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In his 92nd year, our dear father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, Keith Roy Phillip Miller passed away at Bluewater Health Hospital in Sarnia Ontario on June 2, 2025.
Born Keith Roy Phillip Miller on August 19, 1933 in Hamilton, Ontario, Phil was originally trained as a plumber. Phil’s early professional years included work with A.V. Roe (AVRO) and Talbot Communications before he went on to found and run his own commercial art company, Phillip Miller and Associates, from 1975 to 1991. In the mid-1960s he ran a hunting and fishing camp called Timber Wolf Lodge blending his entrepreneurial spirit with a lifelong love of the outdoors. Phil’s passion for nature, combined with his remarkable artistic talent, would ultimately define his life’s path.
In 1966, Phil married the love of his life, Ruby “Jean” Hodgins, known to most as Jean. He embraced his role as a father to her children, Judy and Jim Hodgins and later welcomed David Miller. Together, Phil and Jean built a family grounded in love, trust, and shared values.
A gifted carpenter and renovator, Phil built or renovated every home he and Jean shared during their 48 years of marriage. His craftsmanship and devotion created not just houses but warm, welcoming (often unfinished) spaces that were hand crafted dwellings for his family.
Throughout his life, Phil was deeply involved in his community. He served as a devoted Cub and Scout leader, a spirited hockey & soccer coach, and a lifelong friend of Killbear Provincial Park. An inventor at heart, he developed the patented Beam Boat and his legacy as an artist lives on through numerous commissioned works proudly displayed at the Parry Sound General Hospital and the Canadian Coast Guard. He was an active member of East Williams Optimist Club and many other community organizations and devoted his retirement years to generous volunteerism always giving more than he took.
Phil was predeceased by his beloved wife Jean and by his brother, John “Jack” Miller.
His children lovingly remember him: Judy Noel of Sarnia, Ontario; Jim Miller and Brenda of London, Ontario; David Miller and Jen of Abu Dhabi, UAE.
He was a proud grandfather to: Meagan Noel of Golden, British Columbia; Becky Piper and Shane of Sylvan Lake, Alberta; Chris Miller and Meghan of London, Ontario; Ryan Miller and Sam of Calgary, Alberta; James Miller and Ali of Granton, Ontario; Jessica Miller of London, Ontario; Katie Miller of Abu Dhabi, UAE; Josh Miller of Ottawa, Ontario.
And a cherished great-grandfather to: Joseph, Oliver, and Liam Miller.
Phil is also survived by his sister: Marilyn Lee and Allan of Grimsby, Ontario.
And by his sisters-in-law: Barbara Miller of Kitchener, Ontario; Shirley Smith and Ken of Ridgetown, Ontario.
Uncle Phil will be remembered by numerous nieces and nephews.
In 1991, Phil and Jean moved north to Magnetawan, Ontario to manage a children’s camp. They stayed at Camp Kahquah for three years - an experience they approached with joy, compassion and their trademark quiet strength. They later settled into their hand-built retirement home in Bay View Estates near Carling Township (Parry Sound) surrounded by the beauty and peace of Georgian Bay.
Phil was an impressively talented artist. His pen and ink drawings - especially his Great Lakes Lighthouse Series - are cherished by many.
He found deep joy in life’s quieter moments: sketching by the lake, taking long scenic drives with Jean, playing Euchre (all the time) and time spent with his children and grandchildren. He lived simply, gave generously and touched lives through his presence far more than through words.
A private family service and interment will be held at a later date.
From the bottom of our hearts, Phil’s children, family and countless friends and acquaintances who had the joy of knowing him will be forever grateful for the overwhelming generosity that Phil and Jean showed in sharing the Family Cottage on Rose Island (from 1971 to 2002). The gift of that place cannot be measured with simple words. Everyone who spent time there experienced a true piece of Parry Sound Paradise - a sanctuary that reflected the warmth, beauty and spirit of the people who opened it to so many.
Dad, your steady hand and gentle heart shaped the world around our mom. Your art captured the light - but you, yourself, were the lighthouse for our Mother. You may be gone from our sight but your light will always guide Mom home.