Albert Amos Miller, 78

Albert Amos Miller, 78, born Oct. 14, 1928, 'went to be with his heavenly Father' on Father's Day, June 17, 2007, in his home at Cougar Mountain Bible Camp in Yelm, Wash.

Albert is survived by his wife, Mildred, of Yelm; daughters, Alma Ramlow of Whitefish, Faith Peterson of Spokane, and Rachel Peterson and son, Harry, of Yelm. He is also survived by brothers, Harry of Ronan, Paul of Libby; and his sister, Nona, of Ronan.

Al was preceded in death by his mother, Effie Lela, and his brother, Pat..

Al was born in Beach, N.D., to Lela and Harry Miller. Harry died when Al was younger than 1 year old. The family then moved to Ronan, where he lived until he finished high school and entered into the Marine Corps. He was a parachute rigger and instructor with the First Marine Air Wing, stationed both in Quantico, Va., and El Toro, Calif.

Al received the call to preach and found his life mate in Santa Ana, Calif. Al and Mildred journeyed to North Dakota to begin his first pastorate. Al was ordained by the Church of the Nazarene, where he served until retirement. Albert and his brothers Harry, Pat and mom, Effie Lela, were instrumental in the formation of the Pablo Church of the Nazarene. His pastor's heart lead him to many other places, but his heart was always in the valley.

Al pastored the following Nazarene churches: Hurdsfield, N.D., Libby, Pablo, Butte, Anchorage, Alaska, Laurel, Federal Way, Wash., Tacoma Westgate - Tacoma, Wash., and Cougar Mountain, Yelm.

He refused to be limited by what he did not have, and believed that all God requires of us are open hearts and willing hands. He lived in God's abundance, often singing 'Little is Much, when God is in it.' He believed John 3:16 and lived it. Al did not have a dad, but he became the father to countless others because he learned to walk with his heavenly Father. He loved children and started two Bible camps for them, one in Wasilla, Alaska, and Cougar Mountain Bible Camp in Yelm.

We salute the passing of a giant. Dad lived Semper Fidelis (Always Faithful).

Al's family invites all to attend a public memorial Saturday, July 21, at the Whitefish Church of the Nazarene, 1125 Seventh St. E., in Whitefish, with Pastor Cliff Purcell, 406-862-2433. The celebration will be at 11 a.m. with a time of sharing and food afterward. There also will be a memorial service Sunday, July 22, at the Pablo Church of the Nazarene, 42653 Old Hwy. 93, in Ronan, with Pastor Jim Perry, 406-675-0081. A potluck lunch will be shared at 1 p.m. and the celebration service will start after lunch at about 2-2:30 p.m. Dad always sang better on a full stomach.

Al's final arrangements were made by Woodlawn Funeral Home in Lacey, Wash.; www.woodlawnfh.net