Donald died at the age of 58 at his home in Manchester, Washington on April 16, 1989. He was born in Ellensburg March 26, 1931. He attended local schools, graduating from Ellensburg High School in 1949 and CWCE in 1959. He was a teacher for the South Colby School District and retired in 1988. He was survived by his wife, Virginia and their three daughters, Patricia, Lisa, and Eva. He was also survived by three sisters and one brother. A memorial service was held at the South Colby Methodist Church.
A biography of Don presented to him at his retirement follows: The stork flew in over the Cascades with a baby boy who was just the right mix of German, Scotch, Irish and English...and maybe a little bit of "imp" added in for extra "zest"! The proud parents that March 26th, 1931 were John and Anna (Stickney) Miller. Donald, after being introduced to his parents was then introduced to the rest of the Miller Family. Donald is shown here,-stealing the scene by sitting on Dad's lap, surrounded by his four older sisters and three older brothers. [baby photo] (This serious face covers a budding "teaser". [photo] 3 years old, standing in the snow on a winter's day. Beside him is his brother Ralph. Taken in 1934 in Ellensburg on the family farm. By 1940 Don was a handsome 4th grader-with a smile sure to catch the young girl's eye.
When his father developed a heart condition they moved off of the farm. When his father passed away, and his mother went to work in a laundry, Don was there to help the family. He got a paper route after school, and still had time to have supper started when his Mom arrived home. He also had time, over the years, to develop his sports aptitude. His expertise in baseball would be important later in his career.
The years passed and soon he was 18 years old and ready to graduate from Ellensburg High School in 1949. Still in sports, he played basketball on the local church teams. He close to attend Central Washington College of Education, but after his freshman year, he joined the armed services
From 1951-1954 he was in the United States Army. He was stationed in Texas, and he was also an ambulance driver while stationed in Panama. In 19564, with his enlistment up, he returned to the Evergreen state. This time he was in Western Washington. He hired on at the Boeing plant in Seattle. He delivered tools and worked on B-52's and 707's. It was here that a very special person came into his life. It seems there was a young girl named Virginia who was also from Ellensburg. She left Ellensburg after one year of college to be on her own and earn money for college. So, there she was, employed at Boeing to put instruction decals on the plane interiors, when she met a young man named Don.
There were also about six conspirators (older gals and young mothers) who tried to get Virginia interested in this young man. They would say "Isn't he cute" or "You should go out with him." Well, she didn't want to be told what to do - or be "mothered" by this group, but she finally gave in - just to get them to lay off. Of course, Don had already told his cousin, George, that he had met the girl he was going to marry - even before they had even dated. At every break, he was "there" pestering and flirting with Virginia. A typical "Miller' - They see what they want and go for it!
Their first date was on New Year's Eve. They went dancing with her two house mates and their dates.
That spring, they announced their engagement at a picnic. They were married back home in Ellensburg at the First Methodist Church, June 10th, 1956. The ring bearer was Don's four year old nephew, Loren. He dropped all bearings on the wooden floor during the prayer at the wedding, and then went and sat down because he was bored!
Don's sister arrived for the wedding from Hawaii, and brought an orchid corsage for the bride and miniature orchids for the base of the cake.
After the wedding, Don went back to school to complete his education credential. Before the wedding, Virginia lived in Renton and continued to work at Boeing. After the wedding, Virginia and Don rented his sister Grace's house in West Ellensburg.
Time passed, Don graduated and after a short time in Royal City, the couple moved to Manchester. When they first drove into town, Virginia said, "This is where I want to live." So they shared a duplex with the Summerills. It is in Manchester that the Miller family begins to grow!
The stork got busy and found a beautiful baby girl named Patricia and brought her to the Miller family in 1963. [photo] Sure isn't hard to tell how delighted the new parents are! When the stork thought that Patricia was old enough to have a baby sister, he waited until Virginia's parents' 40th Wedding anniversary to bring Lisa Marie .
With two lovely daughters, life was very full - but not quite full enough. In April 1968, the stork, who was by now, quite familiar with the Miller family, delivered the third daughter, Eva Annette..
By now, life was complete, and it's safe to say that Dad was exceedingly proud of his three daughters. He knew that they were going to grow up to be intelligent, delightful accomplished women and he was right!
