Richard Thomas Miller
September 23, 2023
“He has not passed, Richard has arrived”
African saying
Born in Camden, New Jersey, on May 3, 1938, Richard was the second son of William Miller and Audrey Mars Miller, and brother of 7 brothers and sisters, who all have since passed.
Richard was destined to travel the world when his mother gifted him a medallion of St. Christopher, patron of travelers, however he did love his country and he started his career in civil engineering and construction management in the USA working on interstate programs covering NJ, PA, DE and MD.
His first overseas assignment was in Tanzania, teaching civil engineers construction management and practical application in the field. Serendipity was at play, and he met the love of his life, Marion.
Together they moved to the jungles of Sumatra, (anyone need a ride in my helicopter without doors?), a short stint in Libya as American citizens were ordered to leave and go back to the safety of Switzerland, to their home in the Alps. He established his own company, securing projects in the Far East. If anyone rides the MRT in Singapore, thumbs up to them as the architectural finishes of six stations are his accomplishment. The desert beckoned, and off they went to Saudi Arabia, Richard worked very hard, and he always looked forward to the “tea tickets” in the Diplomatic Quarter in Riyadh. There was Sub Saharan – Africa Chad and Cameroon, the UK and France and finally, the return to the USA, to New Jersey. There he became involved with a few projects in North Jersey, where he had started and ended his career. These past years, he enjoyed living at Four Seasons, their home. He loved the safety of it all, and made friends in this caring community.
Describing Richard, there is so much. A life well lived, full of adventure, full of people, full of joy and happiness.
Richard had humor, made people laugh, was a great raconteur in the day, the many hours spent at the dinner table will be remembered fondly. He was a star in the kitchen, although it took him forever to actually put the end result on the table and was a connoisseur of wines. If you asked him if he would like another glass, he would say “Is the Pope a Catholic”? Often bringing confusion to the one who had asked.
He loved the mountains, hiking the Alps many times with his malamute Sam, or flying down the mountain on a sleigh.
He loved his Dutch family, Robert and Mieke, since passed, and Frank and Heleen, with their boys Steven and Sebas, who were more like his sons, and their loves, Maite and Charlie. He loved riding with them on the tractor at the farm in France, feeding the cows apples, cider apples of course. Or baptizing the small boat on the fishpond and promptly falling in the water. his glasses still lay on the bottom of the pond.
He loved his Micato family, in the USA, Africa and India and the Micato family was always there for him, how he enjoyed the case of champagne, even if he never got to finish all.
He loved his and Marion’s doggies, Sammy, aka Shorty and Mickey, aka Brutus, or Killer, depending on what their Mick did.
Above all he loved his wife Marion, he absolutely believed that they had been together in earlier lives, and he was convinced they would be together again, for another fantastic ride, and what a wonderful and beautiful ride it was.
The last years of his life, Richard needed care, at home, lovingly given, and sprinkled with much, much laughter. Life without him seems to be unimaginable, his last message to Marion will be kept closely…
“I can’t imagine a more wonderful partner than you to share my life with,
Thank you for letting me be me,
For loving me as I am,
And understanding me so well,
Forever and always, my heart belongs to you.
Love,
Richard”
Till we meet again my lieverd.
Services are Private.
Reading about Richard’s journey through life paints the picture of a man who was full of zest, love, and an adventurous spirit. It’s rare to come across tales of someone who has not only travelled the world but also touched countless lives along the way. From his professional achievements to the love and humour he shared with his family and friends, Richard’s legacy is a testament to a life filled with passion, purpose, and boundless joy. The love he shared with Marion reflect a bond that is eternal. May his spirit continue to inspire, and may he rest in peace surrounded by the many memories he created. Our deepest condolences to Marion, Frank, Heleen, Steven, Sebas, Maite and Charlie. With love, Dennis and Joy
Dearest Marion,
This is the most beautiful obituary and a testament to the love you both shared.
I only met Richard a few times but through you, knew him well. I am so glad I was able to meet him just last month. That is how I will remember him – always so warm and kind, with that wonderful sense of humor.
Rest in peace, dear Richard, and know we’re there for your Marion.
Lisa
May Richard rests in peace and I’m sorry for your loss, Marion. Take care.
Oh gosh, Richard sitting in that chair brings to memory my two meetings with him when we were guests at the Miller’s home.
As Poet Rumi says, “Death is not the end, it’s the beginning of a new journey”
Let us all wish Richard well for his new journey.
You’ll be missed dearly Sexy Richard! Wishing you happiness and good health always, wherever you are….
