Richard E Kelly

We are so, so sad, but are remembering delightful experiences in Nova Scotia and here in N.C. with Bob and Gene. One of my favorites is riding in the back seat with Gene’s sister Jan at night traveling at seeming breakneck speed over the curves and hills of the area near their house in Nova Scotia. Gene and Bob, in the front seat, were listening to Sara Brightman at full volume. Both were dabbing at their eyes as they listened. Occasionally they would look at each other, smile and continue to listen and dab. Sweet.

Thank you to Dick, Marlene and Diane for keeping us in the circle. Now we all turn to Bob with support and love.

Mur

This is so difficult to write.
After a while of sobbing I said to Bill that I thought I was probably crying for myself as I knew now that Darrell was at peace. Our candle went out this morning.
Bill and I have oh so many wonderful stories and memories of Bob and Darrell’s years here in Nova Scotia. We were so fortunate to be welcomed in a way, into the Miller clan with Bob and Darrell visiting us in Bedford on a number of occassions, then Marlene and Don joining them too and our visits to Tucson to both Marlene and Don and twice to Bob and Darrell’s. But I know that my Mother had a very special bond with both “boys”. She was amazed at Darrell knowing all the words to “Oh Canada”! Not!!!! And her ability to get away with asking Darrell if he had quit smoking and taken up eating doughnuts instead! Mum and Darrell had an amazing trip to Eastern Europe and they remained dear friends!
Bill and I have made so many new friends here because of Bob and Darrell. And I was brought up here!
There are so many things I will miss about Darrell…….need I say more?
And Bob – you are so very special to us. Please don’t forget how much we love you. We really hope that some day you will want to come back to Salty Dog for a visit. We really do!
I have looked at the Bay a number of times today and just get “verklempt”. I will never look at sunsets quite the same again.
Love
Bliss

While we have lost a dear friend and a vibrant energy, the memory of Darrell Gene Miller will last for the rest of our lives. I personally was moved by your comments about this unforgettable man who we all love and cherish. His unique sense of humor, skills at nurturing relationships, and quick wit made him a joy to be around, and he will not be forgotten.
In the next few weeks, I will share some of the comments you made about Darrell and how he impacted your life. Please make new observations that I will post on a daily basis. And use this blog to organize get-togethers to honor Darrell’s life. I know that Mary Ann Snyder from Pittsburgh plans to do that.
Today, I would like to share Chuck “you’re not blood” Cowger’s comments about Darrell and the postive impact that Darrell and Bob made on his life. It reads as follows:

“At some point I have to put away the tears and grief and focus on the fun and crazyness of this passionate and loving man. Though I’m not there yet, a few things stand out; For those who don’t know me, I’m Chuck, husband of Jan, Gene’s sister. Twenty one years ago Memorial Day when I made my first visit to Matherville to meet the family, I first noted the big sign attached to a tree in the front yard next to the road that said among other things “Welcome Chuck,…just remember you’re not blood.” Though Marlene was apparently responsible for that, Gene was not to be outdone. Standing on the front porch to greet us as Jan and I walked up, was Gene and Scott (Marlene’s son), with their flys open and their thumbs sticking out, and of course most everyone else gathered around doubled over in laughter. After everyone had their laugh, Gene, with that accepting smile that we all know so well, gave me a genuine bear hug and said “welcome to the family.” However, shortly thereafter everyone was sitting out in the yard and when Jan and I went out (I was wearing a white shirt and white pants) Gene ask me if I sold ice cream.. and I had just sat down when he said, “Are you staring at my crooked face?” When everyone roared, it of course took the pressure off. All this happened in a way that let me know that he cared deeply about Jan, but also he was accepting. I left that day feeling welcome in the family even though I “wasn’t blood.”

Jan and I were fortunate to be a part of the Pittsburg brunch some 15 years ago when Gene had the family all dressed in spandex pants and florescent sun glasses as the guests arived and Gene made his grand entrance with a towell in his spandex. Mix this crazyness with his intense caring and commitment to those around him and you have the kind of person that we won’t see again…

Bob, if you are reading this now or will some day, know that we love you. Peace be with you. I have noted that you are an important member of the family even though you too are not blood.”