Harvey Miller

Early evening of May 1, 2022, he took a final stroll through the paths he'd created and enjoyed, around his property, Sweet Rockets in full bloom. May 14, my heart believes he traveled those same paths home where, those that loved him first, were waiting.

The world will remember him as Harvey L. Miller, the son of Harry and Mildred Miller and the brother of Janis(Richard)Mason. To his family and close friends, he was Harv, Dad, Daddy, Pop and Poppa.

Those left to share what he taught them are his wife of 34 yrs Carol A. Harness, Mothers of his children - Pamela York Rayl and Kathy Antosh Lamb, Daughters - Krista (Brad) Swisher, Jennifer Murray, Son - Harrison (Rebecca) Miller

Eight grandchildren - Megan Woods, Andrea Swisher, Rebecca Henning, Samantha Greenstreet, Brittan Murray, Cameron Murray, Alexyss Miller and Hunter Miller. Grandsons-in-law - James Woods and Ben Henning.

He also touched the lives of six great grandchildren, Jeremiah Alexander Slayden, Brody Jaxon Henning, Liam Joseph Henning, Tucker James Henning, Makenzie Rae Woods and Michael Eugene Woods.

Pop built, with Carol, a house of trivia, music and books. Together, for many years, they navigated Land Rush, at the Walnut Valley Festival, where they enjoyed the blue grass music and built lifetime friendships. Symphony in Flint Hills was always penciled in on their calendar, as well. The annual book sale that was held at the public library during River Festival….. Let’s just say they never missed one and always left with a loaded dolly. The Sunday paper was always delivered, to the house, in duplicate. The two of them enjoyed the intellectual banter and challenge that was created in the crossword puzzles and off-beat comics.

Pop found solace, tinkering in his retirement shed, built by his hands, with Carol's valued input and the help of respected talents. He enjoyed creating with materials, that many would have discarded. His favorite creations were, most likely, the ones he had to explain. He also found peace in the time he spent with his dog, Romeo. Whether the two of them were opening the shed in the morning, locking it up at the end of the day or the endless walks in between.

When all else failed and quiet was difficult to find, in a world that often frustrated him, he would simply roll the truck windows down, crank the radio volume up and cruise dirt roads or highways listening to Jimmy Buffett, Neil Diamond, The Eagles, James Taylor, Crosby, Stills & Nash, Gordon Lightfoot, Jim Croce and so many others.

Although a respecter of people, their ideas and their beliefs, Pop held true to his own. Some of which he kept to himself. Many of which he shared only to those he saw fit. He judged himself harder than he ever judged others.

As a lover of the written and spoken word, Pop's hope was that others would read, for more than entertainment and listen to what made them feel uncomfortable enough to think beyond themselves. His passion for quotes, poems, random thoughts and song lyrics can be found in the plethora of notebooks, journals and pieces of scrap paper found at his bedside, on the table by his chair and at the end of the couch.

He may have avoided the church, but Pop's relationship with God was real and intimate. Connection and worship with the Almighty took place amongst the beautiful gardens he effortlessly didn't tend to. He taught that not everything needed to be tended, but left to share their own beauty and simply be enjoyed. His property was home to many Naked Ladies, Peonies, Irises, Honeysuckle, Sweet Rockets and Lilacs. The butterflies and birds love it there along with the tree stump full of bees.

Never certain of what others took away from being in his company, he brought insight, friendship and loyalty to many. His handshakes were firm, his hugs were personal and his laughter was rich. Many speak of unconditional love. He lived it.

"The good thing and the bad thing about time, is that it passes."

For those that loved him most, Dad's time passed too quickly. He will be missed in the same measure he was loved. Immensely.

Lives are richer because he was here and the thought of Heaven more enticing, because now he's there.