Obit: Don Miller

Subject: RE: Obit: Don Miller
From: gnu
Date: 09 Mar 09 - 03:17 PM

85. Concert. Standing O.

Pretty hard to go, but pretty hard to pick a better way.

Again... take care, Sandy.

Subject: RE: Obit: Don Miller
From: Sandy Mc Lean
Date: 09 Mar 09 - 02:51 PM

I was a pallbearer at Don's funeral today and at the request of his family I sang that song there as well. I had never sung at a funeral before but it went well I believe. There were many of his musical friends there and at the reception that followed a song circle was formed to celebrate Don's life with us.
Don was about 10 months into his 85th year and two weeks ago he sang at his last concert. He knew that his time was short but he was determined to sing one more time. A teary eyed audience of close to 300 gave him a thunderous standing ovation.
He will live on in the memory of those who knew and loved him! Thanks to all for your responses! I will miss Don of course, but I am all the richer for having known him!
                     Sandy

Subject: RE: Obit: Don Miller
From: katlaughing
Date: 08 Mar 09 - 05:45 PM

Hope you can record it sometime for us to hear, Sandy.

It is wonderful to have friends who do remember and pay tribute.

Subject: RE: Obit: Don Miller
From: gnu
Date: 08 Mar 09 - 05:09 PM

Take care, Sandy. Wish I had words, but, there are none. Take care.

Subject: RE: Obit: Don Miller
From: Sandy Mc Lean
Date: 08 Mar 09 - 05:07 PM

Thanks for the responses! This afternoon at the Highland Guitar Society session we did a tribute to Don, who was a long time member, and I sang his song. Tonight I will go to to his wake and tomorrow his funeral.

Subject: RE: Obit: Don Miller
From: Amos
Date: 07 Mar 09 - 06:06 PM

A legacy any man would be proud to inherit. But the memory won't get passed on, unfortunately.

A

Subject: RE: Obit: Don Miller
From: katlaughing
Date: 07 Mar 09 - 04:53 PM

My condolences, too, Sandy. That is a fine song and a wonderful thank you for such a great gift he gave you. I wish I could have heard him sing as I love those old songs, too. It would be great to hear you sing your song for him, too.

In sympathy,

kat

Subject: RE: Obit: Don Miller
From: Peace
Date: 07 Mar 09 - 04:44 PM

Sincere condolences, Sandy.

Subject: RE: Obit: Don Miller
From: gnu
Date: 07 Mar 09 - 01:17 PM

Don Miller... gosh. RIP.

Subject: RE: Obit: Don Miller
From: SINSULL
Date: 07 Mar 09 - 12:56 PM

Sandy,
Maybe Don and Wilf are having a little music fest and singing your songs. I hope so.
RIP
SINS

Subject: RE: Obit: Don Miller
From: Janie
Date: 07 Mar 09 - 10:28 AM

My condolences on the death of your friend, Don.

Thanks for sharing him with us on the Mudcat. And thanks for sharing your song in tribute. I hope to hear it sung one day.

Subject: Obit: Don Miller
From: Sandy Mc Lean
Date: 07 Mar 09 - 10:10 AM

Don

My good friend Don Miller has recently passed away. While Don was not a Mudcat member he contributed to this forum (through myself) as I would tap his knowledge of old country songs and singers to answer questions posted here. Don was a walking encyclopedia on the subject of older country music. He had a very extensive collection of records (78's, 45's, 33's,) and songbooks. This collection filled nearly the whole basement of his house, and he had everything filed and indexed so that he could find it all quickly. He also had an amazing memory and most often he could provide answers instantly. He would not only know the words and tune to a song but who wrote it, when and why?
People who have attended the Hank Snow festival over the years will rember Don from his work in the AnswerMan booth as well as his stage performance at each event. Don was a fine singer who entertained many people for many years. His own idol in music was Wilf (Montana Slim) Carter and he sang and played a D18 with a haunting resemblance to Wilf!
I do not read or write music but I have written a few songs. A few years ago, unknown to me, Don transcribed my songs to sheet music and presented me with a songbook that he had made up from them. In an attempt to say thanks I wrote a song about Don that I would like to post here as a tribute to him:

    DON & WILF

Wilf Carter's passed away and gone to Heaven
But there are some who keep his memory alive
And of those there is a man I'd like to mention
And I'm proud to say he is a friend of mine

(Chorus)
Have you ever heard Don Miller sing Wilf Carter
He will yodel for Swiss Moonlight Lullaby
He will take you on the trail of the mad trapper
And tell about the Moose River gold mine
                      (Chorus)

Now Don, he loves the history of the music
And he knows the story behind every song
With a memory that truly is amazing
He has entertained so many for so long
                        (Chorus)

May a bluebird always sit outside his window
And a rainbow always brighten up his sky
For when he sings and picks upon that Martin flattop
You would swear to God, Wilf Carter never died
                        (Chorus)

    .......and Don Miller, he is a friend of mine!


                                                                              DON