Maynard Malcolm Miller, explorer, committed educator and
noted scientist whose glaciological research was among the first to identify
hard evidence of global climate change as a result of human industrial
activity, died on January 26 at his home in Moscow, Idaho. He was 93. Dr.
Miller was Emeritus Professor at the University of Idaho where he previously
served as Dean of the College of Mines and Earth Resources, and Director of the
Glaciological and Arctic Sciences Institute. The Institute, along with the Juneau
Icefield Research Program, founded in 1946 and developed in partnership with
his late wife Joan Walsh Miller, inspired more than 4000 students through hands
on involvement in scientific research in remote mountain environments in Alaska
and around the world (www.juneauicefield.com).
The early years of JIRP were sponsored by the American Geographical Society,
discussed in a 1950 article in the Geographical
Review (Vol. 40, no. 2, pp. 179-190) by W.O. Field and Maynard Miller. In recognition of this sustained impact in
mountain science education, Maynard and Joan Miller were presented 1996 AAG
Distinguished Teaching Honors. As a
scientist and climber on America's first Mt. Everest Expedition in 1963, Miller
conducted research on atmospheric pollution and other contributors to climate
change. On that historic expedition, as the West Ridge climbers returned from
the summit, Miller sacrificed his precious scientific water samples,
laboriously collected from the Khumbu Icefall, in order to rehydrate the
exhausted climbers. Although a deeply spiritual person, Maynard Miller did not
believe in any God of organized religion; instead, he found inspiration in the
magnificence and wonder of nature. He also believed that through the challenge
of rugged mountain expeditions, where teamwork is essential to achieve a common
goal, the best in each individual may be revealed. His great joy was to share
and provide these experiences for others. A native of the Northwest, Miller
graduated from Stadium High School in Tacoma, Washington. He studied geology
and glaciology, receiving degrees from Harvard University and Columbia
University, and his PhD in Geography from Cambridge University, working under
the supervision of Richard Chorley.
During WWII Miller served on a Navy destroyer, seeing active duty in 11
major Pacific campaigns and sustaining injuries during an aircraft attack at
sea. Late in life, Miller served three terms in the Idaho State House of
Representatives where he advocated for expanding educational opportunities. He
will be remembered for his enthusiasm, unrelenting optimism and phrases such
as, "stress helps you grow" and his closing on mountain radio
transmissions, "mighty fine, mighty fine". Miller is survived by his
sons and their spouses, Ross Miller (Denise), and Lance Miller (Jana). Miller
also leaves behind his beloved grandchildren, Logan, Anna, Zachary and Eva,
extended family in the Puget Sound area as well as scores of grateful students,
scientific collaborators and co-adventurers. Celebrations of the life of
Maynard Malcolm Miller will be announced at a future date. See more at:
http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/juneauempire/obituary.aspx?n=maynard-malcolm-miller&pid=169627246#sthash.8dkvaCTJ.dpuf