Obituary: Kenneth Edwin Miller, 82
Football Coach and Teacher Kenneth Edwin Miller dies at 82 after being raised in Boyd and learning the love of football at Dufur Park as a kid. He went on to a fruitful career in coaching football in the U.S. and Canada. A memorial mass will be held for him at Saint Alphonsus Catholic Church in Dufur, OR on September 13th at 12:00 noon with sharing of lunch and memories following.
Kenneth Edwin Miller, 82, was born in The Dalles, Oregon on October 15, 1941, the first child of Kenneth F. Miller and Laura Swett Miller. Kenny, as he was known when he was young, was joined by a sister, Donna, in 1943 and by a brother, Jimmy, in 1950. Ken, as he was known as an adult, passed on to his heavenly home on August 21, 2024.
Kenny spent his childhood in Boyd, Oregon near Dufur and attended Dufur Schools during his elementary and high school years. Kenny was an avid reader, an accomplished artist, and always enjoyed learning. But his lifelong passion was football. The love of the game began in the Dufur Park playing 6-man ball for Dufur High School. During summer breaks, Ken worked in the harvest fields and had a deep love for farming and the outdoors.
Ken graduated from high school in 1959 and began attending Dickinson State College in Dickinson, North Dakota where he played and excelled in football. After 2 years at Dickinson, Ken returned to Oregon and attended Eastern Oregon for a year. Ken married Betty Basche in Richland, OR in June 1962. Kenny and Betty resided in The Dalles for a couple of years where Ken worked at various jobs, including a stint at Harvey Aluminum. During this break from college life, Ken and Betty were joined by a daughter, Kail Sue. But since Ken’s passion was still football, they decided to move their small family back to Dickinson, North Dakota where Ken could once again pursue his dream of teaching and coaching. Ken attended college, worked to support his family, and played his chosen sport of football. Just prior to his graduating with a teaching degree in 1966, the Miller family added another member, a son, Kenneth Robert, who is affectionately known as Bob. Ken remained friends with many of his college friends and coaches who enjoyed following Ken’s coaching career, some of whom travelled to Canada many years later to see their prodigy coach in the CFL.
Ken’s first teaching/coaching position was in Vernonia, OR 1967 to 1970. Although Ken enjoyed this position where he made lifelong friends, he and his family moved to southern California for a teaching and football coaching position at Yucaipa High School in Yucaipa, CA. What took Ken away from the Yucaipa position was the opportunity to coach college football at the University of Redlands in nearby Redlands, CA. Their family home continued to be in Yucaipa for many years. Ken had a long and successful career coaching U of R Bulldog football, and for many of those years, he coached their baseball team as well. Ken continued to receive accolades from his many friends, players, students and colleagues for his work at U of R for the remainder of his life.
Ken and Betty divorced while still living in Yucaipa but remained friends with a mutual respect for each other’s life choices and accomplishments going forward. Betty moved back to the hometown of her childhood, Richland, OR, remarried and enjoyed her love of country life and horses. Betty passed away in July of 2023.
Ken married his true love, Maureen, in December 1998. She remained his complete support, soulmate, and cheerleader until his passing.
Shortly after retiring from the University of Redlands, Ken had the “opportunity of a lifetime” to travel to Toronto Canada for some CFL coaching responsibilities. So, Ken, along with his wife, Maureen, began their 9-year exciting journey as CFL enthusiasts with Ken handling various coaching duties and Maureen supporting every step of the way. Ken was always quick and sincere to let everyone know how much she contributed to his successes. Ken would also acknowledge that his faith was a great source of strength and peace in his life.
Ken’s most lengthy tenure with a team in Canada was with the Saskatchewan Roughriders. These kind words were posted by the Saskatchewan Riders organization upon learning of Ken’s passing: “The Saskatchewan Roughriders are heartbroken over the passing of former Head Coach Ken Miller. Ken was part of the Roughriders for a prosperous five seasons that included a Grey Cup in 2007 as the offensive coordinator and two additional Grey Cup appearances in 2009 and 2010 when he was head coach. A beloved leader of men, he was a finalist for Coach of the Year in all three full seasons he led the Roughriders. We were hounored to induct him into the SaskTel Plaza of Honour as a builder in 2022. Perhaps the only thing that matched his skill as a football coach was the way he made you feel in his presence. Whether you were just meeting him for the first time or knew him well, you felt his warmth and genuine kindness. We will miss him dearly. On behalf of Rider Nation we send our love and condolences to his wife Maureen, his family, friends and loved ones and everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.”
Yes, Ken was truly a builder of people. He was a life coach as well as a football coach and changed the lives of many for the better. Ken’s family continues to receive letters of gratitude from former players and students stating how his leadership molded their personal lives and their careers.
