Passed away peacefully in hospital on January 31, 2022 at the age of 89. Donald (Don) was born in Popular Grove, Hants County, Nova Scotia, to the late Alfreda (Stevens) and Robert Miller.
In 1955 Don joined the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) and married Margaret (Martin). They started their married life stationed in Moncton, New Brunswick, then were posted to RCAF 2 F Wing / Grostenquin in the Moselle region of France. This was an exciting posting for Don and Marg with their young family, spending every weekend and time off camping throughout Europe.
Stationed back in Canada at CFB Greenwood, Nova Scotia, it was a perfect spot to be reunited with their families again. Posted to CFB Cold Lake, Alberta, Don and Marg adjusted to the cold, took up curling, and met lifelong friends. The last postings prior to retirement were to Ottawa, Cornwallis Nova Scotia, and then back to Ottawa to stay.
At the start of his retirement years, Don and Marg built out a van and traveled the North American roads for 20 years. Don became an avid golfer, which also enabled him to meet another set of great friends. Don and Marg's love of family, and of their Maritime roots inspired them to do yearly road trips down east, and they would not leave until they saw everyone.
They later moved to Carleton Place, Ontario and have lived these last 3 years at Stirling Park Residence in Ottawa, which they have very much enjoyed.
Don is survived by his wife Margaret Miller (Martin) of 66 years, his children Dale Miller (Jim); Bradley Miller (Barbara) of Edmonton, Stephen Miller (Rachel) of Seattle; and grandchildren David Miller and Alex Miller, to whom he took a great interest in all they did. He is also survived by his siblings: Bernice Wile, of Windsor and Joyce Trenaman, Betty Harnish (Bubby), and Joan Shea (Gordie), of Halifax and Mike Downing/recently deceased (Sara) of Windsor. Also, Don will be greatly missed by his many nieces and nephews on both sides of the Miller and Martin families who all looked up to him. Don was a devoted husband, a loving father, and a lovely, kind man who always was smiling, laughed easily, and was a friend to everyone he met.
At his request, Don’s ashes will be interred in both Ottawa and in Nova Scotia. A graveside interment service for Donald's family and friends will be held on Tuesday, May 24, 2022 at 1:00 p.m. at the National Military Cemetery, located at Beechwood Cemetery. Please arrive by 12:45 p.m. at the Beechwood National Memorial Centre. Following the interment, a casual gathering will take place at a nearby location. Another service for Donald will be held this summer in Nova Scotia.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to Queensway Carleton Hospital Foundation (www.qchfoundation.ca), the Ottawa Humane Society (www.ottawahumane.ca), or a charity of your choice.
Livre de visiteurs
Waldo Martin and Gale Martin
Judy and Ted Thibodeau
Marg and family, so sorry for your loss. We really enjoyed your visit in Nova Scotia, it was quite a few years ago, but we caught up, as if we had never been separated.
Miriam Selig
So sorry to hear of Don's passing. Peter and I always enjoyed seeing Don and Marg. Though infrequent, they were always good times.
Miriam (Mim) Selig
David Scribner and Rebecca Penty
We were so sad to receive the news that Don had passed.
We have very fond memories of Don with countless rounds of golf at Welsford and lots of time spent in and around the grey travel van.
Praying for peace and comfort to Margaret and family at this difficult time.
Lorraine Prezeau (Thibodeau)
I met both Don and Marg many years ago when I was much much younger through my parents, Judy and Ted Thibodeau. I am so terribly sorry for your loss. I hope happy memories can carry you through this difficult time.
Catherine Neily
My mother, Emma Huntley, grew up in Poplar Grove with Donald and Bernice. Her stories of them were fond ones. My condolences on your loss.
Bub & Betty Harnish
We join family from wherever they live via technology as we deal
with the loss of family who will always be with us in memories.
Bub & Betty Harnish
We join all who knew and loved him as we deal with that "void" in our
family circle. Thankful for all the good memories.
It was with sadness that we received news that Don has passed.
With deepest condolences.