Geoffrey Q. Miller

July 26th, 2024

It took me the better part of Friday to remember the last name of my college roommates. I suddenly had Betsy on my mind and couldn’t shake off the memories. And then MILLER came to me. How sad I am to see that both Betsy and Geoff have passed on. They were once an everyday part of my life and dear friends.

Work hard. Love life. Do good.

~Joi Tamber Brooks
~college roomate, Lindenhurst, NY

January 10th, 2022

Candle lit.

~Heinz & Nancy Ecker
~Colleague and friend, Toronto, Canada

February 3rd, 2021

I was shocked and saddened to hear of Geoff’s death today. I met Geoff 40 years ago when he was in the technical department in Tarrytown N.Y. We worked together over the decades, with other Process Plants personnel worldwide who have already provided memories below and have eloquently mentioned Geoff’s intellect, leadership and generosity.

~Heinz and Nancy Ecker
~Colleague and friend, Toronto, Canada

January 26th, 2021

I remember Geoff and Betsy just before they started dating. I was visiting my sister in Buffalo when Geoff lived in the apartment downstairs. There were girls upstairs and boys downstairs and the two apartments used to hang out together. Once, when I was in Geoff’s apartment and Betsy was upstairs (I liked hanging out also), we were sitting at the table and looked around and asked me where she was. I went up to Betsy’s apartment and told her Geoff was looking for her and she was so happy – that’s when she knew he liked her back!
This photo is from the early days in their relationship, or possibly soon after they got married. My family had a swimming pool and Geoff loved diving. You can see my grandma Helen in the background – I think she is wearing her classic palm leaf Florida hat. We had so much fun in that pool, I loved it when Betsy and Geoff came home, I had the best time. I will miss my brother in law so much.
I will hold Geoff dear to my heart forever and always.
Love and strength to my nieces Alyssa and Emily, and my Nephew Jake, and to Geoff’s wonderful sisters Pam, Debbie and Andi.
Love, Aunt Laura, Uncle Andy, and cousins Maddy & Aaron

~Laura Fishman
~Sister in law, London, England

January 25th, 2021

January 25th

I worked with Geoff at UOP and though everyone there was amazing he was very special. I got to spend a lot of time with him in some challenging circumstances and I saw his brilliance, his empathy and his humor. I can still hear his laugh to this day. Geoff made such an impact on me that I was fortunate enough to become his social media friend and got to share his travel experiences and his brilliant social comment on the craziness of the world today. I will miss him but I am richer for knowing him.

All my thoughts to his family at this difficult time.

Lee Dacey
Arundel, UK.

~lee dacey
~Colleague & Friend., Arundel, UK

January 25th, 2021

Geoff was a colleague and friend for many years at UOP and the person to whom I reported for my last five years before retirement. He was very intelligent, creative, funny, and highly ethical. It was my great pleasure and good fortune to work with and for him for so long. I already miss him.
Crawford Ward

~Crawford Ward
~friend and colleague at UOP, LaGrange, Illinois

January 25th, 2021

I first met Geoff in Tonawanda, it must have been very shortly after he joined the company. I have never forgotten him walking towards me across a large room, weaving though tables, with that direct, inquiring, half smiling look on his face. That began maybe 35 years of enjoying every conversation I had with him in multiple locations around the world, more than a few of them in bars and restaurants. He was one of the brightest minds I ever met. I always expected to see him again.

Nora and I send our sincere condolences to all of his family. His memory lives on in you and all who had the privilege to know him and to meet Betsy, his life-force.

David & Nora Steen-Van Dessel, Antwerp, Belgium.

~David Steen
~Colleague and Friend, Antwerp, Belgium

January 25th, 2021

The loss of Geoff was a great shock, I knew and worked with Geoff from the mid 1970’s when he was based in Tarrytown, New York. We worked together on many projects until his retirement. It was always a pleasure to meet with Geoff either in Antwerp, Tarrytown or latterly in Des Plaines, plus several memorable meetings in Paris in the years 2000 to 2006.

I am sure that everyone from the Antwerp office of UOP will remember Geoff with happy memories of a great colleague and a valued friend, a true gentleman. The last time we met was in 2018 in Brussels when Betsy and Geoff were on their way to Portugal.

~Michael Whysall
~colleague and friend, Antwerp, Belgium

January 25th, 2021

I did not meet Geoff until after he moved here from the east coast because of the company merger. Though we worked in different areas of the company, various company duties and functions found us often being together at one location or another. With time, we found working and playing together was mutually enjoyable and rewarding, and we sought out one another. Though Geoff is sixteen years younger, we made sure to make the most of our relationship.

