I like that thought – rest in peace. I’m not sure who gets to rest now, but this morning at about 5:30 AM my father, Malcolm G Miller, died in his hospital bed with his son, Peter, by his side. Peter held his hand and whispered words of affection in Mack’s ear.
My father’s great passions were the stock market and hard work. Even at ninety-two he mowed his lawn and both his neighbors’ lawns. On Thanksgiving my father cleaned out his last gutter and sometime shortly before he entered the hospital he traded his last stock.
great picture.
and hopefully now we can all rest for a while
my heart goes out to you all.
Mack’s other passion was mathematics–and mathematics problems.
One of his most prized possessions was a 1950 vintage high school math textbook. Seeing me as a like-minded engineer (Mack was an EE and worked at Westinghouse for 30 or so years), he would painstakingly transcribe problems and mail them to me, along with the textbook’s answer. Then he would carefully detail the derivation steps proving the book’s answer wrong in some small degree.
Mike, if you find that book among his things, can I have it?
I had the distinct pleasure of growing up with Mack and Helen Miller as neighbors. I count myself lucky to have had them both influence me in my youth.
As a kid I also received hand transcribed math problems. Some came from said book and some others I think from the Christian Science Monitor. Many occupied my thoughts completely for days (some I solved through the time-honored guess and check method) and I always felt especially smart when I could solve one of Mack’s problems. I was also thrilled with the dollar a correct answer would sometimes garner.
I know the book of which Dan speaks (I’d guess it’s in the breakfast nook on one of the higher shelves behind the windowed doors, probably to the right). Mack insisted it was supremely written. He was also proud to have found it in a used book store for some cents. Another of his favorites was Flatland, A Romance of Many Dimensions. As I recall he received a copy from the puzzle editor of the CSM for identifying an error in a solution.
And the man (whom sadly I don’t believe I ever met) was a fearless electrical tinkerer, too, from what little I know. It took the combined mechanical-electrical skills (and that’s admittedly still some paucity) of Mike, Dan and I to forensically assess the elegantly simple from-scratch electronics he’d inserted into that 1968 2002 rather than pay the highway robbery for new factory parts …
I hope there are lawns long in the tooth and gutters that could flow more freely in heaven, ’cause now he’s got the knees and back for it again … Rest (actively) in peace, good sir, and a kindred wish to those that remain.
Mike, I am so sorry for your loss. Though I never met him, I have met you. Through a son you can tell a lot about the father. So truly your dad must have been a great man. My heart is with you.
Beth and I add our condolences to the multitudes. Had I known Mack was interested in math (my own favorite subject), I’d have sent him a puzzler or two. Some will say that in the Great Beyond he’ll have all the answers at hand, but my belief is that he’ll be working on the infinitely fiendish puzzlers now, and making corrections in the celestial library of unsolved problems.
My thoughts are with you today, my friend. It is nice to read what everyone else remembers about him – paints a picture of a life well lived. 92 is an achievement with all faculties intact – may we all be so lucky. To not only live so long, but also to be remembered.
Wind to thy wings, Malcolm.
Dearest Mike,
Dan let us know about the loss of your dad. Gazooks! What a full life! You have inherited wonderful genes, Mike. Sounds like he was very intelligent, generous with his time, and positively influenced those who knew him. Although his physical loss will have deep emotional effects, he will always be with you!!
Thinking of you all from Texas with love,
Lilly
Mike,
We are so sorry to learn of your father’s passing. Best to you and your family during this difficult time.
When I have cause to give pause and reflect in moments as these, I often wonder what folks will say about me when I pass. $$ means nothing as a mark of achievement in the grandest view, yet what a rich man your father was. And what a rich man you are.
Jen
By the way, give us some detail on the picture. Where is it taken; what was the occasion for the flowers in the lapel; the year, etc… Beautiful picture.
That photo was taken on my mother’s parent’s porch in Nevada, Missouri, in 1941. That’s one of two wedding pictures I’ve found while rooting through my father’s belongings.
What a handsome couple.