Fred Miller

Miller, Fred - It is with profound sorrow we announce the passing of Fred Miller in his 91st year on

October 16th, 2017 at home surrounded by his loving wife Hilda (nee Haimerl) of 59 years, children and

grandchildren. Born Friedrich Karl Heinz Mé¼ller to Johann and Johanna Mé¼ller of Neuenmarkt, Germany

on May 25, 1927 and brother to Hans Mé¼ller (deceased), sister Helga (Mé¼ller) Baumann (deceased,

husband Erich Baumann deceased) and brother Richard Mé¼ller (wife Hilda). Loving father to Richard

Miller (wife Karen Hutchinson) and Joanne (Miller) Bird (husband Rob). Adored and revered Opa to

Alexander Miller, Hanna Bird, Christopher Bird and Katie Miller.

Growing up in Germany Fred was active in many different leisure sports. Whether it was building and

flying gliders from the hilltops with youth clubs, downhill skiing in the Alps with school friends, rockclimbing

with his buddies or kayaking rivers with boat clubs, Fred enjoyed seeking new adventures and

experiences.

Fred emigrated to Canada from post-war Germany in 1953 seeking new life opportunities. His excellent

technical training from his apprenticeship with the Deutsche Bundesbahn (German Railroad) helped to

outweigh his early deficiencies with the English language to quickly get his first full-time employment in

Canada with Falconbridge Nickel Mines (FNM) in the Maintenance Department. His technical prowess

gave him many high-profile assignments including leading the installation of a new rolling mill. He later

transferred to the Instrumentation Department developing prototypes for various new mine technology

projects. Before he retired from a 27-year career with FNM he was employed in the Training

Department as Supervisor of the company's apprenticeship program.

Somewhat idle in retirement and always entrepreneurial, Fred parlayed his metalworking hobby and

technical knowledge into a business manufacturing instruments for the underground mining industry in

the Sudbury area and around the world.

As Fred established his career at Falconbridge, he met his wife and life-long partner, started a family and

built a house in the Township of Falconbridge. Together Fred and Hilda turned the house into a home

for themselves and their children and later visiting grandchildren. Countless family occasions and

celebrations and visits from friends have been enjoyed at their home. Fred's joy from singing would

translate into a booming "Happy Birthday" for anyone celebrating a birthday - a special gift to be

treasured.

In his spare-time Fred built his own Y-Flyer sailboat and it brought him endless pride and joy when it was

sailed to win two National Championships and several other regattas. Sailing and spending summer days

at the Sudbury Yacht Club socializing with friends became a way of summer life for Fred and his family as

they enjoyed their membership at the club for over 40 years. Their many sailing friends became dear

life-long friends.

Many heartfelt thanks go to daughter Joanne and her husband Rob for providing their professional

medical expertise and endless love and compassion over many years towards always ensuring Fred

received the best possible quality of care while respecting his wishes to live the rest of his life in his own

home.

Fred worked hard all his life to ensure a secure future for himself, his family and the next generation. In

lieu of flowers please consider donating to NEO Kids Foundation

(https://www.neokidsfoundation.ca/donate/) in Fred's memoriam. He would appreciate knowing that

you too are thinking of the next generation.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Northern Water Sports Centre (directions:

http://tinyurl.com/y864uhfv) on November 18th from 1:00-5:00pm.

To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Fred Miller, please visit our Tree Store.