“Happiness is like a
butterfly. The more you chase it, the
more it eludes you. But if you turn your
attention to other things, It comes and sits softly on your shoulder” – Henry
David Thoreau
Remembering
our friend Michelle Miller –
Guide Dogs
for the Blind Alumni Association Board Secretary
Memorial by Becky
Andrews, Past Chair GDB Alumni Association Board, and Leanne Bremner,
Vice-Chair GDB Alumni Association Board
It is with great sadness we said good bye to
our dear friend Michelle Miller who died unexpectedly this February. Michelle was devoted to her golden retriever
guides, first Tuft who she worked with for 11 years, then Tango who has been
her partner since 2008.
Michelle was well connected to the GDB
family. She was involved in her local
Alumni Chapter and puppy raisers. Michelle
served as a dedicated member of the GDB Alumni Board from June 2011 until her passing
in February 2016.
Michelle was
respected and loved by our Alumni Board and all who knew her. She quickly became a leader in this
organization serving as our secretary for the past three years and on various
committees. Her ability to capture the
notes of a busy meeting were appreciated and admired. Michelle was a gifted and
articulate writer not only as she served on the board but in her professional
life as well.
Michelle served on numerous committees and was the one you could count on to step in and go above and beyond. Michelle was the chair of the last Alumni Reunion, Paws Around the World in September 2015 which was held for the first time in Portland. She kept the Board on task with her organizational skills, sense of humor and leadership. Her email closing line reminded us the value of working together as it read: ‘teamwork is dreamwork.’
Michelle had a
warmth and genuine kindness that was infectious. She was patient, confident, resilient and
tenacious. She truly embodied her
guiding principles – a life filled with constant enrichment, integrity and a
love of sharing life’s gifts.
Michelle had a
way of lifting your spirits whether you were with her in person or connecting with
her online. She was known for her encouraging
emails that always included an inspiring quote at the end. One of her most recent ones was from Mark
Twain: Kindness is the language which
the deaf can hear and the blind can see. She would often insert *smile*
into her email message, which brought a sparkle and a warmth to the message she
was conveying. If you were fortunate
enough to have been around Michelle, you left your time with her feeling good
about yourself.
Michelle had many hobbies and interests, including
writing, urban ministry, cooking and shopping, and a love for travel. She visited many exotic places throughout the
world.
She had a passion for butterflies - their uniqueness,
colors, and exquisiteness. She felt that
butterflies were symbolic for all new endeavors and adventures. Another favorite quote she would often share,
“Happiness is like a butterfly which, when pursued, is
always beyond our grasp, but, if you will sit down quietly, may alight upon you”
- Nathaniel
Hawthorne.
While Michelle had a soft voice, she was a strong
advocate. She inspired us all to find
our voice and be heard. We are committed
to keeping her beautiful spirit and memory alive. We can do this by being kind and inclusive to
those around us just like Michelle showed us.
We can share our voice in a positive way advocating just as Michelle
demonstrated to us.
We love you Michelle.
We miss you. We thank you for
your many contributions to the GDB Community.
2015-2016 Guide Dogs for the Blind Alumni Board