Much love,
Ambika
Dear Marion,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you, and sending you much ‘sterkte’ vibes from SA.
May all your lovely, positive, warm, and loving memories of Richard remain strong forever.
With much love
Chris & the Collett clan
My sincere condolences at this time Marion .You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Sending LIGHT
Dearest Marion,
Although I never had the chance to meet Richard, it does seem that I have known him – all because of your wonderful stories!
The obituary you wrote is among the most heartfelt, emotional pieces I have read in quite a while. It moved me to tears, especially the part at the end. Like you say, Richard and you were meant to be, in this life and the next!
Wishing Richard well, wherever he is; and for you, lots of love and strength!
Supriya
Ome Dick,
You lived far in distance but not far in thought! The frequent video calls helped keep us close – catching up – having a good laugh – even quizzing to keep each other sharp – or just to mummify each other with toilet paper ;).
We will miss you so dearly and we are so happy to have you in our family.
The love of Tante Mar’s life and the funniest uncle on the planet!
Maïté & Steven
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of loss.
Losing someone you love is like losing a part of yourself. Nothing will ever replace that. But hopefully every time you share a memory, you will feel that part of you again.
Hoping that one day you will find comfort in the remembering.
Much Love
Pamela & Peter
Dear Marion,
Yours was a beautiful love story for the ages, and will continue for eternity.
Sending much love, strength, and prayers during this difficult time – and raising a glass to Richard and his life brilliantly lived.
Love, Liz
While I only talked to Richard thru email. I can tell he was a super sweet guy.
My condolences to you Marion during this time.
Much love to you
Charles
Your life with Richard is magnificent and aspirational, and your adventures together and love for each other radiate to everyone who knows you. These are beautiful memories of a life well- and lovingly- lived, and I hope they are buoying you during this difficult time. The best to him beyond, and to you here. All my love, EK
Marion,
Although I never met Richard, I feel just slightly, that I knew a part of him through you…love, smiles, happiness, joy, peace and shenanigan’s! Now he will forever be watching over you, sending subtle signals that he is with you. May you find peace in knowing his is forever young and waiting for the day the two of you are together again. Hugs and love, Bonnie.
Whenever we would visit Richard there would always be laughter, great conversations, and a good glass of wine! RIP dear Richard. Sending lots of virtual hugs to Marion!
Love,
Ken and John
Dearest Marion,
Not sure who wrote this story for Richard but it is absolutely beautiful and a testament to a life well lived and well loved. May he be at peace and may you be comforted by ahundred thousand joyous memories of him.
Love,
Meg
I wish Richard is safe and happy whereever he is, probably right there with you, Marion 🙂 I was lucky to have received a sweet reply from Richard when I wished him on his birthday and I could feel his warmth and kindness towards others through those words.
I hope God gives you the strength to keep moving on with all these loving memories in your heart. Big love and hugs to you, dear Marion!
Prachi
Sweet, Marion. My thoughts and prayers are with you and the family at this difficult time.
I will always remember Richard fondly, what a gentlemen! Always keeping my champagne glass filled. And the way he gazed at you, with so much love in his eyes, still gives me goosebumps.
May the memories of your wonderful love and beautiful life together bring you joy inside your tears.
Love,
Krista
Sending much love to you, Marion. I so enjoyed our day with you and Richard last year. What wonderful stories he shared in which his love for you shone through. We felt so very welcome in your home and in your lives.
Hugs to you,
Devon, Jeremy and Tate
Dearest Marion,
Words can not even express how heartbreaking this must be for you. I so wish I had the opportunity to meet him. Reading his obituary gave me a glimpse of him and how full of life and joy he was (just like you). Sending you much strength, lots of love and hugs during this very difficult time.
Love, Valerie
I am very lucky and grateful to have met Richard. He will always be remembered as a kind soul and loving husband to Marion.
Dear Marion, my thoughts are with you and with your family. You will always have those beautiful memories with him. What a joy to have a wonderful companion like him. Sending strength and love your way, always.
Love,
Gina
Dear Marion,
My deepest condolences for your loss. Such a beautifully written tribute to Richard of a life well lived with so much love and cherished memories. May his deep love and memories bring you peace.
May God be with you each day with his strength, love and hope.
Sending you long distance hugs and comfort to you, Marion, during this difficult time. Richard’s life journey truly exemplifies a life well lived- and with you by his side- a live well loved. Please know that your Micato family is here for you and will always be here for you whenever you need us. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Love, Emily
xoxo
Though I never met Richard, this beautifully written obituary gave me a glimpse into his life, and into your lives together. Truly a life well lived!
