Father Joseph Miller, also known as Robert Miller, passed away on Dec. 6, 2015 in Seattle. He was 94.
Father Joseph was born Robert Stanford Miller on June 21, 1921 in Independence, Kansas to Charles Marvin and Hattie Paul Miller. He grew up in Topeka, Kansas surrounded by a large extended family.
He graduated from Highland Park High School in Topeka in 1939, and completed his undergraduate studies in music, philosophy, education and psychology at the Kansas State Teachers College, the Juilliard School of Music, and Conception College. He received his doctoral degree in education at the University of Kansas.
During his many years of distinguished work as an academic and psychologist, he held counseling positions at the University of California, Los Angeles, Washington State University and Central Washington University, where he directed the Student Counseling Center, served as Dean of Student Services, and worked in the testing and evaluation center.
Robert took the Christian name of Joseph when he converted to the Orthodox Christian faith in 1973. With the blessing of the Holy Synod of the Old Calendar Orthodox Church of Greece, Joseph was ordained to the Priesthood, at 80 years of age, by the retired Metropolitan (then Archbishop) of Etna. He was assigned as assistant pastor at the Church of the Dormition of the Theotokos in Port Townsend, where he served for some seven years, prior to the closing of the parish.
Fr. Joseph was amazingly unique; a true Renaissance man who was curious about nearly everything and had many interests in his long life.
He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Barbara Aly Miller; sons Karl Miller of Los Angeles, California and Paul Miller (Karen), of Columbus, Ohio; daughter Anne Strandoo (Robert) of Seattle; niece Katherine Aly Stavrinou, of Drammen, Norway; and adored grandchildren Robert, Genny, Erik, Claire and Grace.
Dad, you were extraordinarily special to each of us. Your unfailing love and support was and will always be an immeasurable gift.
The family extends our deepest thanks to the compassionate and skilled staff at Ida Culver House – Ravenna and Group Health Hospice.
Funeral services have been held, with arrangements provided by Cook Family Funeral Home, Bainbridge Island. Sign the online guest book for the family at www.cookfamilyfuneralhome.com.
In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to Northwest Harvest or a charity of your choice.
