Charles B. “Chuck” Miller, 78, died at home Thursday, May 6, 1999, of pancreatic cancer. Born in Crookston, Minn., on April 11, 1921, he moved with his family to Long Beach in 1925. He first visited the Hill as a 12-year-old boy scout at the old Camp Tahquitz, Long Beach Boy Scout Council. Each summer he returned as a camper and then as a staff member and camp director in 1946 and 1947. Chuck hiked and backpacked throughout the San Jacinto Mountains, climbing San Jacinto Peak numerous times. He and his family became part-timers in 1977 and moved full-time to Idyllwild in 1990.
He was graduated from Cal Tech in 1944, and the Claremont Graduate School in 1948. During WWII, he was a naval officer on an escort carrier. He worked more than 36 years in engineering and management on petroleum products pipelines. In the Sierra Club, he was an active officer and peak-climber, especially in the Sierra Peaks section, climbing most of the 14,000-foot Sierra Nevada peaks. He was a member of the Mayflower Society and an officer in the Sons of the Revolution.
Family, hiking, camping, travel, genealogy and classical music were his special interests. He also played bridge and cribbage regularly. In Idyllwild, he served as a board member of the Idyllwild Water District Board, and as an officer in both the 39ers and the Friends of the San Jacinto County Parks.
Mr. Miller is survived by his wife, Mary Ann; four daughters, Vicki, Deidra, Suzanne and Laurie; and seven grandchildren. A summer memorial service will be announced at a later date. Donations may be made to the Friends, Ramona VNA and Hospice, or the American Cancer Society.