Now - those three didn't grow up overnight, and Dad was kept busy. He was still interested in cooking and always helped out at Salmon Barbecues. The outdoors also had it's 'lure', or is that allure. [fish photos] Anyway - it's obviously from these photos taken at La Push that not all the BIG ONES got away. The fish are bigger than the girls!
During the weekends and summers, Don worked at Gene Pritchard's Shell Station. He learned about engines and caring for cars both old and new. He quit when he felt the girls needed him at home more. He became very creative - especially with soup lids. He had his family and friends eating lots of soup so that he could enjoy the rewards of creating it yourself. His 'soup lid' bells were a treasured gift for many of his friends. He also cut things out of wood, and knew how to operate the kiln for clay projects.
In 1962, the Miller family had moved into their own cozy home in Manchester. Now, it probably didn't get as much snow as Eastern Washington, but it did have weather to contend with. The summers were lovely and mild and the other three seasons were wet! But - an important part of our story has yet to be told. We must trace young Don's educational career.
After completing his credential, Don was immediately hired in March of 1958. They lived in Royal City, Washington and he had an 8th grade class at Red Rock School. At this point, it's really easy to miss finding out who's the teacher. He looks young enough to be one of the kids [class photo].
Don stayed on for another year in the Columbia Basin. He was active in the community, as the Secretary Treasurer of the brand new Royal City Chamber of Commerce. He also worked on their finance committee. He and Virginia met many wonderful people during their stay in Royal City. Don also had a chance to be the 8th grade Basketball Coach. However, Don and Virginia wanted a break from the heat, the sand and the isolation. When a position was available in South Kitsap school district, they were delighted to move. Don spent his first year as a teacher at Marcus Whitman Junior High and was on the staff bowling team. In was in 1961 that he came to South Colby Elementary. Little did he realize then that he would be there for the next 25 years! He knew it would be a change from junior high school but he went in with a positive attitude and a "Smile!"
He started at South Colby in 1961 with a Fourth Grade class. His principal was Don Langert. [class photo] Here he is, standing proud and tall, with this second class- 5th graders now! He must have been promoted, too (from 4th to 5th!)
Colleagues remembered Don on his birthday as a friend who was always there to help out with faulty cars, heaters that didn't want to heat or ladies in distress. Over the years, Don learned all of the trucks of the trade. Equipment operation, supply acquisition and use! Dealing with parents during conferences and...remaining calm during science projects by creative, though somewhat zealous students. He still found it easy to "go bananas" over baseball. He really found it appealing. In fact, his swing was so strong, and his home runs so common, that when he came up to bat in the Faculty/Student baseball game, it sent the students scattering towards the far reaches of the outfield. Speaking of athletics, Don found that he had all sorts of students to learn how to deal with. There was the athletic type, who was happiest at recess...the serious type, who found academics stimulating and always had questions that needed answers - or at least guidance toward the right resources. And, of course, there were those whose attitude towards learning, teachers and school in general was less than desirable. Well, there are ways to deal with these under motivated negative 'challenges." You can use the subtle, more passive attempts to effect a change or...you can use a more dramatic, less conserative approach to discipline and this might be one of the best ways to do yard duty! Don soon learned about minimal amount of paperwork that teaching requires outside of the nominal amount of papers to grade...things such as awards, certificates, diplomas, progress reports, seals, stamps, announcements, book markers, office memos, SLO's, etc... Some days that amount seems less 'minimal' than others - especially in June when you're looking forward to vacation. Of course, there are other things besides paper work - like field trips!
He always enjoyed just relaxing with the staff especially after a hard day. Of course, Don got his share of apples - but he said "I hope I get paid better than an apple a day. Well, we're still not sure if that's true - but we've all developed ways of making ends meet. Thank goodness for those extra "money market" accounts. And, of course, Don would always join the staff as we leisurely made our way to the parking lot at 4:00 o'clock each night... But, there came a time when nature threw a monkey wrench in Don's physical stamina... After the exam, the doctor said "your body needs help" and so you decided to "bypass" the problem and make some changes in your diet... and eventually, in your workload. Not always the most fun to do, but the health benefits to you and your family were worth it.
And so, your South Colby co-workers decided to remember your 25 years at their school by doing something special - but what? We thought of doing something really formal...completed with black tie and tails but we decided you wouldn't like all that stuffiness. Then we thought we could have some really 'gifted' performer who could let you know how we felt but we decided that Virginia wouldn't like that - so... You'll just have to be satisfied with this party that we 'brewed up" just for you! [note: 19 friends and co-workers wrote notes to Don in this book assembled by Bonnie Kimball].
