Obituary of Brian Miller

Judge Brian H. Miller, a longtime attorney and Adams County Superior Court Judge, died at the age of 65 on Saturday, Sept. 28. He served as Superior Court Judge until his untimely death, after a valiant battle against cancer. He was born on April 6, 1948 to W. Walters and Erma Strate Miller in Spokane. He attended school in Ritzville, graduating from Ritzville High School in 1966, where he served as student body president. He participated in football, basketball and track. During the summers he competed as a member of the very successful Ritzville Swim Club, a sport he enjoyed throughout his life. Following graduation, he attended the University of Washington, where he became a member of Beta Theta Pi and also joined the Husky crew where he excelled. He rowed all three years in the varsity boat and in 1970, they won the national championship. He maintained a lifelong friendship with all of his teammates. He was inducted into two of the University's most exclusive honoraries, Oval Club and Fir Tree and was elected president of the Big "W" Club. In 2004, he and "The Boys in the Boat," were inducted into the Husky Hall of Fame. Following college graduation he attended Gonzaga University School of Law, interrupting his studies for a year while attempting to make the US Olympic Crew Team. He returned and received his Juris Doctorate degree in 1973. He began his very successful law practice in Othello where he worked for 37 years. He specialized in litigation, commercial law, real estate and crop insurance claim litigation. He also served as Adams County Deputy Prosecuting Attorney and Othello City Attorney. During his years in Othello he was an active community supporter and member of the Chamber of Commerce and Rotary Club, holding a variety of leadership positions. In 2012 he accomplished a lifetime goal and was elected to the Adams County Superior Court bench, an honor he was humbled by and which he strove to fulfill with his hallmark sense of fairness and justice. In 1983 he married the love of his life, Susan Isaac Miller. Their loving 35-year partnership was highlighted by family retreats to their cabin on Lake Coeur d'Alene, and annual trips to the Columbia River for special Yakima Nation fishing expeditions. He numbered two of his greatest accomplishments his two sons, Brian Schafer and Brad Miller. He was consummately caring and involved father, as well as a father figure and mentor to a host of their friends. He loved being a father and husband most. He is survived by his wife, Susan; sons, Brian J. (Dawn) Schafer and R. Bradley Miller; brother, Judge Richard W. (Janis) Miller; three grandchildren, Brent, Rachel and Mark Schafer; and numerous relatives. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to: Brian H. Miller Memorial, UW Rowing, Conibear Shell House, Attention Bob Ernst, PO Box 354070, Seattle WA 98195; or Othello Rotary Scholarship Fund, Attention Steve Connors, PO Box 523, Othello WA 99344. His life will be celebrated at a memorial service to be held on Wednesday, Oct. 23 at 3 p.m. at the American Legion Hall in Ritzville. A celebration of life will take place at Canyon Lakes Champions Room on Wednesday, Oct. 30 at 4 p.m.