Though Geoff was a brilliant engineer and manager, he was humble, almost to a fault. Rather then toot his own horn over some job well done, he would typically worry that he was not doing the job, whatever it was, as well as it might be done. He always cared deeply about the people he worked with, and managed. One never had to worry that he had some hidden agenda or other. He was truly “a good guy”. I say that with all the sincerity that I can muster.

When I retired, we kept in touch, and we met for lunch every so often. This we did through Geoff’s retirement when Betsy got sick, and then after that. Our luncheon dates stopped with Covid in 2020, but we continued our contact by email. The last time we exchanged emails was just before this past New Year when we wished each other well, and vowed to pick up on our lunches just as soon as the Covid restrictions allowed us to do so in 2021. Geoff ended his email saying, “I really do miss you”. I was touched by those words then, and am touched ever so much more now.
Geoff, I really do miss you too.

~Bob Persak
~coworker and friend, Homer Glen, IL

January 24th, 2021

There is some comfort in seeing the outpouring of love for Geoff and his family and friends here.
My history with Geoff begins in early 1973 when his sister Pam and I started our life together. Pam always had a special bond with her baby brother whom she adored and passed that love of Geoff onto all.
I always knew when Geoff and she were on the phone because no one could make her laugh like he did. It was joy to experience.
One little tale about Geoff and I.
When Pam and I were on the eve of our wedding , my fraternity brothers wanted to take me out on the town. Pam said”NO”. But Geoff asked permission and away we went. I only recall Dennis Fox carrying me in over his shoulder and brother Geoff falling blissfully asleep while I was strapped in a race car going full speed down vertigo Alley.

Through the many years and gatherings in the family homes, you always knew when Geoff was present by the laughter and joy he brought to any conversation.
His observations and comments on life were enlightening.
He was the driving piston in his family’s engine and could also give a burst of power when anyone needed a boost.
We seldom heard him say” I don’t know about that”. We usually heard “We can do that”!! He just had that next level of intelligence that could solve problems and he always was inclusive and it was never about him.

He became a Seeker early on and the best conversations with him involved the meaning of life and what is really important.
I truly think that he got There by knowing that family and friends and the tremendous love he had for them was Everything!

The words and emotions and love that Alyssa, Emily, and Jake gave to us today demonstrates that exactly and his legacy is monumental.

He gave to all and asked nothing in return except for you to pay it forward!
With the advent of social media, you knew Geoff would jump in on a post or text stream. His unique take on situations were dazzling in their wit and wisdom.
Geoff was a really funny man.

I would not be surprised if, in his genius mind, he created an algorithm for his digital afterlife. It would be so comforting to think that we could still hear from him this way. I am waiting Geoff!

We love you Geoff and how you gave your gifts of love, kindness and intelligence to your children.
Your legacy endures. We love you and treasure all you are

~LarryCate
~Brother-in-law, Henderson, NV

January 24th, 2021

I remember when my brother came home from the hospital after he was born. He was swaddled in a white blanket with pink and blue stripes and a shock of red hair. He was instantly my baby. When he became a little boy and lost his baby fat I used to make him put on his old baby shirt with a train on it and puff out his cheeks so he’d look more like my baby. Fast forward a few years…Each of us kids had our own room, but I always slept in Geoff’s room. I made him sleep nearest the door so the burglars would get him first.

Geoff was the funniest and smartest person I ever knew. He could make me laugh anytime/any place, and I thought often that we should go directly to hell for what we said.

During the most difficult times in the past several years, we were able to share our thoughts and feelings with each other and we left nothing on the table. He told me a few months ago how much it meant to him to have me help him through the loss of Betsy. And he promised he would be there for Larry or me when it was one of us who died. I thought he meant here on earth, but now I know he’s waiting to help me when (not saying if) I get to heaven.

Alyssa, Mike, Matthew,Elena, Emily, Craig, Aubrey, Owen and Jake,

Your parents raised such wonderful people and were so proud of you. They are gone too soon for all of us, so we’ll have to get through missing them together.

~Pamela Cate
~Sister, Henderson,NV

January 24th, 2021

A colleague and a gentleman, and a friend. I am particularly indebted to Geoff. Since the days we met in Tarrytown, NY, in the 70’s. Far from sight from time to time, again working on the same business, always a two-way stream of respect and consideration. Excellent professional, a “role model” as you would say in the US. We were so happy to meet him and Betsy in Brussels, see the attached snapshot taken by Betsy: surrounded by his closest European colleagues, Dave and Mike to his right, me and Jean-Louis to his left. We were all happy retirees by then. It was April 2018. Geoff lives in our hearts.

~Roberto Antonelli
~Colleague and friend, Brussels, Belgium

January 24th, 2021

I knew Geoff almost his entire career at Union Carbide/UOP/Honeywell. Always one of the smartest and innovative thinkers and always generous and considerate with others no matter if they were senior executives or a new hire.

