Michael Raiff Miller peacefully passed away on the evening of January 22, 2026, at his home on the Reeher Homestead property east of Tillamook along the Wilson River. He was 83.
Mike was a sensitive and caring soul. He loved God, his family, people, vintage cars, artwork, playing the piano, and researching topics that interested him. He did not like spiders.
His Christian faith meant everything to him and he knew well the power of prayer. With an updated list in hand, he would devotedly pray for the health and wellbeing of his immediate family, friends, and others. Many benefited from his heartfelt prayers. His faith followed him as he regularly called, visited, wrote, and donated to people in need. When talking at length with those that didn’t know him, he’d usually say, “I’m a Christian, ya know,” and end his conversation with a sincere, “God bless…” and bright smile. He enjoyed playing his favorite hymns on his piano up to his final days.
Mike was the eldest of seven children and grew up in southeast Portland. He was a devout member of Mt. Tabor Presbyterian Church where later in life he was a deacon. After graduating from Washington High School in 1960 he proudly joined the Navy where he served two years on the aircraft carrier USS Bennington as a Yeoman 3rd class. He liked sharing stories about his naval experiences. After serving, he worked his way through Portland State University where he received a BA in Political Science and Secondary Education and soon landed a job as a political campaign coordinator for Gerber Advertising.
In 1967 Mike married his church sweetheart, Louise, had two children, and started a 22-year career with GE as a Lamp Division sales rep. In 1989, a head injury required brain surgery which for a time affected his short-term memory as it rewired. He later returned to working in sales for Consolidated Electrical Distributors.
After his divorce in 1994, Mike worked as a Limo Driver for four years (inspiring a future book), as a salesman for various organizations, and eventually became the caregiver for his elderly parents until their deaths in 2009. After their passing, he moved out and retired on the Reeher Homestead family property that his great grandparents first settled on in 1889 along the Wilson River.
With an active mind throughout his retirement, Mike meticulously did research for his three unpublished books on Bay Ocean, his limo driving experiences, and the planet Mar’s topography. Other areas ranged from historical events, the feasibility of his inventions, and unusual topographical phenomenon. As an artist he would often supplement his handwritten research notes with creative illustrations. Mike’s home was a warehouse overflowing with documents, family photos, and memorabilia. He loved surrounding himself with visuals that reminded him of happy memories.
Michael was preceded in death by his parents Jack and Virginia, his sister and brother-in-law Suzanne and Paul, and his brother-like Indonesian exchange student, Murdani. He is survived by his former wife, Louise, two children, Melissa and Jeffrey, and grandchild, Lucinda. Also survived by his siblings Ken, Larry, Diane, Richard and Roseanne; along with their spouses and a multitude of nieces and nephews.
A Celebration of Life will be held on the Reeher Homestead in the next couple of months. Details will be forthcoming. In lieu of flowers, please make a contribution in Michael’s name to Mt. Tabor Presbyterian Church in Portland.