A biography of Don presented to him at his retirement follows: The stork flew in over the Cascades with a baby boy who was just the right mix of German, Scotch, Irish and English...and maybe a little bit of "imp" added in for extra "zest"! The proud parents that March 26th, 1931 were John and Anna (Stickney) Miller. Donald, after being introduced to his parents was then introduced to the rest of the Miller Family. Donald is shown here,-stealing the scene by sitting on Dad's lap, surrounded by his four older sisters and three older brothers. [baby photo] (This serious face covers a budding "teaser". [photo] 3 years old, standing in the snow on a winter's day. Beside him is his brother Ralph. Taken in 1934 in Ellensburg on the family farm. By 1940 Don was a handsome 4th grader-with a smile sure to catch the young girl's eye.
When his father developed a heart condition they moved off of the farm. When his father passed away, and his mother went to work in a laundry, Don was there to help the family. He got a paper route after school, and still had time to have supper started when his Mom arrived home. He also had time, over the years, to develop his sports aptitude. His expertise in baseball would be important later in his career.
The years passed and soon he was 18 years old and ready to graduate from Ellensburg High School in 1949. Still in sports, he played basketball on the local church teams. He close to attend Central Washington College of Education, but after his freshman year, he joined the armed services
From 1951-1954 he was in the United States Army. He was stationed in Texas, and he was also an ambulance driver while stationed in Panama. In 19564, with his enlistment up, he returned to the Evergreen state. This time he was in Western Washington. He hired on at the Boeing plant in Seattle. He delivered tools and worked on B-52's and 707's. It was here that a very special person came into his life. It seems there was a young girl named Virginia who was also from Ellensburg. She left Ellensburg after one year of college to be on her own and earn money for college. So, there she was, employed at Boeing to put instruction decals on the plane interiors, when she met a young man named Don.
There were also about six conspirators (older gals and young mothers) who tried to get Virginia interested in this young man. They would say "Isn't he cute" or "You should go out with him." Well, she didn't want to be told what to do - or be "mothered" by this group, but she finally gave in - just to get them to lay off. Of course, Don had already told his cousin, George, that he had met the girl he was going to marry - even before they had even dated. At every break, he was "there" pestering and flirting with Virginia. A typical "Miller' - They see what they want and go for it!
Their first date was on New Year's Eve. They went dancing with her two house mates and their dates.
That spring, they announced their engagement at a picnic. They were married back home in Ellensburg at the First Methodist Church, June 10th, 1956. The ring bearer was Don's four year old nephew, Loren. He dropped all bearings on the wooden floor during the prayer at the wedding, and then went and sat down because he was bored!
Don's sister arrived for the wedding from Hawaii, and brought an orchid corsage for the bride and miniature orchids for the base of the cake.
After the wedding, Don went back to school to complete his education credential. Before the wedding, Virginia lived in Renton and continued to work at Boeing. After the wedding, Virginia and Don rented his sister Grace's house in West Ellensburg.
Time passed, Don graduated and after a short time in Royal City, the couple moved to Manchester. When they first drove into town, Virginia said, "This is where I want to live." So they shared a duplex with the Summerills. It is in Manchester that the Miller family begins to grow!
The stork got busy and found a beautiful baby girl named Patricia and brought her to the Miller family in 1963. [photo] Sure isn't hard to tell how delighted the new parents are! When the stork thought that Patricia was old enough to have a baby sister, he waited until Virginia's parents' 40th Wedding anniversary to bring Lisa Marie .
With two lovely daughters, life was very full - but not quite full enough. In April 1968, the stork, who was by now, quite familiar with the Miller family, delivered the third daughter, Eva Annette..
By now, life was complete, and it's safe to say that Dad was exceedingly proud of his three daughters. He knew that they were going to grow up to be intelligent, delightful accomplished women and he was right!
Now - those three didn't grow up overnight, and Dad was kept busy. He was still interested in cooking and always helped out at Salmon Barbecues. The outdoors also had it's 'lure', or is that allure. [fish photos] Anyway - it's obviously from these photos taken at La Push that not all the BIG ONES got away. The fish are bigger than the girls!
