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In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar
It is with profound sadness that we learned last evening that our dear friend and colleague John Miller passed away at 8:38 PM in the Royal Jubilee Hospital in Victoria. Affectionately known as Lumpy to most of us, he underwent complicated open heart surgery this past Tuesday, 29 July, to repair a leak in his upper aorta from a previous surgery. The surgery lasted some 10-11 hours. While the procedure was successful, complications arose in the ensuing days with his kidneys and then liver. In spite of the best efforts to save him, he slipped away about four hours ago with Christine and family holding vigil over him. He was a man of great faith and is now at peace.
We will remember Lumpy for many things - his wonderful sense of humour, his love of telling stories, his laugh and smile, even his analytical mind - one of a true naval logistician. But most of all we will remember him for his love of his family and friends. He was a wonderful husband to Christine and father to his children. He was also the best friend one could hope for whom we will miss dearly. We all are richer for having known him.
Our sincere condolences to Christine, Natalie, Emily and Justin. May all of the wonderful memories you shared as a family keep you strong in the days ahead...
Rest in Peace Lumpy, fair winds and following seas... And, as he always used to say to me at the end of every phone call or visit, God Bless. (Written by Dan Dempsey)
MILLER, John (Lumpy) - It is with deep love and profound sadness that we announce the passing of John Miller, a beloved soul who left this world a little brighter than he found it.
John proudly served in the Royal Canadian Navy as a Logistician and retired as the Command Comptroller at CFB Esquimalt. He always ensured that those around him were supported with precision and quiet strength. His best work was often behind the scenes but essential just as he was!
Those who knew John well remember his humour first-the kind that lifted spirits even in the darkest moments. He had a way of making people laugh without trying, of finding warmth in the ordinary and reminding us all not to take life too seriously.
John was a great man, a loving husband and father thoughtful, kind, and loyal. He showed up when it mattered. He listened without judgement. He was proud of us and we of him. He told the best bad jokes. And when he smiled, which was often-it was the real kind that crinkled his eyes.
He will be deeply and forever missed by Christine, Emily, Natalie and Justin and their partners Joe, Cole and Maddy-Lise and all who had the privilege of knowing him. His life was one of quiet impact, steady love, honour integrity and faith love and simple joys-and that is a life well lived.
Rest in peace sweetheart!
We will carry your laughter with us always.
John will be interred at Hatley Memorial Gardens at a private family ceremony. A Celebration of John's Life will be held on September 14 at 1:30PM in the Drawing Room of Hatley Castle at Royal Roads University following the mornings Masthead service which begins at 10:30 AM.
All are welcome as we gather to celebrate the Life of a truly magnificent person.
"What you leave behind is not what is engraved in stone monuments, but what is woven into the lives of others" -Thucyides (The Victoria Times Colonist 16 Aug 2025)
Ships served in: ROYAL ROADS Military College - RMC Class of 1975
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