Robert Page Miller

July 6, 1942 - March 31, 2025

Robert Page Miller, age 82, passed away from Parkinson’s disease on Monday March 31, 2025. He was born in Columbus Ohio on July 6, 1942. He attended The Ohio State University and the University of Michigan where he received his BS. He also earned his MA degree in Environmental Engineering.

A longtime resident of Williamston and the Lansing area, he was a retiree from the Michigan DR and served as division chief in the Air Division and the Surface Water Division.

Between degrees, Bob served in the United States Army Reserves during the Vietnam War. After receiving his MA, he hired into the Wayne County Air pollution division to begin his engineering career. He soon made a switch to Lansing and the NR Air pollution unit. He was active with the national EPA air group in Chicago and Washington. The Great Lakes state air directors in the Great Lakes region formed a working group to advance knowledge and address air quality issues for the lakes. Bob was active in this group as well.

After retirement Bob decided to build and rent apartments and he enjoyed the work, but keeping up with renters’ complaints was not for him and he sold the apartments. He devoted his time to his horse racing stable and working to develop faster, better horses. He loved the thrill of racing and working every day with his horses. He was a fine trainer and along with his wife Pat, both credible amateur drivers, raced throughout the midwest, The Meadowlands in New Jersey, and The Meadows in Pennsylvania, The Red Mile in Kentucky, and Canada.

He first saw harness racing at the Croton Fair in Ohio when he was showing his cow. Horses were his next thrill and he always wanted to train racehorses. He threw himself into training, racing, and driving and loved every minute. He took up tennis after quite a layoff and became a fine player, joining several groups around town who played regularly.

Bob was musically inclined and played percussion in the Ohio State marching band. He enjoyed all types of music, and with persuasion, even attended the opera in Vienna. He and Pat were big fans of live theatre and attended shows all over Michigan including The Barn Theatre in Augusta, the Williamston Theatre, and the Interlochen Music Camp.

A man of loyalty and generosity to family and friends and having fun in all aspects of life, Bob kept training and playing tennis until his health let him down. Then he and Pat traveled to all states but Hawaii for RV camping, something they loved to do. They moved on to see many countries to learn and gaze in wonder at the amazing world we live in.

One favorite trip was a six week driving tour to Alaska. A two week driving trip through Scotland was unforgettable. Another trip was a two week cruise to the Baltics which even included Russia.

Bob is survived by his wife Patricia Palmer Miller, his daughter Cynthia Dees (John), his sister Jane Thurber, Pat’s three children Sabrina (Peter), Tristan (Heather), and Becky (Matt) to whom he was a fun and helpful step dad. He shared deep love for his five grandchildren: Sarah, Zachery, Caroline, Owynn, and Lucy. This latter family carried on to great happiness all around, and Pat’s children loved Bob deeply.

His parents John and Carolyn Miller, his brother David Owen Miller, and sister Louise Miller preceded him in death. Bob’s name will be added to a family memorial in Granville Ohio. Donations in Bob’s name can be made to the Michigan Harness Horseman Association or the American Heart Association.

A memorial visitation for Robert will be held Monday, April 7, 2025 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, 205 East Middle Street, Williamston, Michigan 48895, followed by a memorial gathering at 12 noon.

Bob was a member of the marching band in 1960. He played Percussion in L-Row.