Antigonish, NS
August 4, 1938 - October 14, 2024
The world lost one of a kind when Joseph Lloyd Miller, age 86, died peacefully October 14th, 2024, in St. Martha’s Regional Hospital, Antigonish, Nova Scotia, surrounded by his loving daughters, Meagan Kennedy, Kerrie Roberts, and Erin Holub.
Joseph was born August 4th, 1938, in Temagami, Ontario, to Marian Theresa Horton of Canso, NS and Alexander Matthew Miller of New Waterford, NS. He was the second child of what would be a very close, large family of eleven children spending his childhood in Sydney River, and then his youth in Sydney before heading to Xavier Junior College, and then on to St Francis Xavier University
Joe was an active and adventurous young person. Nothing escaped his interest and could often be found in his pockets, whether it be a frog or snake. He often shared stories, with a twinkle in his eyes, of adventure and misadventure with his partners in crime, friends, and brothers that spoke to his mischievous nature as a youth.
Despite having a fused hip at a young age, Joe was always eager to do everything he was able to, and this often included helping others. He delivered papers and helped shovel coal for elderly neighbours, and he was a top-notch brother to his siblings, helping with lessons at the kitchen table. Joe’s disability would not hold him back. He was a smooth dancer and participated in many clubs and cadets, always helping and getting involved where he could. He climbed mountains, fished out of a dory in Newfoundland, scaled rooves to replace shingles, was pulled by sled dogs and had many other adventures that would astound you.
Joe was a voracious reader, and he realized quickly that education was his calling. He earned his B.A. and his B.Ed. degrees from St Francis Xavier University and eventually a Master of Education from the University of Calgary.
Joe met the love of his life, Elaine LeDrew, at a dance in North Sydney, only to realize they lived just three streets apart while they were growing up. Eventually, he followed her out west, first teaching in Lethbridge and then Calgary. Elaine and Joe were married on July 16th,1966, in Calgary Alberta. They built a full and joyful life in Calgary with their three daughters. They had a warm and welcoming home where family and friends gathered frequently, enjoying Joe’s and Elaine’s renowned hospitality. They were thrilled to have family voyage out west, including Joe’s brother Danny, sister Patricia and Elaine’s brother David, guiding where they could. Their door was always open, and you never knew who would turn up for an extended stay, be they friend, neighbor, or someone connected to their kids or family members, even the odd stranger or two.
Joe was an accomplished and respected educator and administrator for over 30 years, mentoring countless young teachers and supporting students in diverse learning environments throughout the Calgary Catholic School Board. Joe was an exemplary leader who inspired others to be the best they could be, often encouraging the potential in colleagues that went far beyond what they thought possible. Joe took on challenging administrative roles and was recognized as an innovative and progressive educator in each of these assignments. Joe was a strong advocate for Catholic Education in Alberta, helping organize a provincial wide initiative called Spiritus.
As a leader outside of his work in education, Joe was a very active member and leader in the Knights of Columbus in both Nova Scotia and Alberta. During his term as State Deputy for Alberta and NWT, Joe oversaw the establishment of more, new local K of C councils than any of his predecessors. He held numerous roles within his own council and was active throughout the province of Alberta and the Northwest Territories, including roles as the Master of the Fourth Degree, and Faithful Navigator to name a few. These roles allowed Joe and Elaine to travel throughout the region and all-over North America to attend events and conventions. They always came home with wonderful stories and new, dear friends.
Joe and Elaine were also avid and curious world travellers, sparked by Elaine’s years with Air Canada. They had many an adventure with friends and family around the globe, but they always were happiest making it "home" to Cape Breton on a regular basis to visit family and friends from their earliest days.
Joe was a passionate wood worker and had great design vision. He was known for tackling DYI projects while Elaine was out shopping, enlisting friends, daughters, grandkids, and anyone else that showed an interest in "leaving things in a better state than you found them". Joe’s vision extended to the outside environment, and he took tremendous pride in his beautifully landscaped yard, spending countless hours maintaining it and enjoying the many chances to share it with friends and family.
Joe and Elaine would save their best project for last, building a home that they had dreamed of and designed, settling in Antigonish and continuing to extend their renowned hospitality, increasing their circle of dear and treasured friends. Joe especially enjoyed the welcome comradery of the ROMEOs and the Knights in his new hometown.
Joseph is predeceased by his soulmate and loving wife of 50 years, Elaine (LeDrew) Miller, his parents, Alexander and Marion Miller, his brothers Cyril and Brian, his sisters-in-law, Theresa and Irene.
He is survived by his three daughters and their husbands: Meagan and David Kennedy (Purl Brook, NS); Kerrie and Scott Roberts (Prince George, BC); Erin and Peter Holub (Eckville, AB) and his 10 adoring grandchildren; Duncan, Hugh, Angus, Mairinn, Joseph, Bridget, Doyle, Keaghan, Ethan and Nolan, as well as his siblings, Alex, Kevin (Fran), Gerry, Judy, Rohan, Darryl, Danny, and Patricia (Jimmy) and numerous well loved nieces and nephews, not to mention the many dear friends they counted as family.
Joe’s family would like to sincerely thank all those who cared for him in his times of need throughout his 86 years, and there were many! Especially in his last number of years, The Antigonish Homemakers and VON who lovingly looked after him at his home; the staff of the RK MacDonald Nursing Home who always made him smile and feel special; and the staff, doctors, nurses, and CCAs at St. Martha’s on his numerous visits and extended stays, who helped him get back on his feet every time until the last. We want to especially thank Dr. Chiasson for his many years of thoughtful care, Dr. Ashong for his compassion upon Joe’s last visit, the CCAs and nurses, especially Mary and Liam, for the respectful and loving care they provided for our amazing father as he moved on from our world. Your generosity of spirit and service to others will never be forgotten or be in vain. May God bless each of you as you have blessed others.
Visitation will be held in C.L. Curry Funeral Home, 135 College Street, Antigonish, on Thursday, October 17th from 2-4 p.m., and 7-9 p.m. Funeral Mass will be held in St. Ninian Cathedral in Antigonish on Friday, October 18th at 2 p.m. with Reverend Danny MacLennan presiding.
Burial in St. Joseph’s Cemetery, St. Josephs.
Donations would be appreciated to those who supported Joe so much: St. Martha’s Regional Hospital Foundation, the RK MacDonald Nursing Home Foundation, or the Antigonish VON. Or, please consider an act of generosity of spirit that makes the world a better place as Joe so lovingly did his whole life.
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