During the weekends and summers, Don worked at Gene Pritchard's Shell Station. He learned about engines and caring for cars both old and new. He quit when he felt the girls needed him at home more. He became very creative - especially with soup lids. He had his family and friends eating lots of soup so that he could enjoy the rewards of creating it yourself. His 'soup lid' bells were a treasured gift for many of his friends. He also cut things out of wood, and knew how to operate the kiln for clay projects.
In 1962, the Miller family had moved into their own cozy home in Manchester. Now, it probably didn't get as much snow as Eastern Washington, but it did have weather to contend with. The summers were lovely and mild and the other three seasons were wet! But - an important part of our story has yet to be told. We must trace young Don's educational career.
After completing his credential, Don was immediately hired in March of 1958. They lived in Royal City, Washington and he had an 8th grade class at Red Rock School. At this point, it's really easy to miss finding out who's the teacher. He looks young enough to be one of the kids [class photo].
Don stayed on for another year in the Columbia Basin. He was active in the community, as the Secretary Treasurer of the brand new Royal City Chamber of Commerce. He also worked on their finance committee. He and Virginia met many wonderful people during their stay in Royal City. Don also had a chance to be the 8th grade Basketball Coach. However, Don and Virginia wanted a break from the heat, the sand and the isolation. When a position was available in South Kitsap school district, they were delighted to move. Don spent his first year as a teacher at Marcus Whitman Junior High and was on the staff bowling team. In was in 1961 that he came to South Colby Elementary. Little did he realize then that he would be there for the next 25 years! He knew it would be a change from junior high school but he went in with a positive attitude and a "Smile!"
He started at South Colby in 1961 with a Fourth Grade class. His principal was Don Langert. [class photo] Here he is, standing proud and tall, with this second class- 5th graders now! He must have been promoted, too (from 4th to 5th!)
Colleagues remembered Don on his birthday as a friend who was always there to help out with faulty cars, heaters that didn't want to heat or ladies in distress. Over the years, Don learned all of the trucks of the trade. Equipment operation, supply acquisition and use! Dealing with parents during conferences and...remaining calm during science projects by creative, though somewhat zealous students. He still found it easy to "go bananas" over baseball. He really found it appealing. In fact, his swing was so strong, and his home runs so common, that when he came up to bat in the Faculty/Student baseball game, it sent the students scattering towards the far reaches of the outfield. Speaking of athletics, Don found that he had all sorts of students to learn how to deal with. There was the athletic type, who was happiest at recess...the serious type, who found academics stimulating and always had questions that needed answers - or at least guidance toward the right resources. And, of course, there were those whose attitude towards learning, teachers and school in general was less than desirable. Well, there are ways to deal with these under motivated negative 'challenges." You can use the subtle, more passive attempts to effect a change or...you can use a more dramatic, less conserative approach to discipline and this might be one of the best ways to do yard duty! Don soon learned about minimal amount of paperwork that teaching requires outside of the nominal amount of papers to grade...things such as awards, certificates, diplomas, progress reports, seals, stamps, announcements, book markers, office memos, SLO's, etc... Some days that amount seems less 'minimal' than others - especially in June when you're looking forward to vacation. Of course, there are other things besides paper work - like field trips!
He always enjoyed just relaxing with the staff especially after a hard day. Of course, Don got his share of apples - but he said "I hope I get paid better than an apple a day. Well, we're still not sure if that's true - but we've all developed ways of making ends meet. Thank goodness for those extra "money market" accounts. And, of course, Don would always join the staff as we leisurely made our way to the parking lot at 4:00 o'clock each night... But, there came a time when nature threw a monkey wrench in Don's physical stamina... After the exam, the doctor said "your body needs help" and so you decided to "bypass" the problem and make some changes in your diet... and eventually, in your workload. Not always the most fun to do, but the health benefits to you and your family were worth it.
And so, your South Colby co-workers decided to remember your 25 years at their school by doing something special - but what? We thought of doing something really formal...completed with black tie and tails but we decided you wouldn't like all that stuffiness. Then we thought we could have some really 'gifted' performer who could let you know how we felt but we decided that Virginia wouldn't like that - so... You'll just have to be satisfied with this party that we 'brewed up" just for you! [note: 19 friends and co-workers wrote notes to Don in this book assembled by Bonnie Kimball].
