Mike Miller, 1952-2008
I didn’t know Mike Miller personally, but being the After Dark guy here at the Reporter, I have entered his band’s name, Blue Stew, into the nightly entertainment listings countless times over the years. So the least I can do is copy and paste the eulogy that was e-mailed to us.
Michael Paul Miller, 56, of Oxnard, passed away April 8, 2008, at his home.
He was born Feb. 29, 1952, in Compton, Calif., to Paul Miller and Yvonne Carr (Ellis). Mike graduated from Oxnard High School in 1970 and from the Guitar Institute of Technology in Hollywood in 1981.
He was united in marriage to Julie Oppegaard on Jan. 22, 1983, and to his union one son was born. Mike’s life and musical inspiration came from this struggle of living with Tourette’s syndrome, a genetic disease that manifests itself by vocal and motor tics, ADD and severe depression. This made Mike unable to maintain a normal job, so he found his solace in drawing, songwriting, singing and playing guitar.
At age 17 he began traveling the states until he found his future wife, Julie, in a small nightclub in Minnesota.
Mike believed in the power of music and the ability it had on changing lives. He performed in many bands, the last being Blue Stew, for which he wrote numerous songs for their four albums. He also produced a solo album, “Homeward,” alone in his quiet hours, and enjoyed music trivia, watching movies, playing with his dogs and anything that included his son, Justin. His loving, tender soul has touched us all.
Mike is survived by his wife of 25 years and their son, Justin Michael Miller, both of Oxnard; mother, Yvonne Carr of Oxnard; sister, Joelle Brooks of Tucson; aunt Arline and uncle Dick; and nephews, Michael, Spencer, Dana and Dylan.
He was preceded in death by his father, Paul, and sister Becky.
Mike’s last thoughts, found on a notepad, were, “So many rivers to cross; Just one more river to cross.”
Mike has turned his many stumbling blocks into steppingstones and has now crossed that last river. May our memories of him be an inspiration for all, and may his spirit live on through his music. Hear Mike’s music at http://www.bluestew.com.
A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Monday, April 14, at the Ted Mayr Funeral Home, 3150 Loma Vista Road, Ventura, with the Rev. Cathy Norman officiating. A reception will follow at the Hi Cees Cafe, 1591 Spinnaker Drive, Ventura.
Donations to the Miller family may be sent in care of the Ted Mayr Funeral Home, 3150 Loma Vista Road, Ventura, CA 93003.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Ted Mayr Funeral Home and Crematory, Ventura.
Found some stuff of Mike Miller and Blue Stew on YouTube as well. Below is a clip of them doing some Howlin’ Wolf. More footage of the band is available here.
