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ALBERT J. MILLER Obituary pic

ALBERT J. MILLER

Date of Passing: Sep 18, 2014

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ALBERT J. MILLER Thursday, September 18, 2014 It was one of those beautiful serene autumn days, when Albert Joseph Miller, or "The one and only leader of the Al Miller Band, decided to call it a day and take his saxophone up into the clouds. His unique style of music brought joy and happiness to thousands of Manitobans throughout the decades. Now, his calming voice will be heard amongst the angels and departed friends and family that will be there to greet him. Al sang a peaceful last song at Seven Oaks Hospital Thursday morning after celebrating his 90th birthday only a few months ago... Al served his country during the Second World War, then returned to serve all the people of Winnipeg with his myriad of bands over the last 70 years. He was an institution in every banquet hall, legion, retirement home or every other "live" entertainment venue that the city had to offer and beyond. He played more weddings and joined more couples than most priests.. His soothing voice and knowledge of the old standards made many people cry tears of joy when he would take them down memory lane... Irreplaceable, would be the word that comes to mind when we think of "AL" and how he will be missed. Al also served as the president of the Legion on Main street for many years as well.. But his gift to mankind was his ability to make people sing along and forget their cares, if only for a few minutes or hours.. There was hardly a week that would go by, when he wasn't stopped in the street by someone, who would shake his hand and remind him that he played that person's wedding or social event and how he brought them joy... Making others happy was Al's true gift and he did it all his life. His legacy is a simple one.. A self taught musician that followed a dream to be a vehicle to bring happiness to all through his music... And this he did to perfection... There will be no service for "Al Miller". He prefers to be remembered through his mellow sax, his gentle voice and the songs he played for all.. If you'd like to donate, please make your offerings to the Seven Oaks Hospital in his name, as the staff and caretakers at Seven Oaks treated him with amazing care and compassion over the last 8 months. All of us remaining can only hope for the kindness and care they provided as did his sister Agnes, family and especially Debbie who were by his side near the end. As his only surviving son, I can only be so proud that he was my dad and that we shared many happy times together. So, it is with great joy that my dad, "Al Miller", now has immortality in that great band in the sky. "Happy tunes Pops.. You will be always with us, cause every time we sing a song, a small part of you will be there in the melody."

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 20, 2014

Condolences & Memories (7 entries)

  • I will miss Al dearly. He was my mentor. A great band leader. We always had fun working together, and he was very professional. You touched many hearts with your music, Al. You were a great friend! - Posted by: Denny Adams (Friend and employee) on: Jan 04, 2015

  • Al played his music for the residents at Luther home on a monthly basis. We will miss his great talent and the friendships he made with many of our residents and staff. We will miss The Al Miller Band! Rest in Peace Al. - Posted by: Liz Maas (Friend) on: Sep 26, 2014

  • I remember Mr. Miller from my childhood and beyond. He and my dad, Tommy Buick, were friends for many years. His former wife, Molly, was a good friend of my mothers and they went to many dances together our fathers played for. I just saw Mr. Miller 2 years ago and he was still sprightly and smiled his special smile when he realized I was "Tommy's daughter". - Posted by: Beverlee Hummel (BUICK) (Friend) on: Sep 23, 2014

  • I was very saddened to hear that Uncle Albert has passed away. No words can describe how sorry I am for your loss. Please accept our condolences. We all knew that his greatest joy was his children and making others happy whether through his music or humorous wit. - Posted by: Kenn Miller (Nephew) on: Sep 21, 2014

  • Yes, how I remember that saxophone, and Albert practicing down the basement on Kildarroch. We used to sit on the grass and listen to the music. Even when I was young I know what a saxophone was because of this. And then later I heard it played on my wedding day when Albert and his guys played pretty modern music (1970's style), and really good Ukrainian polkas as well. Rest in peace, Mr. Miller - Posted by: Linda (Feston) Benson (Former Neighbor) on: Sep 20, 2014

  • The times we spent with Al were very interesting he would tell us about his music ...where he'd be playing that day or evening and how he loved to make the people happy ....He was a kind and sweet man we will miss him dearly. REST IN PEACE ALBERT - Posted by: Greg and Cora Krall (cousin ) on: Sep 20, 2014

  • Our deepest sympathy to one true musician - Posted by: Barrie Creran (Former accordion player for al) on: Sep 20, 2014

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