Michael L. Miller
September 25, 1957 – April 12, 2022
No services are being planned at this time. Memorial contributions may be made to Alzheimer’s Association, in c/o the funeral home.
Obituary
Age 64, passed away Tuesday morning, April 12, 2022. Michael was born in Denver, CO, on September 29, 1957, the son of Melvin and Anita (Traynor) Miller. On September 11, 2015, he married Michael Venable who survives him. As a gifted musician, he earned his Bachelors and Masters degrees from Lamont School of Music at the University of Denver and his Doctor of Musical Arts degree from Eastman School of Music He had been Professor of Music for several years at Western Michigan University, where as an oboist, he taught and performed. He was a full-time member of the Battle Creek Symphony and frequently was a supplemental member of the Grand Rapids Symphony. Besides his husband, Michael he is survived by a sister, three brothers, several nieces and nephews, countless friends and students.
“Mikey”, as I called him, was one of the best friends I ever had. He had unalloyed loyalty to those he called his friends and a love for life which was inspiring. We behaved like nine year-olds when we were “out and about” and shared everything with each other. He was a very positive influence on me both personally and as an oboist. It was Mikey who introduced me to the utter beauty of Richard Woodhams’ oboe playing and got me to change my approach to how I played. He visited my husband, Olav, and me in the late 90s and was so helpful in putting his “touch” on the old house we have. He played a concert with me at Yale and we had a splendid time of it. I miss him and will always be grateful to have called Michael Miller my dear friend. Rest in peace, my dear friend! I’ll carry our pranks on for both of us!