There’s a sign on one of the sliding doors at our gear warehouse in Salmon, Idaho, that identifies the building as the George Miller Boat Barn. George, sometimes with his wife Janet, took more than 50 trips with us. This was a guy with astounding investment skills who made and disposed of a lot of money while helping fund a broad range of social, educational and environmental causes. He bought tubas for the University of California band, established the Miller scholarship program that allowed dozens of recipients to attend Cal, helped rescue Sam’s Grill, one of the oldest bars in San Francisco, and contributed to dozens of other projects. He referred to himself as a Venture Philanthropist.
George was instrumental in funding the construction of a warehouse that houses old, historic, San Francisco streetcars. On completion, a “grand opening” ceremony was held and of course, George attended. We had lunch at Sam’s shortly after that event.
His contributions to the streetcar preservation building project were so significant that some thought they should name the building for him. He laughed at that suggestion, but the thought encouraged us to do something in his honor. On June 28, 2013, we held a community ceremony in Salmon, Idaho, unveiling the George Miller Boat Barn sign. He was a friend who greatly helped our company over the years by taking a record number of trips that kept us afloat in difficult years.
George died on February 4, 2025. The Boat Barn sign will always enhance our memory and gratitude to George Miller.
I had a fun meeting with George and a group of river runners on the Stanley, Idaho, airport many years ago. They were just flying for their trip with your company.