Obituary: Miller, Andrew Nicholas
Age 27
August 18, 1988 - April 1, 2016
Andrew Nicholas Miller, 27, passed away on April, 1st, 2016 in Vancouver, WA as the result of a tragic traffic accident.
Andrew was born in Spokane, WA on August 18, 1988.
He became active in the Boy Scouts of America at a young age and continued through the age of 17, with the completion of his Eagle Scout, a rank that only about 5% of Boy Scouts achieve.
Andrew graduated from John Rogers High School in Spokane in 2006 where he was in the Junior ROTC program.
He continued his education at Spokane Community College where he earned an Associate of Arts degree in Fire Science and General Studies.
To pay for school, Andrew worked as crew trainer and line cook at Taco Bell and was a Resident Volunteer at Spokane County Fire District 10 as a firefighter/EMT.
He was only required to run calls on weekends and Monday nights, but Andrew would often run calls on non-duty days to help the district.
Andrew was recognized at District 10 for his strong work ethic, sense of personal responsibility and self-motivation.
As a crew leader, Andrew was singled out for his ability as a trainer, instructor, motivator, and took keen interest in developing the abilities of his subordinates.
He was awarded the Spokane County Fire District 10 “EMS Responder of the Year” in 2010.
During his time at District 10, he was the most active and involved Resident Volunteer.
In September of 2011, Andrew started work at the Vancouver Fire Department in Vancouver, WA.
To him, starting his professional firefighting career was like winning the lottery.
Andrew utilized his strong work ethic to successfully pass a difficult probationary year while also helping his fellow recruits study to pass the many tests required.
Andrew continued to strive to be a great firefighter and EMT, and on more than one call had been mistaken for the paramedic on scene due to his knowledge and performance.
Andrew took great pride in being an excellent fire ground engineer and a good team member.
Since his hire, Andrew was an outstanding union brother in the IAFF Local 452.
He was always available to lend a hand at union sponsored events.
Andrew loved spending time with his friends and family.
Andrew is remembered as the guy with the big heart.
He was the friend you could count on whenever help was needed, making you laugh with his intelligent wit while he worked alongside you.
He was the knowledgeable guy who always had crazy, off-the-wall comments in his back pocket.
Andrew loved watching his Packers play on Sunday, especially if they beat the Seahawks.
He was the guy that knocked on your door with a morning cup of coffee to help get your day kick-started.
He is remembered as the guy who told you he wanted to work your shift when your best friend passed away, and when you declined he called your wife and told her to keep you at home.
He was the star of the state firefighter convention hospitality room, making everyone feel welcome and then staying late to clean up after them.
Andrew is survived by his mother Mary Kate Miller; father Ken Miller; and brother Trevor Miller.
He was preceded in death by his grandmothers Nancy Rose and Margaret Weidert; and his grandfather Richard Weidert.
A Memorial Service for Andrew will be held in Spokane on Saturday, April 16th, starting at 11:30am, at Westminster Congregation Church, 411 S Washington Street, Spokane, WA 99204.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Vancouver Firefighters Community Assistance Fund at 2807 N.W.
Fruit Valley Road, Vancouver, WA 98660.
A Memorial wall has been set up online in memory of Andrew’s life.
It can be found at: www.forevermissed.com/andrew-nicholas-miller
Andrew, know that you will be deeply missed by all those whose lives you touched, from your family and friends at home to the second family you had with the Vancouver Fire Department, and everywhere in between.
Rest in peace son, brother, and friend.