Donald died at the age of 58 at his home in Manchester, Washington on April 16, 1989. He was born in Ellensburg March 26, 1931. He attended local schools, graduating from Ellensburg High School in 1949 and CWCE in 1959. He was a teacher for the South Colby School District and retired in 1988. He was survived by his wife, Virginia and their three daughters, Patricia, Lisa, and Eva. He was also survived by three sisters and one brother. A memorial service was held at the South Colby Methodist Church.
A biography of Don presented to him at his retirement follows: The stork flew in over the Cascades with a baby boy who was just the right mix of German, Scotch, Irish and English...and maybe a little bit of "imp" added in for extra "zest"! The proud parents that March 26th, 1931 were John and Anna (Stickney) Miller. Donald, after being introduced to his parents was then introduced to the rest of the Miller Family. Donald is shown here,-stealing the scene by sitting on Dad's lap, surrounded by his four older sisters and three older brothers. [baby photo] (This serious face covers a budding "teaser". [photo] 3 years old, standing in the snow on a winter's day. Beside him is his brother Ralph. Taken in 1934 in Ellensburg on the family farm. By 1940 Don was a handsome 4th grader-with a smile sure to catch the young girl's eye.
When his father developed a heart condition they moved off of the farm. When his father passed away, and his mother went to work in a laundry, Don was there to help the family. He got a paper route after school, and still had time to have supper started when his Mom arrived home. He also had time, over the years, to develop his sports aptitude. His expertise in baseball would be important later in his career.
The years passed and soon he was 18 years old and ready to graduate from Ellensburg High School in 1949. Still in sports, he played basketball on the local church teams. He close to attend Central Washington College of Education, but after his freshman year, he joined the armed services
From 1951-1954 he was in the United States Army. He was stationed in Texas, and he was also an ambulance driver while stationed in Panama. In 19564, with his enlistment up, he returned to the Evergreen state. This time he was in Western Washington. He hired on at the Boeing plant in Seattle. He delivered tools and worked on B-52's and 707's. It was here that a very special person came into his life. It seems there was a young girl named Virginia who was also from Ellensburg. She left Ellensburg after one year of college to be on her own and earn money for college. So, there she was, employed at Boeing to put instruction decals on the plane interiors, when she met a young man named Don.
There were also about six conspirators (older gals and young mothers) who tried to get Virginia interested in this young man. They would say "Isn't he cute" or "You should go out with him." Well, she didn't want to be told what to do - or be "mothered" by this group, but she finally gave in - just to get them to lay off. Of course, Don had already told his cousin, George, that he had met the girl he was going to marry - even before they had even dated. At every break, he was "there" pestering and flirting with Virginia. A typical "Miller' - They see what they want and go for it!
Their first date was on New Year's Eve. They went dancing with her two house mates and their dates.
That spring, they announced their engagement at a picnic. They were married back home in Ellensburg at the First Methodist Church, June 10th, 1956. The ring bearer was Don's four year old nephew, Loren. He dropped all bearings on the wooden floor during the prayer at the wedding, and then went and sat down because he was bored!
Don's sister arrived for the wedding from Hawaii, and brought an orchid corsage for the bride and miniature orchids for the base of the cake.
After the wedding, Don went back to school to complete his education credential. Before the wedding, Virginia lived in Renton and continued to work at Boeing. After the wedding, Virginia and Don rented his sister Grace's house in West Ellensburg.
Time passed, Don graduated and after a short time in Royal City, the couple moved to Manchester. When they first drove into town, Virginia said, "This is where I want to live." So they shared a duplex with the Summerills. It is in Manchester that the Miller family begins to grow!
The stork got busy and found a beautiful baby girl named Patricia and brought her to the Miller family in 1963. [photo] Sure isn't hard to tell how delighted the new parents are! When the stork thought that Patricia was old enough to have a baby sister, he waited until Virginia's parents' 40th Wedding anniversary to bring Lisa Marie .
With two lovely daughters, life was very full - but not quite full enough. In April 1968, the stork, who was by now, quite familiar with the Miller family, delivered the third daughter, Eva Annette..
By now, life was complete, and it's safe to say that Dad was exceedingly proud of his three daughters. He knew that they were going to grow up to be intelligent, delightful accomplished women and he was right!
