Obituary of Harvey Mackenzie MILLER; 1918-2008

Harvey Mackenzie Miller: October 31, 1918 - November 4, 2008

Harvey Mackenzie Miller passed away suddenly and unexpectedly at home early Tuesday morning, Nov. 4. Harvey had recently spent a week celebrating his 90th birthday with his daughter, grandchildren and great-granddaughter. On his actual birthday, Oct. 31, he had the good fortune to receive birthday greetings and phone calls from numerous family members, old friends and close neighbors which brought him great satisfaction.

Harvey was born in St. Charles (Kane), Ill. in 1918. The son of Dr. Frederick Grant and Ethyl Lithgow Miller, two highly regarded citizens in the community of St. Charles. He graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in the class of 1940 and received his commission as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Marine Corps on June 6, 1940. He retired from the Marine Corps after 20 years of service which included duty at Auckland, New Zealand; Balboa, Canal Zone; Midway Island; Oahu, Hwaii; and Marine Corps posts within the U.S. After retirement from the Marine Corps as a lieutenant colonel he earned a teaching credential at San Diego State and took a teaching position in the mathematics department at Coronado High School where he taught for 18 years and served as advisor to the school chess club. In 1972, along with six other CHS teachers, he received an award as a master teacher in a pilot program authored by assemblyman Leo Ryan.

As a very young man, Harvey attended a one-room school house, Littlewoods, where his favorite subject was arithmetic. He was awarded for his excellent ability to spell which he maintained throughout life. As a high school scholar, Harvey was also involved in athletics, primarily football and track. A competitive athlete, he won Kane County track events achieving first place recognition in the 100, 220 yard-dash and quarter-mile events. Harvey played trumpet in the school band, local orchestra and enjoyed many summers camping and fishing with his family in Minnesota.

In retirement Harvey led a full life, pursuing activities which challenged his mind and spirit. Chess, bridge, fishing and participation as a volunteer for the cancer society were among his favorites. As an avid sports fan, he always looked forward to baseball season and closely followed his team the San Diego Padres. He and wife June enjoyed frequent visits to their children and grandchildren in northern California and activities associated with the Crown Garden Club. Whenever possible, Harvey began the day with a brisk, early morning walk along the Coronado Beach shoreline.

Last October, Harvey lost his life partner of 63 years, June. During this past year he found great comfort in his associations with friends, his bridge group and family, especially the relationship with his granddaughter, Tracy, also a teacher.

He is survived by daughter Susan Wright of Pebble Beach; son David Miller of Eureka; and his wife Carol; grandchildren Tracy; Jeff; and his wife Amy; Ben; Emily; and great-granddaughter Sloane Mackenzie.

At Harvey's request there will be no formal service. Anyone inclined might take a walk along the Coronado Beach at sunrise.

Plans are underway to establish a scholarship at Coronado High School in Harvey's honor to support aspiring mathematics teachers of the future.

Donations may be made to CHS Harvey Miller Math Scholarship, 650 D Avenue, Coronado CA 92118.

Published in the Coronado (San Diego County, California) Eagle & Journal, Thursday, November 20, 2008.

Surnames: Miller, Lithgow, RYAN, Wright