Craig Miller

[sam198]

Hello all,

Last night, Craig Miller (clm1545), my father, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family. He was lucid, feisty, and concerned for us until the very end.

Though his activity here had slowed down in recent months, he still checked quite often and was quite fond of this little group. As some of you may know, he was diagnosed with cancer five years ago. Treatment and determination help him continue in a manner he was accustomed to. Fittingly, he had hung and adjusted the porch window shades (in the house he had built, no less), the day he was taken to the ER.   He is, and will be, missed.

[hurtubise56]

Sorry for your loss, he was a valued contributor to our "little group" and will be missed.

[indydog]

Very sorry to hear that.

[alterrenner]

So sorry for your loss, remember the good times

--FRANK

[Calvin]

I'm very sad to hear this, Scott.
I had a lot of wonderful conversations with him over the years. I knew he was having lots of health issues over the last few years. He never talked about it, but I knew it was probably a struggle.
I feel blessed to have him as a friend. I learned quite a bit from him and learned some of his favorite quotes that I like to use everyday, that are always beneficial.

He will be very much missed.

[indycals]

I'm very sorry to hear this. Craig was a wonderful part of our community. RIP.

[spyder]

So sorry to hear this news Scott. Condolences to you, your sister and Mom. Yes, he was fiesty and I never heard him complain when I knew he was suffering over these last few years. Enjoyed our visits, our discussions about model contests, the state of Indy Car racing and of course Dan Gurney and his Eagles. I will miss him. Ed

[illeagle10]

Very sad news Scott, sorry for your loss. Craig will be sorely missed in the modeling community.

Jim

[raceparke]

So sorry. My condolences.

[2lapsdown]

Very sorry to learn this. He was, as others have said, a valued member of this group and a wonderful guy. Prayers for strength and peace for you and your family.

John

[racerbrown]

Wow how sad! My condolences to you and your family.
I always enjoyed my talks with Craig over the years. His concerns were always about others and never on his own health struggles.
Feisty is almost an understatement in describing him. He never left you guessing about how he felt about things.
I'll always fondly remember how much fun we had when he visited me at my shop and when we had lunch while he was here visiting family.
Modeling (and life) won't be quite as much fun without him to talk to.
Duane

[jamesharvey]

This is sad news. Craig was one of the best. He did love his Eagles and I smile thinking about his working with Gary Doucette to bring the 1966 to reality. I have one and the best of them.
Jim

[alwaysindy]

I need a minute…

Craig was my first “board’ friend…we connected, he called me and we began to talk over the phone. It was always great to discuss anything with Craig: model building, family, raising kids, politics, you name it. Craig leaned conservative, and I lean liberal, but we found common ground. We got to where we could discuss issues without fear. A Michigan Yankee and a Texas Rebel, bound together by a love of country and the ability to laugh at ourselves, and our favorite politicians…
Craig and his wonderful wife Libbie even came to visit us. They were touring by railroad, and when they got here, they spent the night so Craig and I could look at models and videos. We ate Gulf seafood and had a great time! Then in 2015 we got together to attend the Indy 500. One of my favorite Craig quotes: “Everyone needs to attend an Indy 500 one time, in person, but the best way to watch it is from your couch!” “Michigan can’t hold a candle to Texas in winter, but Texas makes summer look like the front porch of hell!”
“Tim, we both raised boys but girls are a whole different animal!” “If any politician told the truth, I think I’d die from shock!’Damn, I’ll miss you Craig!

Scott: May God comfort you, your Mom and your sisters as only He can. Your Dad made the world a little brighter place in Michigan and Southeast Texas…

I will miss him…
Tim

[sandysixtysfan]

I’m so sad to hear this Scott. My condolences to you and your family. Craig and I met up at my first Indy 500 in 2016. Craig was so much fun to hang with and was a real wealth of knowledge. I learned so much history from him. He helped make it memorable beyond expectations.

Sandy

[pje]

R.I.P. you will be remembered and always missed.

Paul Erlendson

[1961redlegs]

This is terrible to hear, he was an outstanding man and he will be missed. His knowledge, stories, and willingness to share them enlivened this group.

Your family is in my prayers and if I can be of assistance, please let me know.

[kyledehart5]

I am sorry for your loss!

[Gary Davis]

Damn...that's REALLY sad news! RIP Craig.

[indy]

Scott, I am praying for you and your family. Your dad was an asset to this board. When he and I were at odds, it was never personal. He was understanding and when he raised his hand to help out here there was no hesitation in giving him more control. He was an immense help to me here and I have PMs from when he was making sure I had reasonable accommodations in Indy. He was an asset to the hobby. His sheer force of will making the ‘66 Eagle happen was amazing to witness.

He was a stellar builder and I hope his builds end up with Scott and/or other appreciative collectors.