Now - those three didn't grow up overnight, and Dad was kept busy. He was still interested in cooking and always helped out at Salmon Barbecues. The outdoors also had it's 'lure', or is that allure. [fish photos] Anyway - it's obviously from these photos taken at La Push that not all the BIG ONES got away. The fish are bigger than the girls!
During the weekends and summers, Don worked at Gene Pritchard's Shell Station. He learned about engines and caring for cars both old and new. He quit when he felt the girls needed him at home more. He became very creative - especially with soup lids. He had his family and friends eating lots of soup so that he could enjoy the rewards of creating it yourself. His 'soup lid' bells were a treasured gift for many of his friends. He also cut things out of wood, and knew how to operate the kiln for clay projects.
In 1962, the Miller family had moved into their own cozy home in Manchester. Now, it probably didn't get as much snow as Eastern Washington, but it did have weather to contend with. The summers were lovely and mild and the other three seasons were wet! But - an important part of our story has yet to be told. We must trace young Don's educational career.
After completing his credential, Don was immediately hired in March of 1958. They lived in Royal City, Washington and he had an 8th grade class at Red Rock School. At this point, it's really easy to miss finding out who's the teacher. He looks young enough to be one of the kids [class photo].
Don stayed on for another year in the Columbia Basin. He was active in the community, as the Secretary Treasurer of the brand new Royal City Chamber of Commerce. He also worked on their finance committee. He and Virginia met many wonderful people during their stay in Royal City. Don also had a chance to be the 8th grade Basketball Coach. However, Don and Virginia wanted a break from the heat, the sand and the isolation. When a position was available in South Kitsap school district, they were delighted to move. Don spent his first year as a teacher at Marcus Whitman Junior High and was on the staff bowling team. In was in 1961 that he came to South Colby Elementary. Little did he realize then that he would be there for the next 25 years! He knew it would be a change from junior high school but he went in with a positive attitude and a "Smile!"
He started at South Colby in 1961 with a Fourth Grade class. His principal was Don Langert. [class photo] Here he is, standing proud and tall, with this second class- 5th graders now! He must have been promoted, too (from 4th to 5th!)
Colleagues remembered Don on his birthday as a friend who was always there to help out with faulty cars, heaters that didn't want to heat or ladies in distress. Over the years, Don learned all of the trucks of the trade. Equipment operation, supply acquisition and use! Dealing with parents during conferences and...remaining calm during science projects by creative, though somewhat zealous students. He still found it easy to "go bananas" over baseball. He really found it appealing. In fact, his swing was so strong, and his home runs so common, that when he came up to bat in the Faculty/Student baseball game, it sent the students scattering towards the far reaches of the outfield. Speaking of athletics, Don found that he had all sorts of students to learn how to deal with. There was the athletic type, who was happiest at recess...the serious type, who found academics stimulating and always had questions that needed answers - or at least guidance toward the right resources. And, of course, there were those whose attitude towards learning, teachers and school in general was less than desirable. Well, there are ways to deal with these under motivated negative 'challenges." You can use the subtle, more passive attempts to effect a change or...you can use a more dramatic, less conserative approach to discipline and this might be one of the best ways to do yard duty! Don soon learned about minimal amount of paperwork that teaching requires outside of the nominal amount of papers to grade...things such as awards, certificates, diplomas, progress reports, seals, stamps, announcements, book markers, office memos, SLO's, etc... Some days that amount seems less 'minimal' than others - especially in June when you're looking forward to vacation. Of course, there are other things besides paper work - like field trips!
He always enjoyed just relaxing with the staff especially after a hard day. Of course, Don got his share of apples - but he said "I hope I get paid better than an apple a day. Well, we're still not sure if that's true - but we've all developed ways of making ends meet. Thank goodness for those extra "money market" accounts. And, of course, Don would always join the staff as we leisurely made our way to the parking lot at 4:00 o'clock each night... But, there came a time when nature threw a monkey wrench in Don's physical stamina... After the exam, the doctor said "your body needs help" and so you decided to "bypass" the problem and make some changes in your diet... and eventually, in your workload. Not always the most fun to do, but the health benefits to you and your family were worth it.
And so, your South Colby co-workers decided to remember your 25 years at their school by doing something special - but what? We thought of doing something really formal...completed with black tie and tails but we decided you wouldn't like all that stuffiness. Then we thought we could have some really 'gifted' performer who could let you know how we felt but we decided that Virginia wouldn't like that - so... You'll just have to be satisfied with this party that we 'brewed up" just for you! [note: 19 friends and co-workers wrote notes to Don in this book assembled by Bonnie Kimball].
