John Henry Miller, 75

Our beloved dad, John Henry Miller, peacefully passed away at the age of 75 on April 4, 2014, in the comfort of his home in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, as he wished. 

John was born January 9, 1939, in Des Moines, Iowa. He lived in Iowa until age 16, when he ventured to California and met and married Charlotte. They were blessed with two children: Johnny and Tammy. 

John was a master iron worker until he moved his family to Coeur d’Alene for a new adventure. John and his wife Charlotte purchased a motel and made a significant impact in the community. 

After his divorce in 1979, John moved on to work at Mahoney Ford, and then transitioned to head building inspector for the city of Post Falls, where he was in charge of some major developments in the city which included the nationally recognized home built in one day by Habitat for Humanity.

After his retirement, John pursued his passions, which included competing in many triathlons nationally and receiving several medals. He was proud to have passed this legacy on to his family. Some of John's other hobbies included landscaping, wood working, hunting, fishing, motorcycle riding and flirting. 

John had an AMAZING talent for turning leather into art. His trademark was the almighty leather feather and the bald eagle. He was such a compassionate and generous man. It made him so happy to mentor and share the artwork he created with his hands and his soul to those who held those treasures dearly. With all of these accomplishments, he was often recognized nationally.

John was preceded in death by his mother, Eleanor; his father, John; brother, Richard; and his most faithful best friend and companion, Blackjack. He is survived by his children: son, John R. Miller (Julie), and daughter, Tammy L. Lanore (Miller); grandchildren: Alisha, Sarah, Amber, Erik, Shalayna and Bryce; six great-grandchildren; brothers: Les and Elmer, and sisters: Linda and Delores; and many nieces, nephews, and brothers and sisters in heart.

John is now with his brothers and sisters in spirit. 

The family would like to extend a special thank you to his beloved friend, Penny Hough; special caregiver, Roxanne Finney; a VERY special thank you to his grand-daughter, Shalayna, who was there by his side in his final comforting moments; and the loving caregivers from Crest: Joi, Todd, Irene, Denise, Stephanie, MJ, Marla and Dr. Martin. 

There will be a viewing from noon - 1 p.m., and a celebration of John’s life on Saturday, April 12, at Christ the King Church, 1700 E. Pennsylvania Ave., Coeur d'Alene. Yates Funeral Homes has been entrusted with the care of final arrangements. Please sign John’s guest registry and view his online memorial at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.