Craig Miller

LELAND – Craig Alan Miller, 80, of Leland Township, passed away peacefully at his home on Wednesday, September 18, 2024, surrounded by his loving family.

Craig was born on August 12, 1944, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, to Robert John and Barbara Luce Miller. On July 11, 1970, he married Nancy Tyson in Grand Rapids, who survives him.

Craig was a proud graduate of East Grand Rapids High School and pursued higher education at the University of Michigan, earning a Bachelor's Degree, a Master's Degree, and a Juris Doctor from Wayne State University. He went on to have a successful career as an attorney at Miller Johnson in Kalamazoo and Grand Rapids. A devoted fan of Michigan football and basketball, Craig cherished his time supporting his alma mater's teams with his family. He was a lifelong member of the Alumni Association of the University of Michigan and a Charter Member of the Victors Club.

After settling in Kalamazoo, Craig and Nancy raised their family while he dedicated time to volunteering with the Kalamazoo YMCA where he played a significant role in developing the Sherman Lake YMCA Outdoor Center. The Outdoor Center was the first of its kind in 50 years. As a result, he was also the proud recipient of the LaMothe Volunteer Leadership Award. Craig also had a passion for historic building preservation in the Kalamazoo area. He was personally involved with the preservation and moving of numerous structures in the downstate area. Craig's belief in the importance of community further led him to become a founding member of the Keystone Community Bank of Southwest Michigan.

His love for northern Michigan endured throughout his life. It started at a young age having spent many summers at his family cottage on Good Harbor Bay. Later, Craig and Nancy were able to purchase land and build their dream house on Lake Michigan north of Leland, where he found great joy in sharing his love of the area with his family. Craig loved boating and fishing on the water, nurturing his lifelong love for nature and outdoor activities with his family. Craigs dedication to volunteering and community continued in northern Michigan by serving on the boards of both the Leelanau Conservancy and the Fishtown Preservation Society.

Craig is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Nancy; his children, Andrew (Megan) Miller and Courtney (Matthew) Font; his brothers, David (Johanna) Miller and Richard (Sue) Miller; his grandchildren, Scarlet Font, Ellis Font, and Sadie Miller; his nephews Scott Miller, Derek Miller, Judson (Meghann) Miller and Charlie Tyson; his nieces Tanis (Eric) Holm and Katie (Mike)Vokes; his great-nieces Libby Miller and Sloane Vokes; his great-nephew Theodore Vokes; his in-laws; and many cherished extended family members.

He is preceded in death by his parents.

The family extends their deepest gratitude to Pat Conklin, Robin Rabish, and Hospice of Michigan for their compassionate care and support during Craig's final days.

Memorial donations in Craig's honor may be directed to the Leelanau Conservancy, P.O. Box 1007, Leland, MI 49654, or the Fishtown Preservation Society, P.O. Box 721, Leland, MI 49684.

A celebration of Craig's life will be announced at a later date.

Please share condolences and memories at www.martinson.info.