By LAURA ROBISON
The Progress
Nearly 100 friends, neighbors and relatives showed up on Surday, May 20, to celebrate with Moapa Valley resident Don Miller on his 100th birthday.
Miller was born May 20, 1923 in Santa Ana, California and has led a life of love, friendships and military service, including serving in World War II.
This centenarian has lived in Moapa Valley for 33 years. He is one of 9 children, has 3 children, 2 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren.
Friends and family from places such as Pennsylvania, California, Kansas, Idaho, Oregon, Washington and Montana all flocked to Miller’s home over the weekend to greet him.
Miller said he attributes his long life to vitamins. He still drives his Nissan and has just renewed his drivers license for another 4 years.
The party was organized by niece Charlotte Miller who resides in Idaho. “Uncle Don has spent his summers with us for about 30 years now,” Charlotte said. “We just had to throw him a party because he is such a wonderful person. There are people here who have not seem him in 40 years.”
Local neighbors brought food for a pot luck lunch. Most of the family and friends lined up to take photos with Don, as well as look at photo books and reminisce about their favorite things to do with Miller.
Charlotte Miller said Don was quite the square-dancer. She remembers their favorite times together were spent fishing in the Mosquito Flat Reservoir.
Charlotte also relayed a story. “In 2009, when Don was 86, he walked down the west end of the Grand Canyon, which was 10-12 miles. He trained for it by walking around his neighborhood 2 miles a day.”
Jesse Davie who was in attendance at the party said that he had been friends with Miller for 30 years. “He is amazing, has a knowledge of gardening, has an optimistic way of looking at things, and makes you happy to be with him,” Davie said.
Miller’s granddaughter Laurette has lived with Miller for the past 3 years and takes care of him.
“He enjoys old Westerns, loves reading Larry Moses’ articles and is still able to do most things himself,” Laurette said. “But he is heartbroken that he is unable to do much gardening anymore.”
Although the years are starting to slow him down, Miller said, “Life is good and I want to make the best of it. I thank all who came to celebrate with me. This has been a great day!”