A true loss to this world, hobby, and forum.

RIP Craig, a heartfelt thank you for everything. Say hi to Dan for us.

Jordan

[sam198]

I have shared all of your messages and kind responses with the rest of the family. They wish to convey their most heartfelt appreciations. His was a life well-lived, and seeing all the support you have shown speaks volumes to that. Thank you all so very much.

Scott

[lance]

So very sorry to hear of your Father's passing, praying for you and your family.

[Art Laski]

So sorry for your loss, Scott. I'm very saddened to here this news, yet grateful that I not only got to meet Craig, but also take a short road trip with him and Ed Mautner to the model show in Richmond a few years back. I really enjoyed our conversations along the way. Craig will certainly be missed.

Art

[David Sullivan]

Condolences on your family’s loss.

[bobbyc]

My condolences to you and your family. That's so sad.

[kuzlynn]

We I first decided to do my version of the 66 Indy Eagle, Craig was the first friend to contact me to offer me information on doing the kit. Even though Craig had done this model previously, he was just that kind of guy to offer help when needed. I miss seeing him and his son at a lot of the shows that we go to. Rest in peace. Kevin, Silver City Models

[alwaysindy]

Craig Lynn Miller March 30 1943
Craig Lynn Miller March 30 1943 August 5 2022
Posted on August 8, 2022 by dany
March 30 1943 August 5 2022
Obituary Craig Lynn Miller, 79, of Berrien Springs, Michigan, passed away August 5, 2022 at Spectrum Health Lakeland Medical Center. Craig lived an incredibly full and well-rounded life. He departed this life quickly and peacefully, surrounded by family. Born to Wilbur and Clara (Wetkowski) Miller on March 30, 1943, in Benton Harbor, Michigan, Craig graduated Berrien Springs High School in 1961. After graduation, he relocated to Florida to live it up before returning to Michigan, where he met and married his wife and partner of 55 years, Elizabeth (Libby) nee Smith. The oldest of seven siblings, Craig assumed much responsibility for their wellbeing. He was a loving mentor and friend, and maintained a close relationship with his brothers his entire life. A keen storyteller and lover of life, his enthusiasm made him many friends over the years. Craig and his best friends, Jeff and Bobby Porter, founded Miller-Porter Brothers in the early 1970s and operated two service stations, a fire restoration business, and a foam insulation company. After the service stations closed, Craig transitioned to sales of roofing materials. In his second career, he traveled extensively throughout the country until his retirement in 2012. Keenly intelligent and curious, Craig was an avid hobbyist with varied interests. Over the years he built his own dune buggy, obtained his pilot’s license and flew his vintage airplane, fished, dove, waterskied, crafted furniture, and restored cars, to name only of few of his pastimes. In later years, he and his wife immensely enjoyed long road trips and train travel, visiting several national parks and other points of interest. Craig read extensively and was a lifelong learner. He enjoyed DIY projects, and constantly made improvements to his home, the largest of which was a workshop space and a four-car garage for the fleet of vehicles upon which he loved to tinker. He completed his last home project the day of his final hospitalization. Dissatisfied with available house plans, he drafted his own blueprints and served as the general contractor to the home he constructed for his growing family. He was a loving and good-humored husband and father of three, always ready to throw a softball, play a game, or fix a bicycle. When his grandchildren were young, he installed a swimming pool to ensure frequent visits. Craig is survived by his wife, daughter Laura Smith and her husband, Lieutenant General Kirk (of Stuttgart, Germany), son Scott Miller (of Berrien Springs), daughter Suzanne Miller-Bobbick and her husband, Michael Bobbick (of Denali National Park, Alaska). He was a doting grandfather to Daniel and Katherine Smith. His surviving siblings are Mary (Jesse) Marquette of Florida, Rob (Susan) Stafford of Colorado, PJ Stafford of Florida, and Bruce (Patty) Stafford of California. He was preceded in death by his sisters, Penny (Walter) Nolin and Wendy Neal, both of Florida. Soft-hearted toward stray animals, who often found their way into the Miller home, Craig requested any memorial donations be made to the Humane Society of Southwestern Michigan. No memorial or funeral service will be held; as per Craig’s wishes, a private memorial in celebration of his life will take place in the fall. Allred Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements. Messages and memories may be shared online at www.allredfuneralhome.com. He was a person of aspirations And a man of great plans He made them come true With the skill in his hands It wasn’t the goal But the journey was prime And he took many journeys During his time To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Craig, please visit our Tree Store or plant a tree.

[harveythedog2]

Sorry for the delay but I am just getting the news. So sorry for your loss Scott and we will all miss Craig on the board. I myself will miss Craig saying "Super Sweet!" to me. RIP Craig.