William I. Miller

William I. Miller, 84 of Copake, NY passed away on Saturday February 1, 2014 at Geer Nursing & Rehabilitation Center in Canaan, CT.

He was born on September 12, 1929 in Gallatin, NY a son of the late William and Mabel (Young) Miller.

Mr. Miller had been employed by Warp Knit Textiles in Mellenville for 28 years until it relocated out of state. He then worked for the LorBrook Corporation in Hudson for 12 years until its closing. After that he was employed by the New York State Parks & Recreation and Historical Preservation at the Clermont Historic Site for 13 years until his retirement. He, along with his late wife Betty also owned and operated the former Parkway Drive - In in Martindale from 1964 - 1974.

Bill was a member of the Episcopal Church of St. John in the Wilderness in Copake Falls, an executive committeeman for the Columbia County Democratic Party and a member of the former Roeliff Jansen Lions Club. He was an avid hunter and fisherman and for many years pitched for a local men's softball league.

His family was the center of his world. From skiing, skating and golfing with them until age 70, to watching a Yankee game, he was most happy while doing something with them.

He was pre deceased by his wife of 56 years, Betty K. Waldorf Miller in 2007 along with a sister Alice Smith and a brother, Bradley R. Miller.

He is survived by his son Wayne N. Miller and daughter in law Cathy; his daughter Wendy K. Walton and son in law James, daughter Wonell B. Miller and son in law Bob Haight and daughter Winette Harrington and son in law Michael Edge all of Copake. He also leaves his extended family, David and Victoria Parsons of South Carolina and son in law Rodney Van Tassel of Stuyvesant, NY. Additionally his 11 grandchildren, Kelly Miller - Simmons, Alexis Lauture, Courtney Pavlovich, William Van Tassel, Thomas Sindler, Alyssa Hines, Jamie Walton, Bryan Van Tassel, Brittany Harrington, Alison Van Tassel and Lydia Van Tassel. He also leaves 11 great grandchildren and his siblings Edna Dietz and husband Jack of North Carolina, Ann Van Deusen and husband Arnold of Claverack and Jake Miller and wife Carolee of Copake along with several nieces and nephews.

Friends are invited and may call on Friday February 7, 2014 from 6 - 8 PM at the Peck and Peck Funeral Home, Route 22 in Copake NY.

A Service of Remembrance will be held Saturday February 8, 2014 at 11 AM from the Episcopal Church of St. John in the Wilderness, Route 344 in Copake Falls with the Rev John Thompson officiating.

Private interment will be in the Evergreen Cemetery, Pine Plains, NY.

In lieu of flowers kindly consider the Recreation Department at Geer Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, 99 S. Canaan Rd., Canaan CT 06018. Bill participated in many events at the center and was especially fond of the Annual Fishing Derby. Contributions will be used to keep the Derby funded for future residents to enjoy.

The family would like to thank Geer Nursing & Rehabilitation Center for their compassionate care afforded to Bill.

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