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.