Ken is survived by his loving wife, Maureen; sister, Donna Underhill (Ed) Dufur, OR; brother, Jim Miller, Dufur, OR; son, Bob Miller (Chris) Paso Robles, CA and their two daughters, Ande and Megan; daughter, Kail Miller, Richland, OR and her two sons, Kip and Shawn and their families; 3 step-children and their families; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who will greatly miss his presence.
There will be a funeral mass near his home in North Carolina on August 29th, a memorial mass in Saskatchewan on September 18th, and a memorial mass at Saint Alphonsus Catholic Church in Dufur, OR on September 13th at 12:00 noon with sharing of lunch and memories following. The family is very appreciative of all the love and support we have received.
Death Notice: Clifford Dwain Wirtz, 89, Dufur
Death Notice: Clifford Dwain Wirtz, 89, Dufur
Clifford Dwain Wirtz, age 89, a resident of Dufur, OR, passed away on July 3, 2024.
Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home is in care of arrangements.
Death Notice: Anthony Richard Neal, 52, Dufur
Death Notice: Anthony Richard Neal, 52, Dufur
Anthony Richard Neal age 52, a resident of Dufur, OR, passed away May 19, 2024. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
Spencer, Libby & Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
Death Notice: Richard Edwin Hunt, 61, Dufur
Death Notice: Richard Edwin Hunt, 61, Dufur
Richard Edwin Hunt, age 61, a resident of Dufur, OR, passed away on April 30,2024.
Spencer, Libby & Powell Funeral Home is in care of arrangements.
Death Notice: Jeri Carleen Bozicevic, 83, Dufur
Death Notice: Jeri Carleen Bozicevic, 83, Dufur
Jeri Carleen Bozicevic, age 83, a resident of Dufur, OR, passed away on March 23, 2024.
Spencer, Libby & Powell Funeral Home is in care of arrangements.
Death Notice: Kathleen Maude Olson, 80, Dufur
Death Notice: Kathleen Maude Olson, 80, Dufur
Kathleen Maude Olson, age 80, a resident of Dufur, OR, passed away March 10th, 2024.
Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home are in care of her arrangements.
Death Notice: Eldon Dwayne Reed, 85, Dufur
Death Notice: Eldon Dwayne Reed, 85, Dufur
Eldon Dwayne Reed, age 85, a resident of Dufur, OR, passed away on January 8, 2024.
Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home is in care of his arrangements.
Death Notice: Richard Allen Crone, 80, Dufur
Death Notice: Richard Allen Crone, 80, Dufur
Richard Allen Crone, age 80, a resident of Dufur, OR, passed away on November 4, 2023. A Funeral and Burial will be held at a later date.
Spencer, Libby Powell Funeral Home is in care of arrangements.
Obituary: Eric Claude Robertson, Dufur
Obituary: Eric Claude Robertson, Dufur
Eric Claude Robertson
Eric Claude Robertson was born May 31, 1951. He died of cancer on May 8, 2023, in Portland, Oregon, with his caring, loving family by his side.
Eric grew up in Dufur, Oregon, and graduated from Dufur High School. After two years of college in LaGrande, Oregon, he attended Portland Community College, receiving an associate degree in aviation. Shortly after graduation, he worked with Columbia Helicopter, and later he worked with Boeing as an industrial engineer.
Eric was a gifted mechanic. When something appeared unfixable, he was generally able to fix it.
He was preceded in death by his father, Claude Robertson.
He is survived by his mother, Jeanne Hammel Robertson; sisters, Suzanne Elton (Terry) and Madelyn Stasko (Mike); brother, Les Robertson (Robin); cousin Diane Collins-Vest (Ron); and many much-loved nieces, nephews, and cousins.
A celebration of life will be held June 17, 2023, at 11:00 am at All Saints Catholic Church, 3847 NE Glisan St., Portland, Oregon.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to:
Providence Hospice
PO Box 13679
Portland, Oregon 97213
You may also donate on their website at: Donation-Honor Hospice-Oregon Foundations by clicking here providencefoundations.org
Death Notices: Alan George Frame, 94, Dufur; Agnes Rose Brown, 93, Tygh Valley
Death Notices: Alan George Frame, 94, Dufur; Agnes Rose Brown, 93, Tygh Valley
Alan George Frame, age 94, a resident of Dufur, OR, passed away on May 14, 2023. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home is in care of arrangements.
Agnes Rose Brown, age 93, a resident of Tygh Valley, OR, passed away on May 10, 2023. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home is in care of arrangements.
Death Notices: Marc Steven Neary, 73, Dufur; Sun Cha Meisner, 77, The Dalles
Death Notices : Marc Steven Neary, 73, Dufur; Sun Cha Meisner, 77, The Dalles
Marc Steven Neary, age 73, a resident of Dufur, OR, passed away on May 6, 2023. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home is in care of arrangements.
