and many nieces & nephews. Richard was preceded in death by his sister, Barbara Miller, and Grandmother & Grandfather Kooi. A memorial gathering will be held on Wednesday, 6-8 p.m. September 19, 2012, at the Clock Chapel - Fruitport. Memorials can be made to Pound Buddies. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com to leave a memory or sign the online guest book.