Scott Miller Obituary

Scott David Miller, 43, who served as a Vice President for Omitron, Inc. in Colorado Springs, passed away August 9, 2006 at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, TX. Scott is survived by his loving family, including wife, Joanna; sons: Wade and Grant; mother, Judy; and brothers: Christopher and David. Preceding Scott in death is his father, Ronald D. Miller. Scott was an inspiration to all who knew him and many who didn't; as hundreds of people followed his battle with leukemia via a website the family established when he entered M.D. Anderson last October for a bone marrow transplant. Scott's positive spirit was a constant in his fight against leukemia and his determination never wavered. Born in Gettysburg, PA., on July 19, 1963, Scott graduated from Penn State in 1985 with a Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering and was a voracious Nittany Lions fan. Scott also earned a Master's degree in Technical Organization and Program Management from the Whiting School of Engineering at Johns Hopkins University in 1997. Scott was a Major in the Air Force Reserves and served 20 years in the Air Force, four on active duty. He served at the North American Aerospace Defense Command in Cheyenne Mountain and most recently worked for the Selective Service System in Richmond, VA and Denver, CO. Scott earned the Joint Service Commendation and Achievement Medals, Combat Readiness Medal and the National Defense Service Medal. "He was one of the finest officers I have ever worked with in my 30 years," said Retired Colonel Robert Archer. Scott served in various aerospace industry positions after leaving active duty in 1991. He managed space programs for NASA and NOAA for Lockheed Martin in Suitland, MD., and joined Omitron in 1998. "Scott's contributions to Omitron were tremendous. He was the most professional and genuine person I ever knew, and he will be greatly missed," said Omitron President Bruce Larsen. Scott was a dedicated husband and father who was involved at First Congregational Church, a local bible study, youth soccer, lacrosse and the Leukemia and Lymphoma society. Scott played an active role in finding a cure for his disease and ran four Marine Corps Marathons in Washington, D.C.; two after being diagnosed to raise funds for and awareness of blood cancers with "Team in Training". He also participated in the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society's "Light the Night Walk" and helped organize the first walk in Colorado Springs in 2003. Scott was an avid golfer, skier, runner and loved to hike, read and spend time with family and friends. Those who knew him count themselves lucky and feel a deep loss, as he was a generous and compassionate friend to all. "Ad Astra, Scott, Ad Astra (To The Stars)," wrote long-time friend Eric Paine, a fitting tribute to a truly exceptional man. A Memorial Service will be held to honor Scott's life on September 16th at First Congregational Church at 20 E. St. Vrain in Colorado Springs at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, a Memorial Fund for Scott Miller has been established through First Congregational Church and donations for the sons of Scott Miller can be made to the Wade R. and Grant A. Miller Educational Trust through US Bank, 6 South Tejon, Colorado Springs, CO., 80903.