Everett Louis Miller

Everett Louis Miller Everett Louis Miller passed away in at the Granite County Nursing Home in Philipsburg, Montana, on October 29, 2016. He lived to age 95; the majority of those years at his home on Fred Burr Creek south of Philipsburg. Everett was born May 16, 1921 in Lincoln County, Oregon. His parents were George and Cynthia Miller of Siletz, Oregon; he was one of 9 children. He always recalled his early years with enthusiasm. Growing up on a farm in the depression, hunting, fishing, trapping and having a boys adventures in the forest near the coast, he said "We didn't know we were poor. We had plenty to eat, and plenty of good times." He was popular with friends in high school, playing all the sports, along with his brothers, and always ready to support his school mates. When he graduated from Siletz High School at the top of his class, he went to work in the logging camp, setting chokers on the huge timber of the area, and continuing to enjoy life. World War II came, and Everett and his friends enlisted, trained, and fought together in the Pacific as United States Marines. His strength and skills in the woods helped him and his Marines through the challenges there. While in the Marines, Everett was introduced by his friend Bob Gillette, to Bob's sister Dorothy. Everett and Dorothy were married in 1945, and had many adventures together, as well as six children. After the war, Everett cruised timber for Mason, Bruce and Girard, and later for the Bonneville Power Administration. Power transmission lines built to support the war effort required removal of timber on private land. When peace came, the land owners were compensated. To evaluate the timber taken, Everett and his crew walked "from Fort Peck to Mexico, via Seattle," taking several years. Following that, he worked as Logging Superintendent for Stebco Incorporated, then General Manager for Montana Forest Products, which brought him to Philipsburg. As soon as he saw Flint Creek Valley, he knew this was the place for him. He later founded Big M Outfitters, and he and Dorothy raised their family at their place on Fred Burr Creek; they later divorced. He was active in the Montana Outfitters and Guides Association, and served on the county Tax Appeal Board for 25 years. He was enthusiastic and constant in his pursuit and support of economic development for the community. Everett was preceded in death by Dorothy, his son James Robert Miller, and his grandson Everett Birch Ricci. He is remembered by son Mike, and his wife Kari; their son Michael H. Miller and Michael's daughter Sophia; Everett's daughters Diane Miller, Sally Holladay and Jan Miller; his daughter Wendy (Mike) Moser and her children Robert Ricci (Erin), Ever (James) Berben and Elizabeth, and grandchildren Elsie and Bobby Ricci, and Shannon, Cailyn, James and Joshua Berben. Everett is fondly remembered by the Comings family and their children, to whom he was Grandpa Everett, and also by his 25 nieces and nephews, and their children and grandchildren. He loved to see the little ones run free, as he did when young. And they knew that he loved them. The family would like to express their deepest thanks and gratitude to the home caregivers whose faithful support and care made it possible for him to remain at home for so long, and to the excellent and caring staff at the Granite County Nursing Home, who loved and cared for him there. Everett had the great gift to see the good in so many people, and to help them feel their own value, and his affection for them. He was fortunate to have many dear, life-long friends in Philipsburg and from around the world. Throughout his life, his friendship was a treasure to all who experienced it. That treasure endures. A Celebration of Everett's life will be held at the Granite County Museum and Cultural Center in Philipsburg, at 12 noon on November 12, 2016. In lieu of flowers, it is requested that memorials be made to the Granite County Nursing Home, PO Box 729, Philipsburg MT 59858.

Celebration of Life

NOV 12. 12:00 PM (MST)

Granite County Museum and Cultural Center 135 Sansome St. Philipsburg, MT 59858