Obituary
Diane Miller
1954-2014
Diane Miller, a nine-year resident of Idyllwild, passed away Monday, Nov. 10, 2014. She was born on April 9, 1954, in Kansas City, Missouri, graduated from Oak Park High School and attended Park University. While at college, she majored in Art and Equestrian studies.
Diane migrated to San Diego in the 1990s and was employed in the property management industry from 1994 to 2004. She excelled in leadership and organization skills, and eventually oversaw marketing, sales and staffing for Fairfield Properties in San Diego County.
She returned to Missouri to serve as a marketing consultant for a real estate publication from 2004 to 2006.
Diane relocated to Idyllwild in 2006 and assumed the position of executive assistant to the president of Idyllwild Arts. She was extraordinarily successful in this position and became a trusted and key member of Idyllwild Arts’ leadership team, working with then-president Bill Lowman until the beginning of the term of current President Pamela Jordan.
As the doorkeeper to the president’s office, she was connected with every employee, student and friend of Idyllwild Arts. She also managed important communications and relations with national and international external constituencies. She worked directly with the boards of governors and trustees of the Idyllwild Arts Foundation, and a large community of donors and philanthropists. She reluctantly resigned from her position for health reasons on Oct. 29, 2014.
Faith Raiguel, chair of the IAF board during much of Diane’s tenure, said, “It is with great sadness that we now face our Idyllwild lives without Diane. Diane was a role model of integrity, honesty and hard work. She was a bright spot on campus and in the community. When it was time for us to give her support and solace, she let me know she felt that love. A tribute in IA’s Memorial Grove is fitting, as she loved the school and all her Idyllwild friends.”
Bill Lowman, president emeritus of IA, said, “From the moment I interviewed Diane, I knew that she would become a first-rate executive assistant and a valuable member of the administration. It was a joy to work with someone so thoroughly dedicated to the mission of the school and so capable at putting everyone around her at ease. I will miss her more than I can say.”
Pamela Jordan, current president of IA said, “Diane embodied all of the traits that drew me to Idyllwild Arts. She was kind, caring and, above all, professional. She set the standard for the president’s office, and even from our brief time together, her words and attitude still guide my thoughts and actions. She made the transition to my new home and job a pleasure.”
There are no survivors or family. A celebration of Diane’s life and her positive impact on all of us in Idyllwild and at Idyllwild Arts will be held in the Memorial Grove on campus at 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13. Following a brief ceremony, those gathered will convene in the Fireside Room for a toast to Diane’s life and spirit. The invitation is extended to everyone who wishes to attend.
