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Topic: L/Colonel Alexander George Miller (Read 394 times)
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Mike Blais
SSM (NATO Bar), CPSM, UN-Cyp, CD
Ultimate 2000+ Member
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A ROYAL CANADIAN "NEVER PASSES A FAULT"
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Former soldier 'Alex' Miller left his mark on the communities he served
Published Wednesday June 4th, 2008
The local military community said a final goodbye recently to one of its more distinguished and revered members.
Retired lieutenant-colonel Alexander George Miller passed away in March after what his family and friends described as a "long, courageous" struggle with cancer.
The former member of the famed Black Watch (Royal Highland Regiment) of Canada and soldier at Canadian Forces Base Gagetown was just 65 years old when he finally succumbed to the dreadful disease.
Miller, known affectionately among those in his circle as simply "Alex," was laid to rest at the historic cemetery of the 42nd Royal Highland Regiment (The Black Watch), in Taymouth on May 24, under the direction of Rev. Dave Dewar.
Military honours were provided by personnel from The Second Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment from Gagetown.
Musical tributes in the highland tradition were provided by 2RCR Pipes and Drums in concert with 3 ASG Pipes and Drums. The united bands were under the direction of Pipe Major Chris Yeo.
The ceremony, attended by numerous veterans from The Black Watch Regiment throughout the Maritimes, was a reflection of the great brotherhood which has developed over the years among members of the now-disbanded regular forces regiment.
A dedicated piper for many years, Miller was played to his final rest by Pipe Major Hugh MacPherson with the haunting highland lament Flowers of the Forest.
Miller, a native of Montreal, enrolled in the Canadian Army in 1961 and transferred to the regular force two years later. He retired in 1997.
During his career, he served three tours in Cyprus, as well as in Germany and Vietnam. He spent time at many bases across the country, including Gagetown.
Originally a member of The Black Watch, he later transferred to the Royal Canadian Regiment.
Miller was the type of individual who considered it a privilege to serve and appreciated the sense of loyalty and teamwork he found in a good regiment.
"Alex loved soldiering and served in Cyprus, Germany and Vietnam," retired lieutenant-colonel Isaac Kennedy, a former member of The Black Watch Regiment, said in a statement.
"At CFB Gagetown, as the base administrative officer, his basic honesty and common sense were legendary. Still, his greatest accomplishment was his family."
A testament to his strong military ties, Miller was also a member of The Royal Canadian Legion Branch No. 4, The Black Watch Association and The United States Institute of Fredericton.
Prior to his retirement, he served as a field officer in waiting to the Governor General of Canada and as a trustee for HMCS Sackville.
Miller also had an active volunteer side to his personality and was recognizable throughout the community. He was involved with the Canadian Corps of Commissionaires, the St. John Ambulance and the Duke of Edinburgh Awards.
Aside from being a member of the Fredericton Highland Pipe Band and the 3 Area Support Group Pipes and Drums, Miller, at the request of the producer of The Nova Scotia Tattoo, he organized and led the pipe band for two years, an honour he was more than proud of.
He was a "great soldier who was dedicated to the Black Watch and later to The Royal Canadian Regiment," said retired colonel Ian Fraser, producer of the Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo, in a statement. "Alex also made a notable contribution to the Tattoo Pipes and Drums."
There can be no doubt that Miller left his mark on both the military and civilian communities. He had so much more to offer but, like many before him, he fell victim to a terrible malaise that has claimed the lives of so many Canadians over the years.
There is no doubt that Alex Miller will be missed by those who knew him and by those who knew of him.
May you rest in peace.
Michael Staples covers the military for The Daily Gleaner. He can be reached at staples.michael@dailygleaner.com.
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1RCR 1977-79 Depot (Italy PL), B Coy, Mortars, Pioneers, D Coy (CFB London)
3RCR 1979-82 M Coy, Pipes & Drums, Sigs, Mortars. (CFB Baden-Soellingen)
1RCR 1982-88 Mortars. Dukes, Cyprus-Welfare NCO 84-85, Injured, WO&Sgts Mess, (CFB London)
1988-92 Med-remuster to HELL/ 35 DU, CFB Baden
1992 Medical release. God Bless you all!
Pro Patria
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ranrad
Ron [Andy] Andrews
Ultimate 2000+ Member
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Thank you , Sir for your lifetime of dedication and service to all. Rest in Peace. My condolemces to family and friends...ranrad
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RCAF,CAF, converted RCR?,1RCR 74-77 CD: SSM (Nato);CPSM,;UN-Cyp.; UN- Golan
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