Zane Austin Miller, 89, passed into Jesus' arms on November 15, after a lengthy battle with Parkinson's. He was born in Joliet, Illinois to Donald & Doris Miller, and graduated from Joliet Township High School. After honorably serving his country in the US Army, Zane joined his parents in Tacoma and shortly thereafter began a 23-year career at St. Regis (Simpson) Paper Company before retiring in 1983. He was a lifelong member of the YMCA, working out regularly 3 times a week and making many lifelong friends. As a young man, he participated in and often placed in weight-lifting competitions, briefly wrestled professionally, and enjoyed boxing for several years with the McMurtry brothers. In 1973 he met Sarah Jane Yoder while singing in the choir at First Presbyterian Church and they were married in September of that year. Zane enjoyed many active years in the choir, church deacon ministry, and helping others whenever possible. More than anything, he enjoyed visiting shut-ins at area nursing homes. Several of those he visited became close friends and Christian mentors. They spent many hours discussing the Bible, praying and talking. He often wondered who was being blessed more—those he visited or himself! Another passion Zane enjoyed was being out on the Sound in the boat and he frequently invited friends aboard for quick trips to Dockton and Gig Harbor. Week-long adventures took the family to the San Juan islands and as far north as Point Roberts going through the Straits of Georgia, which he said was not for the faint hearted. When he wasn't on the boat, he was IN the boat, cleaning or maintaining, which he continued to do until his health began to decline.

Zane's faith & belief in Christ were the most important elements of his life and he shared that whenever possible. His favorite verses were John 3:16 and Psalms 27:1 "The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear." He sang this song often in younger days and the words were a great source of strength to him, particularly in recent years. Even as his illness advanced, Zane continued to touch lives and often his caregivers would ask him to pray for them, which he did unhesitatingly.

Zane had a full life lived well and until we all see each other again, he leaves behind his wife of 49 years, Sarah Jane; daughter Lydia (Craig) Sharman; son Jonathan Andrew (Katherine); son Zane Anthony; and grandchildren Kathryn and Scott Sharman and Jackson Miller.

See you in heaven, Dad.