Sun Cha Meisner, age 77, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away on May 8, 2023. Sun will be interned with her husband, James, at the Arlington National Cemetery at a later date. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral home is in care of arrangements.
Death Notices: Donald Carl Marquardt, 98, Clackamas; Jodi Lynn Porter, 57, Dufur; David Joseph Cuzzetto, 64, The Dalles
Death Notices Donald Carl Marquardt, 98, Clackamas; Jodi Lynn Porter, 57, Dufur; David Joseph Cuzzetto, 64, The Dalles
Donald Carl Marquardt, age 96, a former resident of Clackamas, OR, passed away on March 11, 2023.
He is being Interned at the Willamette National Cemetery in Portland, OR. A Celebration of Life will be held for Donald at the Clackamas Bible Church on March 25th, 2023 at 1:00 pm. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home is in care of arrangements.
Jodi Lynn Porter, age 57, a resident of Dufur, OR, passed away on March 10, 2023. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home is in care of arrangements.
David Joseph Cuzzetto, age 64, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away on March 14, 2023. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home is in care of arrangements.
Death Notice: Jerry Lee Coleman, 95, Rufus
Death Notice: Jerry Lee Coleman, 95, Rufus
Jerry Lee Coleman, age 95, a resident of Rufus, OR, passed away on February 11, 2023.
A Family Interment will be held at the Methodist Cemetery in Wasco, OR at a later date. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
Death Notice: Douglas John Rae, Dufur
Death Notice: Douglas John Rae, Dufur
Douglas John Rae, age 70, a resident of Dufur, OR, passed away December 10, 2022. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
Death Notices: Gray Randall Geary, Dufur; Greta Ruth Clontz, Maupin
Death Notices: Gray Randall Geary, Dufur; Greta Ruth Clontz, Maupin
Gray Randall Geary, age 47, a resident of Dufur, OR, passed away on September 2, 2022. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home is in care of arrangements.
Greta Ruth Clontz, age 64, a resident of Maupin, OR, passed away on September 4, 2022. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home is in care of arrangements.
Death Notices: Norman Leo Cox, The Dalles; James E. Parker, Tygh Valley; Michael Stanley Filbin, Dufur
Death Notices: Norman Leo Cox, The Dalles; James E. Parker, Tygh Valley; Michael Stanley Filbin, Dufur
Norman Leo Cox, age 92, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away July on 2, 2022. A Funeral will be held at a later date. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home is in care of arrangements.
James E. Parker II, age 74, a resident of Tygh Valley, OR, passed away on June 30, 2022. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home is in care of arrangements.
Michael Stanley Filbin, age 72, a resident of Dufur, OR, passed away on July 1, 2022. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home is in care of arrangements.
Death Notice: Vernon Labsch, Dufur, 101 years old
Death Notice: Vernon Labsch, Dufur, 101 years old
Vernon Labsch, passed away on May 22, 2022, at his home in Dufur, Oregon with family by his side. Vernon was born March 3, 1927, and was 101 years of age at the time of passing. Arrangements are under the direction of Anderson's Tribute Center • Celilo Chapel 204 E. 4th Street, The Dalles, Oregon 97058. Visit www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com to leave a note of condolence for the family.
Death Notices: David Ulrich, Goldendale; Mary Lee Taylor, Dufur; Terry Lee Reisen, The Dalles
Death Notices: David Ulrich, Goldendale; Mary Lee Taylor, Dufur; Terry Lee Reisen, The Dalles
David Ulrich, age 79, a resident of Goldendale, WA, passed away on May 24, 2022. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home is in care of arrangements.
Mary Lee Taylor, age 67, a resident of Dufur, OR, passed away on May 25, 2022. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home is in care of arrangements.
Terry Lee Reisen, age 75, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away on May 19, 2022. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home is in care of arrangements.
Death Notice: Walter Lewis Hanna, Dufur
Death Notice: Walter Lewis Hanna, Dufur
Walter Lewis Hanna, age 85, a resident of Dufur, OR, passed away on March 29, 2022. There will be a Celebration of Life potluck on Saturday, April 9, 2022, at 1:30 p.m. at Dufur Park. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home is in care of arrangements.
CORRECTION - Death Notice: Grant Elden Mead
Death Notice: Grant Elden Mead, Dufur
Editor’s Note - the incorrect memorial location was given in the original posting. We apologize for any inconvenience - Tom Peterson
Grant Elden Mead, age 89, a resident of Dufur, OR, passed away on January 3, 2022. A memorial will be held on May 7, 2022, at 2:00 pm at the Dufur Christian Church. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.