Frank Miller

Humanists of Utah member Frank Miller, husband of our chapter Librarian Lorille, the only child of Etsa Johnson Miller Talmage and Frank R. Miller, was born in Seattle, WA. Shortly before his first birthday, he was hospitalized with TB of the left hip. His father died of acute peritonitis when Frank was 21 months old. As soon as he could be released from the hospital he and his mother returned to Salt Lake City where they lived with his grandparents, Soren and Sophie Dorius Johnson, Uncle Bob and Aunt Doris "Dodo."

The Shriners offered treatment when Frank was six. He was hospitalized two and a half years until he was strong enough to tolerate surgery--a noteworthy success. He attended Lafayette, Horace Mann, West High and the U of U. Against all odds, having been told he would never walk, he made the tennis teams at West and the "U." He also swam, rode bicycle and bowled in a league until 75.

Frank danced the hours away at Lagoon, The Terrace, and The Manhattan with many girl friends until he met Lorille. From that time on he only had eyes for her. On June 3, 1948 he married Rill, the love of his life, who came as a package with Larry and Judy whom he adopted in 1949. Thomas Frank came three years later and Charlene Etsa three years after that.

Frank spent most of his working career, 36 years, with Phillips Petroleum in Woods Cross. He also worked many years part time at the old Deseret Gym and YMCA. After retirement he worked with his son, Larry, "to keep me young." He was a diehard U of U football and basketball fan. After Larry acquired the Jazz, he, Lorille, Char and many grandkids didn't miss a home game as long as he was able. Due to the debilitating effects of Parkinson's Disease, Lorille took care of him at home for his last two years.

A celebration of Frank's life was held at the First Unitarian on Saturday April 27th. Anyone wishing to honor Frank is encouraged to send donations to Shriner's Hospital in Frank's name.