Obituary of Robert Giffen Miller

Robert Giffen Miller, devoted husband of Mary C. Miller and cherished father and grandfather, passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, Feb. 11. Bob lived a life that joined his faith and sustaining love of family andfriends with vigorous curiosity. His library said it all - dictionaries in six languages, biographies, and books onhistory, foreign affairs, art, music and baseball. Bob was born in Annapolis, Md., the oldest son of Shirleyand Mary Miller. His father's service in the U.S. Navy took the young family to ports near and far. A pivotal part of Bob's youth was his attendance at English boarding schools while his dad was stationed in England following World War II. Bob graduated from Princeton University with a degree inpolitics and a commission as a 2nd Lieutenant in the U.S.Army Reserve. Bob earned his law degree from Stanford University following his military service. During the summers, he worked at a plywood mill in Corvallis, Ore. As an attorney specializing in regulatory law, Bob spentmuch of his career working for the Bank of America Investment Management Corp. in San Francisco. He continued to practice law well into his mid-70's, associated with the Law Offices of James B. Clapp and as an arbitrator for the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority. Bob was a longtime member of Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Lafayette, singing in the Chancel Choir for some 35 years. He loved playing the guitar and singing, and wrote dozens of songs as well as a pair of musicals inspired by his family's Maryland roots. He closely followed public affairs and the San Francisco Giants. A member of Oakland Rotary No. 3, Bob participated in numerous projects for Oakland youth. Bob is survived by his wife of 48 years, Mary, of Lafayette; sister Sally Keehn, of Allentown, Pa.; brothers Jim Miller of Georgetown, Ky. and John Miller of Eliot, Maine.; daughter Margaret Dennison of Missoula, Mont. and sonJim Miller of Sacramento; granddaughter June Miller, of Sacramento; grandsons Wesley and Paul Dennison of Missoula; and by many in-laws, nieces, and nephews. A memorial service will be held Friday, April 11, 2014 at 2 p.m. at Our Savior's Lutheran Church, 1035 Carol Lane, Lafayette. Reception will follow. In lieu of flowers,donations in Bob's memory may be made to Oakland Rotary Endowment, 1736 Franklin Street, Suite 200, Oakland, CA 94612 or Our Savior's Lutheran Church Foundation.