A biography of Don presented to him at his retirement follows: The stork flew in over the Cascades with a baby boy who was just the right mix of German, Scotch, Irish and English...and maybe a little bit of "imp" added in for extra "zest"! The proud parents that March 26th, 1931 were John and Anna (Stickney) Miller. Donald, after being introduced to his parents was then introduced to the rest of the Miller Family. Donald is shown here,-stealing the scene by sitting on Dad's lap, surrounded by his four older sisters and three older brothers. [baby photo] (This serious face covers a budding "teaser". [photo] 3 years old, standing in the snow on a winter's day. Beside him is his brother Ralph. Taken in 1934 in Ellensburg on the family farm. By 1940 Don was a handsome 4th grader-with a smile sure to catch the young girl's eye.
When his father developed a heart condition they moved off of the farm. When his father passed away, and his mother went to work in a laundry, Don was there to help the family. He got a paper route after school, and still had time to have supper started when his Mom arrived home. He also had time, over the years, to develop his sports aptitude. His expertise in baseball would be important later in his career.
The years passed and soon he was 18 years old and ready to graduate from Ellensburg High School in 1949. Still in sports, he played basketball on the local church teams. He close to attend Central Washington College of Education, but after his freshman year, he joined the armed services
From 1951-1954 he was in the United States Army. He was stationed in Texas, and he was also an ambulance driver while stationed in Panama. In 19564, with his enlistment up, he returned to the Evergreen state. This time he was in Western Washington. He hired on at the Boeing plant in Seattle. He delivered tools and worked on B-52's and 707's. It was here that a very special person came into his life. It seems there was a young girl named Virginia who was also from Ellensburg. She left Ellensburg after one year of college to be on her own and earn money for college. So, there she was, employed at Boeing to put instruction decals on the plane interiors, when she met a young man named Don.
There were also about six conspirators (older gals and young mothers) who tried to get Virginia interested in this young man. They would say "Isn't he cute" or "You should go out with him." Well, she didn't want to be told what to do - or be "mothered" by this group, but she finally gave in - just to get them to lay off. Of course, Don had already told his cousin, George, that he had met the girl he was going to marry - even before they had even dated. At every break, he was "there" pestering and flirting with Virginia. A typical "Miller' - They see what they want and go for it!
Their first date was on New Year's Eve. They went dancing with her two house mates and their dates.
That spring, they announced their engagement at a picnic. They were married back home in Ellensburg at the First Methodist Church, June 10th, 1956. The ring bearer was Don's four year old nephew, Loren. He dropped all bearings on the wooden floor during the prayer at the wedding, and then went and sat down because he was bored!
Don's sister arrived for the wedding from Hawaii, and brought an orchid corsage for the bride and miniature orchids for the base of the cake.
After the wedding, Don went back to school to complete his education credential. Before the wedding, Virginia lived in Renton and continued to work at Boeing. After the wedding, Virginia and Don rented his sister Grace's house in West Ellensburg.
Time passed, Don graduated and after a short time in Royal City, the couple moved to Manchester. When they first drove into town, Virginia said, "This is where I want to live." So they shared a duplex with the Summerills. It is in Manchester that the Miller family begins to grow!
The stork got busy and found a beautiful baby girl named Patricia and brought her to the Miller family in 1963. [photo] Sure isn't hard to tell how delighted the new parents are! When the stork thought that Patricia was old enough to have a baby sister, he waited until Virginia's parents' 40th Wedding anniversary to bring Lisa Marie .
With two lovely daughters, life was very full - but not quite full enough. In April 1968, the stork, who was by now, quite familiar with the Miller family, delivered the third daughter, Eva Annette..
By now, life was complete, and it's safe to say that Dad was exceedingly proud of his three daughters. He knew that they were going to grow up to be intelligent, delightful accomplished women and he was right!
Now - those three didn't grow up overnight, and Dad was kept busy. He was still interested in cooking and always helped out at Salmon Barbecues. The outdoors also had it's 'lure', or is that allure. [fish photos] Anyway - it's obviously from these photos taken at La Push that not all the BIG ONES got away. The fish are bigger than the girls!
