David Henry Miller

David Henry Miller, affectionately known as “Curly” by family and longtime friends was born in Vancouver, Washington on March 17, 1951, to Edna & Tommie Miller Sr. Dave was raised with his three brothers Tommie Jr., Dale, and Michael along with his four sisters Barbara, Delores, Edna, and Greta. His father raised him to be a strong, skilled, hardworking man. Every Saturday Tommie Sr. would wake up his sons to work on a special project together. One of these projects was the Koi Pond and bridge they all built in the front yard of the house they grew up in on Hunt Street. Being a protector of his family was a trait Dave exemplified at a young age. He was 11 years old when the Columbus Day Storm hit. Curly took it upon himself to pick his sister Greta up from kindergarten that day and walk her home to make sure she was safe.

Dave graduated from Roosevelt High School in Portland, Oregon. Soon after, he met and married his “Sweetheart” Nancy. Together they helped raised their Goddaughter, Andreana. In the summer of 1977 Nancy gave birth to their sons Damon and Darrelle. Dave loved having twin boys to raise. He was a prime example and always demonstrated what it meant to be the strength of the family. A silent force led by actions and not words. He was a problem solver and whenever family shared their challenges with him, he would reassure them that it was “A small thing to a giant.”  Dave drove semi-trucks for Consolidated Freightways and retired as a Teamster after 28 years. After retirement he continued working as a Longshoreman for the International Longshore Wearhouse Union. A career he was truly passionate about and loved to his core. Even when he was on vacation he would call “the tape” to see what work would be coming available. Dave felt honored to share his Longshoreman journey with his sons as they were all able to work on an auto ship together.

Dave loved jazz, concerts, sports (How bout them Cowboys) and traveling with family anywhere that had water and palm trees. Hosting parties and cooking BBQ was a longstanding tradition that David shared with family and friends. His Super Bowl parties back in the day were legendary. One Father’s Day Nancy convinced Curly to go to the golf course and give the game a try. After one great drive, he was hooked, and golf became a part of every vacation. Each of his granddaughters held a special place in his heart and time with them made him the happiest. In 2013 he took all his granddaughters to Hawaii, his favorite vacation destination.  Dave was also a very generous man, who would do anything to help his family.

Dave has a host of family and friends who have preceded him in his heavenly transition. To continue his great legacy here on earth are Nancy, Damon, Darrelle, Monique, and Andreana along with his grandchildren Mi’Keyta, KiKi, Tamia, Ammarah, Maliyah, Alayah, Andreaunna, Amillia, Maia, Xavier, Antoine and Romeo.

David, we love you and we will miss you always! We will never forget you or your amazing smile!

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