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Robert Vincent (RV) Miller
Robert Vincent (RV) Miller, 84, of Missoula, Mont., passed away of natural causes on Monday, Nov. 10, 2014 at Community Medical Center.
RV was born Jan. 14, 1930 in Uniontown, Kan., to Milo and Laura Miller. As a young boy he lived with his family on a farm and was educated in a one-room schoolhouse. His family moved throughout Kansas, calling Uniontown, Fort Scott, Wichita, and Parsons, home during RV's youth. As a boy, RV excelled in sports; so much that the NY Yankees recognized his skills in the American Legion Baseball with an invitation to tryout. While considered an honor, RV declined the invitation due to work and family obligations, and the loss of his father at a young age.
In 1950, RV started his career with Hallmark Cards in Parsons, Kan. His career was interrupted in 1951 when he enlisted in the Navy and served with pride from 1951-1959. In 1952, after boot camp in San Diego, Calif., RV came home to marry his sweetheart and love of his life, Joan Lewis of Parsons, Kan. After a brief honeymoon, RV was assigned to the construction of Cubi Point Naval Air Station in the Philippines for 18 months as a proud member of the Sea Bees. His next assignment took him to Honolulu, Hawaii in Naval Intelligence. Joan joined him there and they continued their honeymoon on the islands. Their first daughter, Sheree Ann Miller, was born during that time. When RV was released from active duty in 1955, the young family returned to Parsons, Kan. The family grew with the addition of their son, Vincent Ray Miller in 1955. RV continued his career at Hallmark, rising quickly to a managerial position in 1956 where he was integral in establishing a new production facility in Lawrence, Kan.
In Lawrence, the family set down roots, and was joined by another daughter, Linda Jo Miller in 1959. Attending First Christian Church and playing bridge regularly in the community, RV and Joan developed a number of close and long-term friendships, many lasting for decades, celebrating each others' 50th anniversaries and other joys together. A loving, kind father and husband, RV prized his time spent with his family, especially during vacations around the west as the children grew up. When RV retired after 38 years with Hallmark Cards, he and Joan spent much of their time traveling around the west, visiting their children and grandchildren. After moving to Montana in 2002, RV helped strengthen the foundation of PDT, Inc. in Missoula by sharing his knowledge and management skills with his daughter Linda, CEO of PDT.
Family was always important to RV. His kids and grandchildren have countless memories of helping with his woodworking and home improvement projects, while marveling over his skills and handiwork. RV inspired and led his family with his loyalty, truth, compassion, strength, patience, and love.
Survivors include his wife Joan of Missoula, RV's treasured bride of 62 years; three children: Sheree (Ben Greer) of Seattle, Wash.; Vince (Beth) of Boulder City, Nev.; Linda (Steve Neilan) of Missoula, Mont.; 11 grandchildren; three great grandchildren. They plan to gather and hold a remembrance ceremony for RV in the spring.