News & Events

TOM MILLER - December 30, 1938 - January 19, 2024

The Manitoba Hockey Hall of Fame is saddened to learn of the passing of Honoured Member Tom Miller. Sometimes called " Mr. Hockey in St. James", he became the founding president of The St.James Canucks of the MMJHL in 1978/79 and stepped aside in 2015. He also served as the general manager, fund raiser and team psychologist. Tom always thought area players deserved to have the opportunity to play and while he could have had stronger teams by bringing in players from outside the area he stayed true to their original idea.

TOM MILLER OBITUARY (source; Winnipeg Free Press)

On January 19, 2024, Dad's journey unexpectedly came to an end.

Predeceased by his wife Darlene (aka Terry) in 2021, he will be forever remembered by his children; Tammy (Craig), Tom (Tracey), Tim (Colleen), grandchildren Jenny (Norm), Ryan (Krystal), Saxon (Mariel), Sienna (Tyson), great grandchildren Sawyer and Sutton as well as bonus step-grandchildren and step-great grandchildren. Dad is also survived by his brother Carl (Pauline), and sisters Ruth, Pat, Diane and Karen as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Our Dad was born on December 30, 1938, in Winnipeg to parents Elizabeth and Frederick. They lived in a house on Nora Street that his grandfather built. He was surrounded by 8 brothers and sisters: Teddy (predeceased in infancy), Dusty, Ruth, Carl, Robert, Pat, Joe, Diane, and Karen.

He married his love Darlene on June 13, 1959, and together they created their family. After mom and dad married, he worked for CPR, Canada Life, Eatons, Olivetti Canada and decided to open his own business...Century Business Machines where he was sales manager, selling more Olivetti office machines than the Branch office.

Dad worked long hours, but he took time to coach Tammy in baseball, Tom in hockey and played golf regularly with Tim. He would always find time to help us with anything we needed or just to give some fatherly advice.

Co-founding the St. James Jr. Canucks in 1978, he worked tirelessly as President of the team and developed many lifelong friendships along the way. Despite "retiring" in 2015 he remained involved, finding deals on hockey equipment, and helping with fundraising.

He was an avid golfer and had four holes-in-one to his credit. Joining in 1983, he was honoured as a Lifetime Member of Assiniboine Golf Club and was looking forward to the season.

He won many awards over the years for his volunteer work, including being inducted into the Manitoba Hockey Hall of Fame, Builders Category in 2013, Canada 150 Certificate of Appreciation in 2017, and receiving the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal in 2022.

Dad's world was turned upside down when Mom passed away in 2021 after a valiant fight with cancer. They were blessed with 62 years of marriage and after mom's passing he was never the same again.

Dad was a wonderful human being, he was LOUD, passionate and the most loyal person you would ever meet, he would go out of his way to help his family, friends and even strangers in need. His love for his family was his gift to us. Although life will never be the same, we will cherish the memories forever.

Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday February 8, 2024, at Canad Inns Polo Park at 2:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, for those who desire, donations in Tom's memory can be made to Rossbrook House or a charity of one's choice.