His strength of character and love for others was boundless. He had this special ability to simplify a problem and come up with out-of-the-box solutions. His wisdom, wit and humor I will never forget.

During the past 2 1/2 years I would get together with Geoff almost every week, mostly for walks and talks. He always made me laugh and would amaze me with his unique insights as we both tried to understand this crazy world and life in general.

I will miss him very very much. Peace, good health and comfort to his family that he loved so dearly.

Mike Weill

~Michael Weill
~colleague at UOP, Palatine, IL

January 24th, 2021

My great close Friend and Colleague! A very bright, witty , generous, first class Chemical Engineer and strategist and devoted father and caring husband….. My most sincere condolences to the whole family.
I, and I am certain many of those who knew him and were lucky enough to work with Geoff will miss him dearly.

Deeply,

Carlos

~Carlos Cabrera
~Friend and Colleague, Northbrook

January 24th, 2021

We met Betsy and Geoff around 1979-80 while living in Spring Valley. We had children at the same time and fast became friends. Our camping trips and travel with our children was always an adventure. Geoff was kind and so great with his kids and ours. Geoff and Betsy were a great team! We will always cherish our times together. They were both special people.
My thought are with you Alyssa, Emily, Jake and the family.

~Amy Rapoport
~friend, Suffern, NY

January 24th, 2021

Geoff and I became friends through the relationship between Betsy and my wife, Amy. We had a lot of fun together when our kids were small, including many family camping trips. I was especially honored when he asked me to observe him at the Mikveh when he converted to Judaism. I’ll always remember his upbeat personality and great sense of humor. He was very witty. One small example: He didn’t think that the word peas was especially appealing so when he fed them to his kids he called them greenberries.

~Larry Rapoport
~Friend, Long Beach, NY

January 24th, 2021

We will forever see your smile and hear your laughter. Your loving glances when Betsy was by your side, lit up a room. Our dear Geoff, you are with your Betsy now. May you Rest In Peace. You will always be in our hearts. We love and miss you both.

Love
Hillary and Michael

~Hillary & Michael Danziger
~Friends, Chicago, IL

January 24th, 2021

Geoff was a most respected colleague. He will be greatly missed by all those who knew him. Pray for his family to provide you all the strength and courage during this difficult moment, PNair

~Prabhakar Nair
~ex-Colleague, Chicago

January 23rd, 2021

I met Geoff in our freshman year at UB in 1972. I believe he and Betsy met the following year. They were perfect together..best friends and in love for the next 45+years. I miss them both and am so grateful they are reunited. God bless them.

~Geralyn McGinn
~College friend, LA, Ca

January 23rd, 2021

This was the card and letter Uncle Geoff gave to my daughter, Maddie, for graduation. Shows you his personality through and through. Maddie saved it and was going to mail the blank card to him with another letter inside for his birthday. Maddie got such a kick out of this.

~Jennifer Meldrim
~Niece, Henderson, NV

January 23rd, 2021

One of Geoff’s best friends from Pulaski sent me this. Jim lived down the street from us in Pulaski. He is now the town judge. He was always the one I called when I wanted to find out how Geoff was really doing.

