First and foremost, as a follower of Jesus Christ, Gary Miller believed in and was a proponent of the Gospel message. Only through repentance and faith can one be saved from sin. "For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast." (Eph. 2:8-9) Also, once saved, you cannot lose that salvation and are secure in Christ. Jesus said, "This is the will of Him who sent Me, that of all that He has given Me I lose nothing, but raise it up on the last day." (John 6:39)

Born in Los Angeles in 1942, Gary was raised by both his mother and grandmother the first years of his life as his father was serving in the Army during World War II as a paratrooper with the 101st. Growing up in Downey, Gary had four siblings and his posse of friends, known as the Springer Street Gang, who often took to their street to play baseball, football, and occasionally get into mischief. Later moving to West Covina in his high school years, Gary went on to study at Azusa Pacific University and played on the baseball team. He served in Vietnam in the Navy, being first stationed in Da Nang and later San Diego and Hawaii. In 1974 he would meet his wife Jennifer and they would be married in 1976.
As husband to Jennifer and father to Christopher and Jeffrey, Gary had the special Christian gift of encouragement. Whatever goals or aspirations his family had, Gary always supported them. Often, he would even have "outside the box" ideas as to how to go about achieving those goals. Even when only the negative aspects of something could be seen, he could turn those on their head and help you see the positive. "There was always more than one way to skin a cat."

His love and understanding for his family, no matter the circumstance, was always felt. Also, his generosity of spirit was unsurpassed, not only to his family, but also to friends. Indeed, to all who knew him, he is still described as one of the nicest men they've ever met. Not to mention, he loved having a good time, which usually simply meant grabbing a meal or a cup of coffee and enjoying one another's company.

Professionally, as a special education teacher for 13 years, Gary's patience with his special needs students was unparalleled. From those with severe autism to Down syndrome, Gary created curriculum designed to meet the unique needs of each specific student, challenging them to be their best. He firmly believed that all his students could not only learn, but become contributing members of society.

Politically, Gary had a passion for public service. As an advocate for others, his desire was always for the betterment of those underrepresented. He ran for office 25 times over the course of 42 years in both LA and Orange counties. He ran for both state and local offices; he even ran for governor of California! He served as West Covina City Councilman for 5 ½ years and served on the Mt. Sac Board of Trustees for 8 years, serving twice as President. He loved campaigning, especially meeting others and learning of their concerns. As a Christian, he thought it was important that Christians engage society, not sit on the sidelines. He believed that the love of Christ could and should be displayed not just in Washington, but also on a school board or city council.
In terms of volunteer work, Gary served his local church in several capacities, including children's ministry, and supported Advocates for Faith and Freedom, a non-profit group that legally protects Christians' rights in the workplace and school.

A champion and friend to all who knew and loved him, Gary will be missed. For now, he is in heaven with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. And for those who have embraced the Gospel and also call Jesus Lord, there is full assurance that we will be united again.
Below are the lyrics to Gary's favorite hymn. In the midst of whatever life brings, the soul that loves God can sing "How great thou art".

How Great Thou Art
O Lord my God, When I in awesome wonder,
Consider all the worlds Thy Hands have made;
I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder,
Thy power throughout the universe displayed.

Chorus:
Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee,
How great Thou art, How great Thou art.
Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee,
How great Thou art, How great Thou art!

When through the woods, and forest glades I wander,
And hear the birds sing sweetly in the trees.
When I look down, from lofty mountain grandeur
And see the brook, and feel the gentle breeze.

And when I think, that God, His Son not sparing;
Sent Him to die, I scarce can take it in;
That on a Cross, my burdens gladly bearing,
He bled and died to take away my sin.

When Christ shall come, with shout of acclamation,
And take me home, what joy shall fill my heart.
Then I shall bow, in humble adoration,
And then proclaim: "My God, how great Thou art!"