In Celebration of

Alexander 'Sandy' Miller

April 15, 1988 -  July 1, 2017

MILLER, Alexander "Sandy"
April 15, 1988 – July 1, 2017
Alexander "Sandy" Miller passed away peacefully and courageously on July 1, 2017. He was deeply loved by his parents, Susan Clarke and Donald Miller, his sister, Elizabeth Miller (Adam McLaughlin), his grandmothers, Joan Miller (Jim Tremain) and June Clarke, and his beloved dogs, Mya and Lisa. Sandy was graced by the love of his aunts and uncles, and by the friendship of his cousins. He was preceded in his passage by his grandfathers, Donald Clarke and Dusty Miller. He will be forever in the hearts and memories of many friends who were like family to him, including the Biggs-Keogh and Rennie families. Sandy's lifetime was short in days, but rich and rewarding in friends and those for whom he cared deeply. He was born and raised in Ottawa, spending high school days with his teammates on the fields and rinks of Ashbury College and his summers canoeing with his trip-mates in the beautiful lakes surrounding Camp Nominingue. He was a mentor and teacher for the campers in his care. Sandy was dedicated to wildlife issues, protection of the environment, and First Nations environmental issues. He graduated from Queen's University with a Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Environmental Sciences, publishing his thesis on Environmental Racism in First Nations Communities in Ontario. While in Kingston, he enjoyed great camaraderie as a member of the Queen's Mountain Biking Team. He completed his Masters of Science in Planning at UBC's School of Community and Regional Planning specializing in Ecological and Natural Resources Planning, and dedicated his research to underwater noise regulation and the protection of beluga whale habitat in Cook Inlet, Alaska. While living in Vancouver, he volunteered and conducted survey research in the Downtown Eastside Market, prompting some positive change by the City of Vancouver. He moved further West, with his love of the ocean (surfing), to pursue post-degree studies in Fisheries at Nanaimo's Vancouver Island University. In all the many places that Sandy travelled, he dedicated his life to the well-being of others. He was wise beyond his years, and a natural care-giver. He could bring together people from all walks of life, and his beautiful soul will be cherished in the hearts of the many people he touched. A Celebration of Sandy's life will take place on Saturday, July 22, 11 a.m., at Ashbury College in Ottawa, Ontario. Should you wish to honour Sandy's legacy with a donation, the family would be grateful for contributions to the work of the Pacific Salmon Foundation and the PHS Community Services Society. The Clarke-Millers are deeply grateful to our communities of friends for their support, kindness, and care, and to Justin Steinburg, whose kindness, love, and multi-talents have guided and sustained us during this difficult time.