In short, Mike was one of those guys whom, regardless of the situation, you were always glad to be around, a guy who always made where you were or what you were doing a little more fun. If you were heading somewhere with a group of people and dividing up who was going to go in which car, it was always an added bonus if you were riding with him.

Mike was a simple man; somehow escaping the curse of teen angst, devoid of so much of the "mental crap" we all carried around during our high school years. That fact wasn't lost on those who knew Mike and was perhaps best summed up during a conversation on a golf course a few years after his passing:

"I don't know anyone who knew him who didn't like him", said a longtime friend and former classmate. "He was just a really great guy".

And that he was.

   

Rembering Mike Miller
Below are comments and memories of Mike submitted by those who knew him. At the bottom of the page is a handy text box with which you may share your own memories, anecdotes, experiences and tributes.


From the earliest days...
I remember Mike even back in grade school.Maybe 6th grade. I remember playing footbal at Harvest Park with him and others. I'll always think of Mike as a very quiet person that kept to himself unless he really has something to say; then you better listen. Mike, I know we have not stayed close or talked in over 25 years, but I'm sorry your no longer with us. Smile down on us Mike...we can all use your help.
Mark Strickland - Class of 1978


I miss Mike...
As I write this and look at Mike's graduation picture, I smile. Mostly because of the memories, but also because behind that stern look was a very sensitive, kind, caring and loving person. Not just the "guys" guy that he appeared to be, Mike was far more complex, and a dear friend.  

Mike and I spent alot of time talking. We shared woes of relationships, our hopes and dreams for the future, and and what was right and wrong with the world in our young perspectives during those turbulent teen years. I remember all the nights outside 2252 Goldcrest Circle, the Days on the Green, the double dates, and the quiet times spent just enjoying the company of someone I admired.

I've lost several people in my life, whom I'm just not able to wrap my emotions around, including Michael. I sure miss him.
Michelle LeVeira Flores - Class of 1978 


Mike was one of the best...
Mike "Hoss" Miller was a friend, a brother, and a teamate for many of us in the class of 78. He loved his Monte Carlo and lending an ear when someone needed a friend to talk to. Mike, even though God took you away from your friends and family, your laughter and smile will never be forgotten.

When you think of Mike, don't cry over his death but smile when you remember how he lived life to the fullest each and everyday. Hoss, even though you are gone, you will always be a part of our lives forever. Thank you for being my friend!
Rob Flores - Class of 1978


He was of a rare breed...
Mike was a class act. I wasn't a part of his inner circle, made up mostly of his fellow football players, but he never made me (or anyone) who wasn't feel uncomfortable because they weren't. Put plainly, he was simply a great human being.

I remember Mike being very laid-back but always aware of what was going on around him. For instance, one night after we'd graduated, a bunch of us are sitting around his apartment, talking and having a few beers and Mike was sitting quietly on the end of his couch with the pet tarantula (whose name eludes me). We were just hanging out and then out of nowhere, he pops in with a crack about something or other, followed by this huge laugh and just kicks the entire mood of the room into another gear.

That's how I'll always remember Mike; quiet and unassuming but able to turn on a dime into a very fun and funny guy; never hesitant to dial it up a notch and squeeze the most out of the moment...Dick Butkus meets John Belushi.
Dennis Jones - Class of 1978