It is with great sadness we, the family of Burtis James Miller announce his death on January 19, 2023 in the palliative care unit of the Sussex Health Center.
Burtis will live on in the hearts of his wife Theresa (Sleep) of 48 years. His new found son Michael Charters; his daughters, Michelle (Dave) of Whitehorse, Stephanie Jeffery of Coles Island, Amanda Thorne (Mark) of Sussex and Jennifer Miller (John) of Quispamsis; his grandchildren Madison, Logan, Mateo, Lana, Emma, Hannah, Willow, Jackson and Braxton; sister Doreen Swift; sisters-in-law Georgina and Sharon.
Burtis was predeceased by Mother and Father, Louise Blanch (Bonnell) and Herman James “Jimmy” Miller; brothers Joseph, Charles, Herman “Junior” and Basil; sisters Barbara Harrison and Gloria LeBlanc; sisters-in-law Velma and Kate; brothers-in-law Mike Harrison, Alfred LeBlanc and Norman Swift; mother-in-law and father-in-law, Bernice (Wood) and Leon Sleep.
Dad was born on the old homestead in Coal Creek, the youngest of 8 children. He started working at the young age of 12 in the woods while living with his brothers family in Chipman. Later he met his wife Theresa, marrying on August 24, 1974. Over the years he worked in many areas of the province, running bull dozers, backhoes and excavators for many employers including H. W. Hawker Contracting, John Dysart, Harley Guildart, Harley Hunt and McCrea’s Farm – Jim McCrea, to name a few. Dad has dug many foundations and ponds, ditching and sloping for the four lane highway, prepared the ground for the Zellers mall in Sussex and many more projects. It was often heard “Burtis can do anything with any machine and can do it well!"
Dad and Mom had four daughters. Michelle, as a young adult moved to Whitehorse and had a daughter Emma and met Dave. Stephanie stayed close to home and had four children. Madison, Logan, Mateo and Lana. Amanda settled in Sussex with her husband Mark and had Willow and Braxton. Jennifer found her home to be in Quispamsis with her husband John and their children Hannah and Jackson. During our early adult lives we learned of our wonderful brother, Michael, who just learned about us and we had the pleasure of meeting him. Michael lives in Australia. All of whom Dad loved very much!
Between working hard and providing for his family Dad was a jokester, made everyone laugh in the room and had that giggle. He was jack of all trades, doing odd jobs for many community members, at the Church, local store, putting a roof or two on buildings and homes around the area. Many calls for plumbing and electrical work. On his own goodwill sanding many driveways and church yard over the years. Dad was a volunteer firefighter from 1982 to 2016 at the Coles Island Fire Department. During that time he became Deputy Chief in 1989. He loved to Hollywood hunt. However, in his later years of hunting he built himself a hunting shack on his property. Dad took us girls on long fishing trips, walking the stream from Highfield to Long Creek taking MANY Sunday afternoon drives and NEVER getting lost. He also enjoyed showing his kids off at family reunions at the old homestead. Dad always had his wallet out showing off his older grandkids and the cell phone was used to brag about the younger grandkids, after he learned how to find the pictures on his phone.
Dad retired in 2019 to which wasn’t long after being diagnosed with cancer. He really appreciated family time in his last years especially. Dad will always be remembered as a man who would help anyone out, if he could. His sly jokes and sense of humour will be missed. We are so sad to see you go, but will be missed greatly and are loved forever. We shall “remain friends”. Love you always Dad.
Visitation will be held at the Chipman Funeral Home & Crematorium on Friday, January 27, 2023 from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Interment will take place at a later date in the Coles Island Cemetery.
In Lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Burtis made to the charity of choice would be appreciated by the family.
Arrangements are in the compassionate care of Chipman Funeral Home Ltd. & Crematorium. (339-6612) Memories and condolences may be shared through www.chipmanfuneralhome.ca.