Dale Miller

MILLER, Dale…

It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Dale John Miller, QC, on September 29, 2021, in his 91st year. Predeceased by his wife of 56 years, Freda (Lamb) and his sister, Shirley. Survived by his son Ron and daughter-in-law Denise, son Harvey, daughters Nancy and Shelley, granddaughters Megan, Laura, and Julie, sister Gail and sister and brother-in-law Verla and Bobby.

Dale was born in Nakina, Ontario, to Herma and Harvey Miller. Originally from the Baldwin/Sunderland area, Dale’s father worked for the railroad in Northern Ontario and Orillia, eventually settling in Beaverton where they opened Miller’s Flowers, a large flower business that supplied Toronto stores and northern Ontario in the 1950’s.

Growing up in Beaverton with his sisters, Dale enjoyed playing hockey, fishing and hunting. He met his wife, Freda, at high school and once married they moved to Toronto where Dale attended law school at Osgoode Hall.

Along with his partner, Wesley Brandon, Dale worked at Brandon & Miller law firm in Cannington where they lived and raised their family. Both Dale and Freda were active in their community spending winters at the rink for the kids’ hockey and figure skating, snowmobiling, and curling and summers at the ballpark, golfing, or hosting pool parties in their backyard.

Dale was instrumental in organizing the annual hockey exchange between Cannington and Pittsburgh – a huge success that provided many memories and long lasting friendships. An avid hunter and fisherman, Dale loved to take his friends and family to his hunt camp north of Sudbury… initially by boat but later by plane once he got his pilot’s license so he could get there faster! Unfortunately, one of these flights ended with a forced landing in a small lake where they were rescued by a Hercules helicopter sent from the Air Show in Toronto. No one was injured luckily, but this was one of the many stories that came out of Dale’s adventures.

After being appointed as Queen’s Counsel and meeting the Queen and Prince Phillip, Dale took an early retirement and he and Freda built their dream home in Bayshore Village where they enjoyed many years on the water entertaining family and friends and watching their grandchildren grow up. Dale always loved the water! From the cottage on Thorah Island to the homes in Florida, fishing and boating were a daily event. He loved Lake Simcoe – a lake he knew like the back of his hand and fondly reminisced about until his passing.

As season ticket holders since opening day of the Blue Jays, Dale and Freda enjoyed going to games… especially witnessing the World Series Championship – twice! Dale was also one of the people who submitted the name “Skydome” when the stadium was built.

When the children were young, the family camped across Canada and travelled to Europe to visit Dale’s sister. Dale and Freda loved to travel logging long hours driving across Canada and the U.S. Dale’s favourite trip was the drive to Alaska where they slept in the van and watched bears catching salmon in a river. They also enjoyed adventures in Russia and the British Isles.

A brief move to Orillia was brought on by the illness of his beloved wife, Freda, and after her passing, Dale eventually settled in Lagoon City with his fishing boat, spending his days on the lake until his move to a retirement home in London, where he lived a few years before his passing.

The family thanks the many friends and neighbours who have provided support to Dale during his time in Orillia, Lagoon City and London. Many thanks to the staff at Grand Wood Park and Mount Hope in London for the care provided during his stay. Thanks to Dr. Soch, Dale’s long time physician in Orillia, Dr. Noakes, North York General, and Dr. Vesprini, Sunnybrook Hospital. In accordance with Dale’s wishes, cremation has taken place and there will be no service. There will be a private interment at Necropolis Cemetery, Cannington. Arrangements entrusted with Cremation London & Middlesex, 519-858-2467. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com