George Miller

10/24/1922-12/25/2014

George Miller 10/24/22 – 12/25/14 Born in Detroit, George was a Tucsonan since 1939, briefly attending Tucson High. A Marine during WWII, he was wounded in action in the Battle of Saipan. After the war he earned his B.A. and M.Ed. from the University of Arizona. An enthusiastic teacher of social studies and American History, George taught until he was forced to quit because of his refusal to testify before the House Un-American Activities Committee during the McCarthy era. He operated his own business as a painting contractor for 31 years from his pick-up truck. Always politically engaged, he eventually ran for public office serving on the Tucson City Council from 1977-1991. He was elected Mayor of Tucson, 1991-1999. George provided leadership for enacting city ordinances prohibiting smoking in restaurants, hiring magistrates based on merit and the sign code. He successfully advocated for the creation of the Domestic Violence and GLBT Commissions. He pressed for adoption of a hate-crimes law, making Tucson a first in the nation. George’s commitment to affirmative action and diversity in all city operations, apparent in his business and government service, set an example for the community. In support of Pima County Interfaith Council programs he put his political energy behind Job Path, a job-training program and KIDCO after-school activities. After retiring as mayor, George returned to the profession he cared so much about, teaching history and government classes at Pima College for ten years. Later, as a volunteer, he taught citizenship classes through Pima County Adult Education. Among others, he served on the boards of the Tucson Jewish Community Center, Congregation Chaverim and Job Path. George’s characteristic sense of humor never failed. He always thought he would be lucky to have a sewer line named after him honoring his public service, but was deeply moved by the naming of the George Miller-Golf Links Library. He was a people person. He loved to play racquetball and cheer for the UA Wildcats. He was a lifelong fan of the Detroit Tigers. Above all, George was a civil libertarian and wholeheartedly participated in demonstrations for social justice and peace. He lived by Rabbi Tarfon’s words (Pirkei Avot 2:21), “You are not required to complete the work, but neither are you free to abstain from it.” George and his wife, Roslyn, shared 47 years of complete devotion, partnership and social activism. He enjoyed all American holidays, but especially the Jewish holidays. George’s family was all-important to him. May his name forever be a blessing. In 1945 George married Ruth Forer. They had four children prior to their divorce: Emily Keeler (Stephen), David Miller (Christine), Andrew Miller (Denise), and Philip “Barney” Miller (Jodi). Roslyn’s children are Vera Pfeuffer (Roger), Gene Einfrank (Melissa), Robert Einfrank (Esther), and Miriam Girard (Blake). George is also survived by grandchildren, Simone (Chris), Sam, Nick, Zack, Joshua (Shannon), Bree (Peter), Adin (Vanesa), Aaron (Janelle), Daniel (Amy), Julian (Nicole), Levi (Bianca), and Cliona. His great-grandchildren are Skylar, Wilder, Kara, Jaymie and Lia Bella. His parents, Bertha and Louis Miller, and brothers, Abe and Max, predeceased George. His sister, Leada, and many nieces, nephews and cousins, here and abroad survive him. The family deeply appreciates the excellent care that the VA staff provided for George over the years. A memorial service will be officiated by Rabbi Stephanie Aaron at the Tucson Jewish Community Center on Sunday, January 11, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations to Casa Maria, Tucson Community Food Bank, Literacy Connects, Congregation Chaverim, Friends of Tucson’s Birthplace, or Arizona Public Media would be welcome. Arrangements by ADAIR FUNERAL HOME, Dodge Chapel.