Dr. Paul Miller, a well known and respected large animal veterinarian in Siskiyou County, passed away on August 13, 2010 at the age of 64 as a result of complications arising out of a horseback riding incident near his home outside of Weed.
Paul’s long career in Siskiyou County began late in the summer of 1972 following his year of veterinary internship at the University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon, Canada. A graduate of the University of California at Davis, Paul devoted his skills primarily to the large animal practice, traveling throughout Siskiyou County. He later opened a clinic for horses on his property outside of Weed.
Always in the field, always talking and teaching, Paul loved the open country of Siskiyou County as much as he loved the animals and their owners that he served. His expertise and advice was solicited by colleagues practicing equine medicine throughout the western states.
During his recent hospitalization the University of California at Davis, Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, declared August 12, 2010 as “Dr. Paul Miller Day” in recognition of his exemplary service and commitment to the horses and their owners of Northern California.”
Paul will be deeply missed by his family, numerous friends, colleagues, clients, and the many animals that he has assisted throughout his life. He is survived by step-children, Sherri and Nathan Pollock and Evan and DuBose and fiancée Heather Nowak, four brothers including Peter and Amy Miller of Rogue River, Oregon, Steve and Trisha Miller of North Bend, Washington, David and Val Miller of The Dalles, Oregon, and Tim and Teri Hamilton of Odessa, Florida.
He is also survived by uncle John Buchanan, aunt Barbara Miller and numerous nieces, nephews, and grandnieces. He also leaves behind his beloved horses, Bella and Opie, and his cat, Gracie. He is predeceased by his parents, John and Etoile Miller, and his brother, Clifford Miller.
A memorial service is scheduled for 3:30 pm at the Gymnasium at College of the Siskiyous’ in Weed on Saturday, Sept 18. A “Celebration of Life” fundraising BBQ dinner will follow at 5 pm at the Sons’ of Italy Hall in Weed. The proceeds from the tri-tip BBQ dinner are being utilized to establish the Paul Miller Memorial Scholarship. This scholarship will be part of the endowed scholarship fund at the School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Davis. The student who is selected to receive the funds each year will be a student who is interested in large animal care in a rural county.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to the account established at Premier West Bank for the Paul Miller Scholarship Fund which will also be included in the scholarship proceeds.
For more information on the dinner please contact friends John Pemberton at 938-4830, Ann Tozier at 468-5539, Paul Engstrom at 925-1001, or Jill Tillinghast at 859-1067.
