Robert Miller

06/21/1922 ~ 10/28/2013
Robert Gragg Miller, age 91, passed away on October 28, 2013 in Bellingham surrounded by his large and loving family. He was born June 21, 1922 in Bellingham, WA to Edward H. and Frances Gragg Miller. Robert “Bob” attended Campus School, Lowell, and Fairhaven, graduating from Bellingham High School in 1940. He began his college career at WWU, earning his B.A. in Business from the University of Washington. Bob served in the U.S. Army during WWII, attaining the rank of Master Sergeant. In addition to his military duties, Bob used his piano skills by travelling with a musical orchestra that entertained the troops in various Army installations.
Bob returned to Bellingham to take over the family business, Edward H. Miller and Co. with his brother John. By the late 1950’s, Bob was supporting the Federal and State governments as they acquired property for the new Interstate system (now I-5). This lead Bob to pursue the highest real estate appraisal designation, Member of Appraisal Institute (MAI) and along with other Bellingham real estate brokers Bill Follis, Hal Arnason and brother John, pioneered the local real estate appraisal industry. They travelled extensively to appraise property, including the damage from the 1964 Alaska earthquake. Bob spent the rest of his fifty year career servicing commercial and residential clients throughout Whatcom County.
On December 26, 1949, Bob married his high school sweetheart, Margaret Haggard, and they were married 63 years before her passing in January, 2013. Bob was involved in Bellingham community activities and was known for his bright smile, ability to engage conversation and sense of humor. He held a variety of Board positions, including President, of the Bellingham JayCee’s, Bellingham Civic Music Association Member, Whatcom Symphony Orchestra, Rotary Club of Bellingham, Totem Council of Camp Fire Girls, Multiple Listing Service and the Whatcom County Board of Realtors receiving their Realtor Lifetime award in 1999. You could often times find Bob beautifully playing the piano at home and for events around town. Bob was a great advocate for education and active supporters of WWU including two terms on the WWU Foundation and the Presidential search committee. He held memberships in the Bellingham Golf & Country Club, Bellingham Yacht Club, Clipper Club and the Washington Athletic Club. He was a long standing member of the First Church of Christ Scientist.
Bob was preceded in death by his beloved wife Margaret; his parents, brother John Miller and sister Jean Somerville. He is survived by his son Gragg Miller (Betty) of Bellingham, daughter Norma Miller (Erik Christianson) of Seattle and Mary McCluskey (Ken) of Indianola, WA; six grandchildren Stephanie Leyson (Shelby), Stacey Turrell (Josh), Erin Harrison (Rich), Molly McCluskey, Per Miller and Hannah McCluskey; and five great-grandchildren. He is also survived by sisters-in-law Karleen Miller of Bellingham, Joan King and Marijune Haggard of Seattle, and numerous nieces and nephews.
In his retirement, Bob and Margaret travelled extensively and relaxed in the sun in Palm Springs each winter. Bob led a very full life and enjoyed a close circle of lifelong friends. Donations in his memory are suggested to Western Washington University Foundation, the Whatcom Symphony Orchestra and Whatcom Hospice House. The Family would like to thank all the caregivers involved with Bob, especially Gretchen Herb. A family graveside service will be held. A Celebration of Bob’s life will be held at the Bellingham Golf & Country Club at 2:00 PM on Monday, November 4.