Sheldon Jay Miller
January 28, 1956 - June 09, 2017
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Sheldon Jay Miller
January 28, 1956 - June 09, 2017
Obituary
Surrounded by family, Sheldon J. Miller, age 61, passed away in Bellingham on June 9, 2017. Sheldon was born on January 28, 1956 in Bellingham to George and Joan (Whetter) Miller. He attended Nooksack Valley Schools, graduating in 1974 after winning the State Basketball Championship. Sheldon graduated from Washington State University in 1979 with a BA in Education. He worked as a Guidance Counselor at Blaine High School before beginning his career in Moulding and Millwork with Metrie in Ferndale in 1990. Sheldon’s love of athletics and sports extended far beyond high school, coaching basketball at Blaine High School, coaching his kids’ little league baseball and basketball teams, and playing softball. Sheldon prided himself as a collector with an extensive collection of baseball cards and die cast toys. Sheldon is survived by his wife Lynn Miller, children Matthew (Aliya), Andrew (Tayler), and Madison Miller, step-children Austin Roy, and Cheyanne Bennett, and two grandchildren on the way. A Celebration of Sheldon’s life will be held on Saturday June 24, 11:00am at Immanuel Lutheran in Deming. In lieu of flowers, please make Memorial Donations to Whatcom Hospice, 2901 Squalicum Parkway Bellingham WA 98225, and CaringBridge, Donation Processing Center PO Box 6032 Albert Lea, MN 6007-6632. Please share your memories of Sheldon at wordpress-271002-1416095.cloudwaysapps.com.
Celebration Of Life
- Date & Time: January 17, 6242 (12:00 AM)
- Venue: Immanuel Lutheran Church
- Location: 5782 Lawrence Rd Everson, WA 98247 - (Get Directions)
22 responses to Sheldon Jay Miller
Rhiannon says:
June 9, 2017
Thank you for allowing me to have a short moment in time with you and your family. Was an honor to meet you Sheldon! Wish it would of been different circumstances. But God had a purpose for us to meet. You will forever be in my heart. Many blessings to Lynn and family.
Diane Sanna says:
June 9, 2017
So very sad to learn of Sheldons passing. His Mom was my first grade teacher. Sheldon lived on Greens Lane across from the Kurz family, where I played often with Linda, Don and Sheldon. Linda passed away last week, such sadness and loss on Greens Lane. I graduated from the class of 1972, NVHS. So very sorry for your loss, prayers for the family
Dave Kroontje says:
June 9, 2017
Just a bit over 50 years ago, on January 27, 1967 to be exact, Jimmy Sterk, Kelly Heutink and I were among Sheldon’s guests at a sleepover birthday party at the home of Sheldon and his parents George and Joan Miller. Apart from the memorable event of the birthday party, I expect everyone there recalls that evening with just a little more clarity because it was the night of the Apollo-1 space capsule fire which took the lives of the three NASA astronauts, Grissom, White and Chaffee.
The party guests all watched the live television news reports of that tragedy with a serious focus and awareness that seems diminished in most of today’s eleven-year-olds.
The Sheldon I knew, beginning in Mrs. Honcoop’s kindergarten class and extending through high school, was one of those focused kids. He was focused on doing well in school, being a good citizen and, along with the rest of the “gym rats” in our NVHS class, he was determined – from the first grade on (no kidding) – that the Pioneers would produce a State Champion basketball team during our high school tenure. That was a “bucket-list” item that Sheldon checked off early on!
As is often the case with high school classmates, after graduation I didn’t see Sheldon much – a handful of times only during the balance of his life. I did keep up on the happenings in his world by way of occasional contact with his terrific parents. Happily, on the 13th of last month, Sheldon and Lynn joined a group of NV classmates who meet on the 2nd Saturday of each month for coffee in Everson. A mini-reunion of sorts, there were some good stories told (with minimal lying or embellishment, I’m sure) which predictably precipitated some good laughs. While it was apparent that Sheldon was very ill, his endearing smile and infectious laugh were not subdued by his circumstance.
As the group parted that day, I took Sheldon’s right hand in both of mine, and reminded him that I was very happy to see him. I bade Sheldon, “Take care of yourself.” “It’s good to see you too, Dave,” was his reply. As final goodbyes go, it was a good one, I think.
For my part, I hope that heaven has a basketball court. For if it does I know with certainty that my classmate and friend is a happy spirit.
Melanie Yasson says:
June 9, 2017
Sorry for your loss prayers to his family. Sheldon was a good man
Amy Millman says:
June 9, 2017
I had the privilege of working with Sheldon for the last 9 and 1/2 years. No one could give a roast like he could or get a group laughing. I laugh every time I think of the Holiday party where the magician put him on stage and from that day on he never let me forget he was going to pay me back. Sheldon brought an energy with him and I know he’s very missed in our office. My deepest and most heartfelt condolences to his family. I know you lost a great man and I hope in time the pain will recede and you can just enjoy the happy times spent with him.