During the weekends and summers, Don worked at Gene Pritchard's Shell Station. He learned about engines and caring for cars both old and new. He quit when he felt the girls needed him at home more. He became very creative - especially with soup lids. He had his family and friends eating lots of soup so that he could enjoy the rewards of creating it yourself. His 'soup lid' bells were a treasured gift for many of his friends. He also cut things out of wood, and knew how to operate the kiln for clay projects.
In 1962, the Miller family had moved into their own cozy home in Manchester. Now, it probably didn't get as much snow as Eastern Washington, but it did have weather to contend with. The summers were lovely and mild and the other three seasons were wet! But - an important part of our story has yet to be told. We must trace young Don's educational career.
After completing his credential, Don was immediately hired in March of 1958. They lived in Royal City, Washington and he had an 8th grade class at Red Rock School. At this point, it's really easy to miss finding out who's the teacher. He looks young enough to be one of the kids [class photo].
Don stayed on for another year in the Columbia Basin. He was active in the community, as the Secretary Treasurer of the brand new Royal City Chamber of Commerce. He also worked on their finance committee. He and Virginia met many wonderful people during their stay in Royal City. Don also had a chance to be the 8th grade Basketball Coach. However, Don and Virginia wanted a break from the heat, the sand and the isolation. When a position was available in South Kitsap school district, they were delighted to move. Don spent his first year as a teacher at Marcus Whitman Junior High and was on the staff bowling team. In was in 1961 that he came to South Colby Elementary. Little did he realize then that he would be there for the next 25 years! He knew it would be a change from junior high school but he went in with a positive attitude and a "Smile!"
He started at South Colby in 1961 with a Fourth Grade class. His principal was Don Langert. [class photo] Here he is, standing proud and tall, with this second class- 5th graders now! He must have been promoted, too (from 4th to 5th!)
Colleagues remembered Don on his birthday as a friend who was always there to help out with faulty cars, heaters that didn't want to heat or ladies in distress. Over the years, Don learned all of the trucks of the trade. Equipment operation, supply acquisition and use! Dealing with parents during conferences and...remaining calm during science projects by creative, though somewhat zealous students. He still found it easy to "go bananas" over baseball. He really found it appealing. In fact, his swing was so strong, and his home runs so common, that when he came up to bat in the Faculty/Student baseball game, it sent the students scattering towards the far reaches of the outfield. Speaking of athletics, Don found that he had all sorts of students to learn how to deal with. There was the athletic type, who was happiest at recess...the serious type, who found academics stimulating and always had questions that needed answers - or at least guidance toward the right resources. And, of course, there were those whose attitude towards learning, teachers and school in general was less than desirable. Well, there are ways to deal with these under motivated negative 'challenges." You can use the subtle, more passive attempts to effect a change or...you can use a more dramatic, less conserative approach to discipline and this might be one of the best ways to do yard duty! Don soon learned about minimal amount of paperwork that teaching requires outside of the nominal amount of papers to grade...things such as awards, certificates, diplomas, progress reports, seals, stamps, announcements, book markers, office memos, SLO's, etc... Some days that amount seems less 'minimal' than others - especially in June when you're looking forward to vacation. Of course, there are other things besides paper work - like field trips!
He always enjoyed just relaxing with the staff especially after a hard day. Of course, Don got his share of apples - but he said "I hope I get paid better than an apple a day. Well, we're still not sure if that's true - but we've all developed ways of making ends meet. Thank goodness for those extra "money market" accounts. And, of course, Don would always join the staff as we leisurely made our way to the parking lot at 4:00 o'clock each night... But, there came a time when nature threw a monkey wrench in Don's physical stamina... After the exam, the doctor said "your body needs help" and so you decided to "bypass" the problem and make some changes in your diet... and eventually, in your workload. Not always the most fun to do, but the health benefits to you and your family were worth it.
And so, your South Colby co-workers decided to remember your 25 years at their school by doing something special - but what? We thought of doing something really formal...completed with black tie and tails but we decided you wouldn't like all that stuffiness. Then we thought we could have some really 'gifted' performer who could let you know how we felt but we decided that Virginia wouldn't like that - so... You'll just have to be satisfied with this party that we 'brewed up" just for you! [note: 19 friends and co-workers wrote notes to Don in this book assembled by Bonnie Kimball].
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