Gone West Maj. Stan J. Miller RCAF (Retired)

[AIRIC]

My good friend, Stan Miller, passed away on Saturday. Stan flew Halifax and Lancasters at the end of WWII and retired from the RCAF in 1971 but he never stopped flying. In June 2006, despite being in his 80s, he renewed his Aerobatic and Instructors Endorsement on the Harvard. Back in May he was diagnosed with a tumour on the brain and we talked after his surgery a few times and he was very positive and fighting to get back in shape to fly. I then heard two weeks ago he was back in the hospital and today that he had passed away.

I had the pleasure of flying with Stan many times and he always made me fly the plane and coaxed me into shape despite not having a license. We spent many hours together flying Hannu Halminen’s Classic Wing’s TigerMoth, Waco YMF-5 and Harvards while barnstorming across Ontario, which has left me with many great memories.

This is a tribute I did for Stan on my website.
http://www.airic.ca/html/stanmiller.html



Cheers,

Eric

[Paul Krumrei]

God Speed dear sir.

[Ztex]

Always sorry to hear of the loss of a dear friend and a life long flier.

Peace

[daveymac82c]

I've very sorry to hear about your loss.

God speed.

-David

[Al Moore]

Very sad news.

Al Moore

[AIRIC]

Thanks guys. I sure have some great memories to reflect back on and I was very lucky to spend a lot of time with Stan and the Harvards.

Eric

This is his obituary

MILLER, Stanley J.

STANLEY J. MILLER Passed away on September 29, 2007, in Scarborough, in his 84th year. He is survived by his wife Beth, daughter Myrna and husband Joe; daughter Elaine and husband Geoff; grandchildren Jillian, Michael, Jordan, Jack and Emily; sisters Peggy and Jean and brothers Donald and Philip, and many nieces and nephews. Stan was born in Melfort, SK, and devoted his entire life to the calling of aviation. During WWII Stan served with Bomber Command. On returning to civilian life he operated an aviation charter company in Melfort. In 1950, he rejoined the R.C.A.F., and served as an instructor until he retired with the rank of Major, spending 27 years in total in the military. In his next career, he spent 17 years with Seneca College, from which he retired as Chairman, Aviation and Flight Technology. Throughout his career, he was very active in the Air Cadet movement and was a much respected Honourary Life Member of the Air Cadet League of Canada. Following his retirement from Seneca, Stan remained active as an instructor, as a pilot of vintage aircraft at air shows, and as a MOT Flight Test Examiner. Over an active flying career that spanned 64 years, Stan imparted piloting skills to over 700 students, flew dozens of aircraft types and amassed over 19,000 hours of flight time. Visitations will be held at Giffen-Mack Funeral Home, 4115 Lawrence Ave. E., Scarborough, on Wednesday, October 3, 2007, from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. The Funeral Service begins at 11 a.m. On Thursday, October 4, 2007, at the same location, followed by interment at the Pine Hills Cemetery. Afterwards, a reception will be held to celebrate Stan's life at the Royal Canadian Legion on Lawson Road, Scarborough. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Memory of Stan Miller to The Air Cadet League of Canada (OPC), in care of 600 - 4900 Yonge Street, Toronto, Ontario, M2N 6B7.

[warbirddriver]

Hi Eric,

thanks for the post on Stan. I saw Steve in Columbus and he told me that Stan was in the hospital and Doug called me today to let me know he had passed. I always enjoyed my annual Harvard checks with Stan and was looking forward to flying with him again. Please pass on my condolences to his family.

Glenn

ps back in town on Thursday. Taking the kids to CWH on Saturday if you are around

[AIRIC]

Hi Eric,

thanks for the post on Stan. I saw Steve in Columbus and he told me that Stan was in the hospital and Doug called me today to let me know he had passed. I always enjoyed my annual Harvard checks with Stan and was looking forward to flying with him again. Please pass on my condolences to his family.

Glenn

ps back in town on Thursday. Taking the kids to CWH on Saturday if you are around

PM Sent.

[Simcoe Warrior]

Excellent tribute Eric, you've done another hero proud!