December 2, 1947 – November 2, 2025
Bruce Arthur Miller passed away peacefully on November 2, 2025, at his winter home in Mesa, Arizona, after a brief battle with lung cancer. He was 77.
Born in Denver, Colorado, on December 2, 1947, Bruce grew up in the small town of Cope, with the values of hard work, loyalty, and a deep love for country and family. His mother, Nellie, baked pies at the local café, and his father, Lyle, ran the town’s filling station—humble beginnings that shaped Bruce’s lifelong appreciation for good stories, good people, and good pie.
Bruce served his country with honor as a Navy Corpsman during the Vietnam War, earning both the Vietnam Service Medal and the Vietnam Campaign Medal. His service was a point of quiet pride, a chapter he carried with him always—often beneath the brim of a well-worn cap and behind the beard he wore for as long as anyone can remember.
After returning home, Bruce’s life took a turn toward the extraordinary when he met the love of his life, then widowed Colleen Williams, in the local pub in Pine Bluffs, Wyoming. She was running the pool table and to him, unforgettable. They married on September 2, 1977, and together, they built a life rooted in love, laughter, and a blended family that became his greatest joy. Bruce was the proud father of Paula and Sean (with his first wife, Glenda), Craig, Douglas, Marne, (Colleen’s children) and Joshua. He was a steady, loving presence in their lives and a proud grandfather, great grandfather, and just a few weeks ago became a great, great grandfather.
Bruce had a knack for turning the ordinary into something memorable. Whether perched in his garage with a bag of Lay’s and a Pepsi catching up with the neighbors, enjoying a Hendrick’s on the rocks with family, or riding his Harley or BMW motorcycle through the Black Hills and to countless rallies across the country, he lived life on his terms. He was the proud owner of Millingers, a beer garden in Sturgis, South Dakota, where stories flowed as freely as the taps. He loved westerns—books, movies, and music. He hunted coyotes, cheered for the Chicago Cubs, and never drove anything but a Ford pickup. A U.S. flag flew proudly in his yard, wherever that yard happened to be—be it his summer home in Rapid City or his winter retreat in Mesa.
Bruce’s life was a patchwork of passions: all things baseball (especially coaching his kids and umpiring), motorcycles, desserts, the perfect quad breve, and the simple pleasure of a well-spent afternoon visiting with a new found friend. He umpired his final game just a few years ago – dropping his cane and jumping out on the field for the opportunity, a reflection of his lifelong love of the game. But above all, it was his family that defined him. In his final days, he was surrounded by the people he loved most—his wife, children, grandchildren, and golden retriever —who will carry forward his stories, and passion for conversation.
In lieu of a formal service, the family invites you to honor Bruce in your own way – raise a glass of Hendrick’s, tell a tall tale, or share your favorite Bruce story (there are many). Donations in his memory may be made to the American Legion Post 311, PO Box 311, Piedmont, SD 57769.
