NORWICH – Duane H. “Spike” Miller, 56, a life long resident of Norwich, passed away unexpectedly Saturday, Dec. 3, 2011, at his home.
Spike was born in Norwich, the son of Clyde and Arleta Murray Miller, on Oct. 19, 1955. He grew up in Norwich and was a 1973 graduate of the Norwich High School. As a paper boy one of Spike’s stops was at his grandma and grandpa “Jake” Burdick’s home, where he would leave the paper on the doorstep and visit his grandpa Jake out in his business, Burdick’s Garage, and his grandma in her kitchen. Spike often remarked how they shaped his views on morality, life in general and right from wrong.
Over the years Spike realized that his mom had health issues and showed up on a regular basis to help, not always quietly, but was there. In the last several years he got his own business up and running, A-1 Window Washing. He took pride in doing his work and enjoyed visiting with his customers as he worked.
Spike enjoyed seeing his family during get-togethers and always manned the clean up crew. He would make supper and do clean up chores for his folks. Always up for a good chat, Spike enjoyed talking with the night crew and good friends at the nearby grocery store. His recall of fond and interesting quotes, historic facts, famous people and Bible quotes would surprise everyone. A longtime hobby of the old covered bridges, especially of the northeast, building styles, trusses, dimensions, locations and current usage kept any history buff ready for a tour. He enjoyed his brother Rex’s Harley trip this summer from Norwich back home to Arizona, and his nightly phone calls which were the perfect arm chair trip.
Spike is survived by his parents Clyde and Arleta Miller of Norwich; his sister Marcy Miller-Golley and husband Rick of Norwich; his brothers Rex C. Miller of Tombstone, Ariz., John Patrick Miller and wife Donna of Norwich; and his half brother Stephen Miller also of Tombstone, Ariz. Also surviving are his nieces and nephews Rebecca M. Miller, Kim and Alyson Kreiner and Tim and Tom Miller. Also three aunts and many cousins also survive.
Private graveside services for Spike will be held at the convenience of the family at the Mt. Hope Cemetery.
Family and friends called at the R.J. Fahy Funeral Home on Wednesday from 2-4 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial contributions to the Broad St. United Methodist Church, 74 North Broad St., Norwich, NY 13815.