Robert Weldon Miller

Longtime Santa Barbara Mesa resident, Robert Weldon Miller, "Bobby", passed through this life on August 11, 2012 at Serenity House with his loving family and friends by his side. Bob was born on October 26, 1922 to Ernest and Marie (Peralta) Miller in Tempe, Arizona. He was one of nine children, settling in Santa Barbara at a young age, attending local schools and graduating from Santa Barbara High in 1941. Shortly after graduation, Bob joined the US Navy and after six years of service was honorably discharged in 1947. One day following his arrival home, Bob married the love of his life, Louise Marie Waugh. The newlyweds moved from Santa Barbara during the time Bob proudly attended Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. At home on the Mesa since 1960, Bob and Louise raised four children, Robert Jr., Stephen, Craig and Pamela. Bob was an avid storyteller, a gifted artist, and a true people person. He was active in the Mesa Scout Troop 15, the local Elks, and was a founding member of the Saturday night Card Club whose proceeds have been donated to numerous local non-profits for over 35 years, Affiliated with Santa Barbara City College for over four decades, Bob was well known for his "fabulous finishes". He taught in the Painting Apprenticeship Program at SBCC and in 1973 began teaching painting, decorating, and wood furniture finishing in the Adult Education Program. He was known for his humor, storytelling and as a perfectionist in restoration. Bob's work remains in many local homes and ranches as well as the Santa Barbara Mission and the Carriage Museum. A devoted family man, Robert Weldon Miller was predeceased by son Robby in 1981 and his loving wife Louise in 2000 after 53 years of marriage. He leaves behind his sons Stephen and Craig, daughter Pamela, granddaughter Ashtin and great-grandson Noah. Bob's two sisters, Evelyn Durrah and Irene Anschuetz, both of Santa Barbara survive him. Bob also leaves behind his friend, "good buddy", fellow gardener, and John Wayne movie aficionado Peter Delapa along with many nieces, nephews, and longtime dear friends. The family extends heartfelt thanks to Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital Emergency Room and MICU teams, Santa Barbara City Fire Dept. Station 6 and Doctors Kim, Litten, Aguirre, and Armet for the special care they provided to their father. Graveside services will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, August 17 at Santa Barbara Cemetery, 901 Channel Drive. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Visiting Nurse & Hospice Care.

Robert Weldon Miller

October 26, 1922 - August 11, 2012