January 4th, 1939 –
September 9th, 2021

On September 9th, 2021, Irene “Pat” passed away with family by her side, at Columbia House, which became her home 6 years prior, when she was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s.

Pat was born in Calgary, Alberta, in later years she met her husband Dean Miller there. Pat and Dean were inseparable, they were married for 65 years and had 4 children. They moved to the Columbia Valley in 1972, owning and operating Timber’s Resort in Fairmont, B.C.

In 1977 the family moved to Cranbrook, B.C., to start an auto body business called Miller Enterprises. The business was known as Sun Valley Auto body, they decided to move the business to Invermere B.C., and continued running and operating it with their children. Their oldest son Jim would later take over the Sun Valley Auto Body business and Dean and Pat bought the Skookum Inn restaurant and campground in 1992.

Always a busy person, Pat made time for her desired passions which were, playing the organ and singing.  Pat and her family used to play in a band together called The Maylander’s, she would also sew all the band outfits. Painting was another one of her many beautiful talents, she painted such amazing pieces, some of which were displayed in our local art shows. Pat also enjoyed ceramics, candle making, knitting, and crochet. She was a very strong woman with many talents.

Pat is survived by her husband Dean Miller, their children – Jim (Pat), Ted (Patsy), Tammy, and Kelly, grandchildren Chris, Tana (Paul), Charlene (Jay), Jennifer (Dallas), Jackie (Colten), Teagan, Kelvin (Ali) great grand children Tristan, Tyla, Miles, Aubrey, Isaak, and Dakota.

The family would like to send out a sincere Thank You to all the Columbia House staff, for taking such great care of our mom, grandmother, great grandmother. Your caring, compassionate hard work did not go unnoticed.  In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Alzheimer’s Society of Canada. https://alzheimer.ca/

God saw you getting tired

When a cure was not to be.

So he wrapped his arms around you

And whispered “come unto me”.

You didn’t deserve what you went through,

And so he gave you rest.

God’s garden must be beautiful,

He only takes the best.

So when I saw you sleeping

So peaceful and free from pain.

I could not wish you to come back,

To suffer that all again.

Arrangements entrusted to McPherson Funeral Services.

Condolences for the family can be offered at

www.mcphersonfh.com