The Star - News, views and advertising of the Grand Coulee Dam Area

William C. Miller Jr. passed away February 8, 2018, in Almira, WA. He was born July 21, 1932, in Oakland, CA to Angelan Ann and William Charles Miller. "Toby" was the eldest of six boys raised in Santa Clara, CA. He served in the military and was a veteran of the Korean Conflict in the U.S. Navy as an Aviation Electrician 1st Class (1952-1956). Later, he served in the Iowa National Guard as a sergeant in CBR Warfare (1973-1975). He was a graduate of Santa Clara University with a BEE (1958) and was a lifetime member of IEEE.

While in the military on the East Coast, Bill married Ann Elizabeth Brown, Rumford, ME, on August 15, 1953. They were blessed with three children: Timothy Carpenter (10/23/57); Thomas Andrew (7/9/63); and Susan Elizabeth (9/21/67). Their journey together took them to Brunswick, ME; Santa Clara, CA; Big Creek, CA; Lakewood, CA; Bishop, CA; Vancouver, WA; Idaho Falls, ID; Boone, IA; and Elmer City, WA. Ann was called to her eternal home in 2003.

Bill was incredibly fortunate to find love again, and on February 29, 2004, he married Claire McKay. They made their home in Almira, WA. Bill was proud to be a part of the McKay family and loved all of Claire's children and their families as his own: Colleen (Mark Wells), Celia (Jim Hatch), Connie, Brad (Karen), Julie (Scott McIntosh), Andrew (Linda), and Stuart (Sheri).

The majority of Bill's career was in civil service and included being a fire spotter, mailman, veteran, engineer and manager in public power, coach, and school bus driver. He retired three times: in 1994 from RUS-USDA (Boone, IA), 2005 from Nespelem Valley Electric Cooperative (Nespelem, WA), and 2016 from ACH School District (Almira, WA).

Bill loved to learn, teach, coach, and counsel. He was a voracious reader and staunch advocate of education, often preaching the virtues of academic and vocational training. Bill served on the Board of Education of the Boone Community School District for 20 years. Occasionally, he gave electrical engineering seminars at various Midwest universities. To Bill, education included the arts, such as languages, music, art, theater, dance, debate, poetry, and photography. Over the years, Bill performed with several barber-shop groups and acted in several community theater plays. Also, Bill was a sports fanatic and believed in physical exercise and teamwork. He coached and was a student of game. Bill was a fierce competitor in everything and focused on being well prepared, both mentally and physically. He was our family's cheerleading captain, supporting whomever playing wherever. He loved the college game and traded in his "Go, Hawks!" in later years for "Go, Zags!"

He was known as WCM Jr, Toby, Brother, Bill, Burt, Dad, Grandpa, Electric Bill, Bus Driver Bill, and endearingly "You Damn Fool." No matter the name, he was a confident man because of his connection to God and family. Being connected was extremely important to him. He will be forever known for his generosity and "I love you! I love you!! I love you!!!"

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, brothers: Bron and Greg, and wife, Ann.

He is survived by wife, Claire; brothers: Cyr (Mary), Rory (Kristin), and Reuel (Sandy); sister-in-law, Maria; children: Tim (Kristy), Tom (Linda), and Susan (JB Young); grandchildren: Lisa (Chris Werner), Ryan (Cynthia), Dan (Julia), Andrew, and Zeke Young; great-grandchildren: Tyler Werner and Natalee Werner, Liam and Silas; along with many beloved nieces and nephews.

A graveside service will be held on Saturday, February 17, 2018, at 10:30 a.m. at the LaFollette Cemetery, Almira, WA, followed by a Memorial service at 11:30 a.m. at the Almira Community Church, Almira, WA, with Pastor Dan Stone officiating. A full obit will follow next week. Please sign the online guestbook at http://www.stratefuneralhome.com. STRATE FUNERAL HOME, Wilbur, WA, is caring for the Miller family.