MILLER, Vicky

VICKY SUSAN MILLER July 14, 1954 – June 9, 2024 Vicky Miller (Nee: Hunt) was born to her parents, Phil and Judy Hunt, in Cromwell, New Zealand on July 14, 1954. Vicky often told stories of growing up with her two sisters, Bridget and Jan, at Mt. Nicholas Station (a high country sheep station) on the South Island of New Zealand. Like her mother and sisters, Vicky attended St. Hilda’s Boarding School in Dunedin, New Zealand. Vicky went on to University in Dunedin, achieving an Honours Degree in Microbiology.
In 1977, Vicky accepted a 1-year position in the Virology Lab at the Fairfield Infectious Disease Hospital in Melbourne, Australia. While in Melbourne Vicky met her future husband, Dennis, from Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada. Vicky and Dennis travelled around Australia before moving to Lethbridge and were married September 1978, during a small ceremony with family and friends in Hawaii.
Vicky’s working career in Lethbridge included 10 years for Molson Brewers and 25 years at the Black Velvet Distillery. In 2018, Vicky was recognized by de Kergommeaux with a lifetime achievement in the Canadian Whiskey Awards for her contributions to the industry as a Master Blender.
In 1982, Vicky and Dennis welcomed the birth of their son, Rob, followed 4 years later by a daughter, Janelle. Vicky was a devoted and supportive mother, encouraging Rob and Janelle to pursue their academic, sporting and career goals, wherever they may take them. Rob and Janelle often looked to her for advice, to help guide them through life.
Vicky and Dennis’ passion for skiing with their family, led to the purchase of a cabin at Castle Mountain Resort in 1996. Vicky retired to this cabin in 2017 after which she proceeded to ski 100 plus days per season until her passing. The Castle has lost one of its Queens.
Vicky and her family spent summers camping, hiking and dirt biking. Vicky was a keen reader and enjoyed working on stained glass, creating beautiful pieces for their home and to share with family and friends. After retirement, Vicky and Dennis travelled each year, mostly hiking or peddle biking trips in various locales around the world. Vicky loved to share slideshows of their adventures each time they returned with fun and interesting tales. Vicky also took up quilting in retirement, making custom quilts for each of her 4 grandchildren, Chase, Ryder, Finn and Otto plus many of her wider family. Vicky was an amazing Granny, who adored and cared for her grandsons. Encouraging them to read, play games, and to go outside and enjoy the places where they lived.
Vicky passed peacefully in her sleep on June 9, 2024 with Dennis at her side.
Vicky is predeceased by her parents, Phil and Judy Hunt; her sister Bridget Kirkham; and her parents-in-law Robert and Hazel Miller.
Vicky is survived by Dennis; Rob and his wife Litisha and their children Chase and Ryder; Janelle, her partner, Jordan and their children Finn and Otto; Vicky’s sister Jan and her husband Duncan Robertson, and their daughter Olivia; and Vicky’s nephew Richard Kirkham and his wife, Katie.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Castle Mountain Resort Daylodge at 1:00 PM on Sunday, July 14, 2024. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations will be gratefully accepted by Diabetes Canada (www.diabetes.ca).
Condolences may be registered at www.fantinsfuneralchapel.ca. Fantin’s Funeral Chapel, A Division of The Caring Group Corp. assisting with arrangements. (403) 562-8555