John S. Miller
June 13, 1927 – September 15, 2019
“A comely old man, as busy as a bee”- John Lyly
The family of John Miller are sad to announce his passing on September 15, 2019 in Brockville, Ontario. John and Phyllis had very recently returned to Brockville after living in Wellington, Ontario for the past 23 years. John was born in Belleville, Ontario, and was an avid hunter, fisherman, trapper, and sailor on the Bay of Quinte. John and Phyllis met and were married in 1951. John’s career took him, Phyllis and kids (as they arrived) to Oshawa, ON, then to Prescott, ON where they started St. Lawrence Welding Supply to service the construction of the St. Lawrence Seaway, then on to Ottawa, ON where John was the Regional manager for Canadian Oxygen Ltd. Retirement brought them back to the St. Lawrence River in Brockville, where they renovated and operated Burnside House Bed and Breakfast. The next move was back to Phyllis’s hometown of Wellington, Prince Edward County where they lived on the shores of Lake Ontario until downsizing and returning to Brockville. John’s artistic prowess was allowed to bloom in his home workshop, and many pieces of waterfowl carvings and folk art were created and are displayed with pride in many homes around the world. John leaves behind Phyllis, his wife of 68 years, daughters Kathryn Rycroft, Amy Miller-Gourley (Larry Whitehead), son John Miller (Brenda Miller), granddaughters Kate Rycroft (Hailey Irwin), Emily Bosiak (Chris), Nicki Ford (Allan), Heather Miller (Narek Madoyen), Sarah White (Brendan), grandsons Lucas Rycroft (Elyse), Jeremy Gourley (Jenna), Chris Gourley, seven great grandchildren, sister Barbara Tate, and sister in law Joan Rankin. A Celebration of Life will be held in Prince Edward County on Saturday, October 5, between 1:00 and 4:00pm in the main dining room of Isaiah Tubbs Resort and Conference Centre, located at 1642 County Road 12, Prince Edward. Tel (613) 393-2090. All are welcome to help us remember and celebrate this unique and special man. Please bring your memories and stories to share. If desired, donations may be made in John’s name to your favourite charity. Online condolences at www.ainsworthfuneralhome.com