Obituary of John Raymond Miller

It is with an appreciation of a life well lived, the family announces the peaceful passing of John Raymond “Jackie” Miller, husband of Bernice (Baskin) Miller on Wednesday, September 4, 2024, at Shannex, Embassy Hall, Quispamsis N.B.

Born on February 11, 1937, in Campbellton, NB, he was a son of the late Raymond and Catherine (Hamilton) Miller. Jackie was the middle son of three boys, growing up in Charlo, NB. He was an avid hockey fan who learned to play on the local ponds and fields, using home made shinpads. He played competitive men’s hockey with the Charlo Millionaires and sported a nose slightly askew from his playing days. He maintained his love for hockey throughout his life. Driving overnight to Boston to see Bobby Orr as a rookie. Attending the final game at the Chicago stadium in 1994, as well as the closing of the Maple Leaf Gardens in 1999.

Jackie started his paper making vocation in the Dalhousie Pulp and Paper Mill in 1959. He moved to Port Hawkesbury Paper in 1963, and then to Irving Paper (Saint John) in 1965. Jackie did briefly return to Dalhousie in 1966, before returning to Irving Paper to complete his career in 1999. After retirement, Jackie then worked for six years as a paper making consultant with Voith (a supplier of paper making equipment).

Jackie loved to travel; he was willing to get on a plane anytime and anywhere. Fortunately, his work allowed him to travel all over Canada and parts of US and even Europe. His work travel also allowed him to engage in his love of golf. One of Jackie’s great pleasures was to travel to play a round of golf with family, friends, and colleagues, followed by a nice meal and a cold beverage.

Jackie loved his grandkids to no end! Jackie would follow them all around the Maritimes to watch them participate in various activities, such as basketball, hockey, football, baseball, golf. and rugby. He also attended plays, musicals, or any event that they participated in. If anyone of his grandchildren required a drive, he would be there in an instant to pick them up. His devotion to his grand kids and their teams was second to none. During one hockey season he would attend the teams’ practices and games, even if his grandson was unable to attend. He also attended every tournament, local or away. This dedication resulted in that team giving him a jacket sporting the name “#1 Fan”. He cherished that jacket even up to his last days.

Jackie was fond of all animals, especially dogs. His heart will always remain with his golden retriever “Bart,” who passed in 2005.

Besides his wife of 62 years Bernice, Jackie is survived by his four sons: Bob (Anne), John (Chantal), Kirk (Brigitte), and Shawn.

He is also survived by his brother Alex (Donna), and his six grandchildren: Samantha, Jeremy, Bryce, Cameron, Keegan, and Aynsley, as well as several nieces, nephews, and extended family.

Jackie was predeceased by his parents, as well as his older brother Danny.

In keeping with Jackie’s wishes there will be no Funeral Service. A gathering of family and friends to celebrate Jackie’s life will be held at Kennebecasis Community Funeral Home, 152 Pettingill Road, Quispamsis (506- 849-2119) on Saturday, September 21, 2024 from 2-4 and 6-8 PM. For those who wish, in lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Jackie can be made to Alzheimer Association, or any charity of the donor’s choice.