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Our rock, Ronald George Miller, born May 7th, 1936, lost his courageous battle with Leukemia on August 15, 2004. His gentle strength and practical guidance will forever be missed. Ron is survived by his soul mate Eva Nichols of Gores Landing. His departure leaves a void in the life of his children Tim Miller and wife Heather of Cobourg, Jamie Miller of Harwood, Paul Nichols and his wife, Susan of Fitzroy Harbour, Michelle Sneddon of Mission, B.C., Wayne Williams of Port Hope, and Anne Talbot of Peterborough. Daughter Corina predeceased in a tragic car accident in 1996. Ron also leaves behind grandchildren Courtney, Tyler, Stephen, Boden, Chris, Sarah, Joshua, Brook, Dawson, Vlasta and Aryia. Ron will always be remembered as a friend who could be counted on and to help solve any problem, especially of a practical nature. Many will recall his work with the local public school board as the Manager of Plant for about 30 years. He set a fine example trying to ensure that all those with whom he worked displayed the same integrity and professionalism that he exhibited. All who knew him appreciated his skills as a plumber, pipe fitter, carpenter, mason or jack of all trades. If there was something not quite right with whatever it be..... house, appliance, vehicle and so on, Ron could make it right. Just give him the problem, and he would take an immense amount of joy pondering the remedy. More often than not, he would show up in his favourite mostly cordless cords and a bag of tools, to repair it himself. His love for the outdoors was prevalent for most of his life. He passed on this love to many around him, as they did to their children. As the years rolled on he became more concerned with protecting and observing wildlife, than pursuing it while hunting or fishing. However, he was always available to wet a line with a friend or family member on Rice Lake. As with most red-blooded men, Ron loved to collect things. At one time he probably had the finest glass insulator collection in the country. When he mastered this, he started with ginger beer bottles and crocks. You always knew when he was on the trail of a fine expensive collectible as he donned those ugly cordless cords and an old ripped tee-shirt and headed off to haggle for the best price. He really appreciated the chase, and the social aspect of the pursuit. Ron spent much of his free time getting to know many of the collectors and frequenting any market that might yield a prize. He was a gentleman collector, sometimes in disguise. Ron was married twice: with some really happy years, but they did not last. After his second marriage ended Ron became a wandering soul.....until meeting Eva. He and Eva complimented each other. Ron on the right wing, Eva on the left of centre. If things got dull, just mention a political boondoggle, then sit back and watch the sparks fly. Always a good debate, and good entertainment. They had 15 wonderful years together. Retirement from work resulted in a more laid back Ron. He loved to pour himself a rum and coke then kick back and disappear in a good book. Although his reading was wide and varied, he loved any non-fiction about WWII, becoming quite a good, amateur historian. When Ron retired, he enjoyed travelling and was in the planning stages of a trip to Scotland, the country of his father when illness struck. Many will remember some great discussions with Ron while having a smoke in his open garage, sitting in a lawn chair watching the world go by, as he explained his version on the world. We'll all miss the garage of philosophy, Dad. We'll miss your mischievous smile and chuckle. We'll miss not having you to turn to when the world isn't quite right. But most off all, we'll just miss you. Ron, Dad, Gramps.....you'll always be in our hearts. Ron didn't want a funeral. There will be a very informal open house at Tim and Heathers for all who wish to gather at 984 Tillison Ave., Cobourg, on Thursday August 19th, 5-9 pm. We'll exchange stories, hoist one in his name and celebrate knowing him. In lieu of flowers, donations to Northumberland Hills Hospital or the NHH chemotherapy department, would be appreciated.