May his memory bring you comfort and peace, Marion.
Much love,
Faith
Dick came in our lives as Marion’s new love and he fit right in. A life enthusiast with a great sense of humor. The first word he learnt in Dutch was ‘vloerbedekking’ (carpeting).
Marion cared and pampered Dick with lot’s of love, selfmade gourmet meals and profound conversations.
Through Dick and Marion love to travel we created some of the fondest family memories. Spending time with the family in both Switserland and then France. Steven and Bas on the tractor while Frank would go fishing by the pond.
Eventhough we didn’t see much of eachother because of the distance and my fear of flying, we will miss you dearly.
You are now a bright star in heaven.
Love Heleen
Ome Dick was our dearest uncle. Although we lived far apart from each other, we had lots of contact via videochat.
It was a joy to witness ome Dick being the love of tante mar’ life. Our trips to America were always lots of fun, ome Dick always tried his best to give us the best time of our lives. Being funny, took us to all places in the area and a lot of chats about their adventures lives.
We will miss you very much and will always be thankful to have you in our familie.
Charlotte & Sebas
Richard’s life stands as a shining example of love, dedication, enthusiasm, and happiness. May his essence forever uplift his friends and family, and may you dear Marion find serenity from the cherished moments he left behind. My heart goes out to you and everyone touched by Richard’s warmth and kindness. Much love, Lorna
My relationship with Uncle Richard began as a small child when mom and dad asked him to be my godfather. Growing up, there were so many precious memories as my family joined his at his ranch property in northern NJ. We’d join his children, Audrey and Gretchen, riding horses chasing chickens, and just running around. As I reflect, I can only smile, while at the same time embracing sadness of the loss. So glad that Audrey, Gretchen and all us cousins remain close. Praying for those who are hurting.
I count myself very lucky to have met Bwana Richard.
I have never tasted such delicious dessert cake that he made for us in honour of the lunch the two of you hosted for me in your home. It was unbelievably sumptuous. We discussed a lot of Kenya and Tanzania and how Richard met his lovely wife in the most humorous way. We connected so well like he was my lost brother from another mother.
Fare thee well Bwana Richard, we will keep the fond memories.
Dada Marion, it’s well you are in my thoughts and prayers and remember whenever you need a good laugh, I am here for you.
Dada Jane
Sending you much love and hugs Marion. I am very grateful to have met Richard, he was a such a gentleman!
Love Fran
My dear friend Marion,
Reading this, I am crying and smiling at the same time! Your Richard sounds like such a lovely character! I wish I had met him! Both of you were so fortunate to be blessed with such a life of adventure, happiness, and geniune love! I hope you find comfort in years of lovely memories you made together. Thinking of you and sending hugs!
Love,
Cheryl
Dear Marion,
Cara mia…You describe your love story with Richard so beautifully. How blessed that two of you are to have shared a life so well lived, filled with precious moments, adventure, and fun. You treasure so many amazing stories together, those special memories will always be alive in your mind and heart. Richard will be near you always. He is smiling down on you from heaven.
With love and blessings.
Iris
Dear Marion,
We heard about Richard’s death through Heleen and Frank, we sympathize with you and wish you a lot of strength in this difficult time. Nice to read about your life together and the journeys you have made, lots of beautiful things to look back on.
Lots of love from Marcel and Miriam Leenstra
Sending you so much love. You and Richard shared a beautiful life. May you be wrapped in beautiful memories.
Dear Marion,
I can only imagine the profound grief and sorrow you must be experiencing during this incredibly difficult time. I wanted to reach out to offer my deepest condolences on the loss of your beloved Richard.
Richard was an extraordinary individual who faced an incredibly challenging struggle with immense courage and strength. His journey was undoubtedly marked by both triumphs and heartaches, and through it all, your unwavering support and love were a testament to the profound bond you shared.
Grief can be an isolating experience, but you are not alone in this journey. Lean on your Micato family, and allow them to help carry the burden of your sorrow.
While Richard’s physical presence may be gone, the love and memories you shared together will endure forever.
Sending you all my love and strength as you navigate the path ahead.
With heartfelt sympathy and love,
Jane and Felix
Dearest Marion,
What a beautiful and deep love you and Richard shared. From the moment you saw each other and then forever. You were so alike….loving, caring, wonderful sense of humor, good friends to others, & making those who were with you feel your love & respect. We are so fortunate to have Richard & you in our lives.
Love always,
Ann