Pam and family,
   Where do I start. I loved Geoff, or “Boone”, a name we called each other for over 50 years. Like everyone else, my head is reeling and I seem to be unable to get my arms around this loss. I feel horrible that I don’t know his children, and actually he didn’t know mine. Distance, and two very different worlds that we often lived in caused that I guess. So, for the sisters that know some of our relationship forgive any knowledge you possess and allow an old man to take one last trip down memory lane. 
    I can’t give you an exact age when we met, but we were both playing Little League. We were nuts for baseball, and when not playing organized baseball we were playing sandlot baseball. Our sandlot was across the street from my house. Our games would have between 12 and 18 players. Everyday during baseball season. Many would ride their bikes to the field, and Geoff had the strangest bike of any of us. It may have been a hand me down, because it was pink, had extremely wide tires, and weighed 9 million pounds. We all called it “The Chariot”!
    As we got a bit older, some of our interests changed. We camped out some, and spent much time exploring the river that ran thru our town. Your parents installed a pool, and Geoff and I spent one summer staining the underside of the deck, and ourselves.
    I think Geoff and I became such good friends because our hearts were in sinc. My mother used to tell me often that I was “The champion of the underdog” and Geoff was the same way. We both were for social justice before it had a name. Caring about people. Although we often were in the same crowd at various places, our true relationship blossomed when it was just us two. In many ways we weren’t like so many that we ran with, and in retrospect, I am proud of that.
    I remember like it was yesterday, the phone call! Geoff had gone to college in Buffalo, and I had joined the workforce. Geoff called me and said, “Boone, I’ve met the one”. I shared his excitement, and then he said “Hold On”. He said, two problems, one, she is Jewish, and two, you haven’t met her. I remember laughing, but also feeling a bit honored that my opinion seemed to matter to him. So, shortly after the call, I took a weekend trip to Buffalo. 
    And Geoff was 100% correct, he had found the one. It was obvious that Betsy made Geoff whole, more of the Man he always hoped to be. And I loved her. We were just kids, but it was clear Geoff had struck gold. As I was leaving that Sunday afternoon, Geoff walked me out to my car. He asked, “What do you think?” Please pardon my profanity, but my words, and I believe them to be my exact words, were “If you f*** this up I’ll kill ya”. He gave me a big hug and a grin and said “But she’s still Jewish”. I told him “Yes, and you’re still an asshole, but I am guessing each of you can get by those little issues”. He was so happy, and so was she. I was so pleased a couple of years later to attend their beautiful wedding.
    And then, time and adulthood caught up with both of us. We talked 3 or 4 times a year at first, and then maybe once a year. I remember when they left New York wondering if I would see them again. Years marched by, and the once a year calls became once every couple of years. But when we talked, it was like we played ball together earlier that day. It was always special.
    Thanks to facebook and other social media, our relationship picked back up without missing a beat 5 or 6 years ago. I followed Betsy retiring, and her illness. Geoff and I talked on the phone often, and also thru messages. I was going to try to come to Betsy’s funeral, Geoff said no, wait, I will need you more afterwards. I honored his request.
    A few months after Betsys death, Geoff and I met in Memphis for 4 or 5 days. He was so so broken, and all I could do was listen and hug him. Geoff never did recover from the loss. We talked often, and he was clearly not whole without her. He tried, and he tried hard. That is the problem with great, great love. It brings an overwhelming loss also.
    In the last year, Geoff found out that I was using our “stimulus checks” and a little bit of other money to buy meat for those hit hard during the pandemic. Initially, he wanted to send me crazy amounts of money to help, and in my mind he did. He wanted to send 4 times the amount, and I told him I wouldn’t accept it. I set up a discretionary fund thru my church to help buy food and clothing for people, good people that had lost so much during this pandemic. Geoff donated to that effort also, the last time being just a couple of weeks ago. Our names for each other changed at that time also, I dubbed him “Sir Boone” and he countered by calling me “St. Boone”. True to his beautiful soul, his one request was he wanted his donations to remain anonymous. I told him only our treasurer, Debbie Skinner Pollic would know. He agreed to that.
   I know I have rambled a ton in this email, it is now after 5 AM Saturday and I haven’t slept since I got your call Pam. My heart feels shattered, yet I have this vision of Geoff and his Bride holding hands and laughing, gazing into each other’s eyes. I am very thankful for that. Please stay in touch with me, I thank you for all you have done, and I am lifting the entire family up in prayer. Know that your brother may have never changed the world, but he sure as hell made a couple of corners of it better for many. I will love him forever.   Jim Ridgeway

~Jim Ridgeway
~Friend, Pulaski,NY

January 23rd, 2021

He was my brother from another mother ,
I was his sister from another mister and I loved him.
There was so much to love about him. He was funny and smart and kind and compassionate and loving. He was always interested in my work with the needy and gave generously to their cause. He even came to one of the dinners our church had for the homeless. They loved him.

He was kind and gracious to my family and they loved him.
He wanted to make the world a better place and he did.
I am better for having known him and I thank God for his friendship.

I will miss him. Mary Kay Kraeling

~Mary Kay Kraeling
~Sister-ish, Lakeland,FL

January 23rd, 2021

From the first time I met Geoff, I always thought how much he and John were alike in disposition and sense of humor. I always felt at ease, respected, and accepted by Geoff. I greatly appreciated his sense of humor and ability to see humor in everything. I’ve always felt he had a deep concern for people that went beyond feeling into tangible outreach. He was generous to a fault, and our family was the recipient many times of his generosity. His friendship was cherished and I will miss him greatly. I am grateful for the privilege to get to know him. He blessed his family, friends and the world with his presence. Rest In peace, dear friend. Kathie Welch

~Kathie Welch
~friend, Melbourne FL

January 23rd, 2021

Geoff with his grandson, Matthew, on his 1st birthday

~Alyssa
~Daughter, Chicago

January 23rd, 2021

When I heard of Geoff’s passing, I had a flood of emotions . The total loss hasn’t sunk in yet. Geoff was the brother I never had. From the first time we met, we both formed a total bond to each other. There was nothing we couldn’t share or talk about with each other. Each of us felt we could be totally open and shared our inmost thoughts and beliefs. I thank God for the opportunity to get to know him.
I will forever miss him and our friendship with each other .
John Welch

~John Welch
~friend, Melbourne, FL

January 23rd, 2021

About my brother Geoff

So many memories – I can’t think of him without thinking of his family, especially Betsy. They were the world to him. Although he was very successful in business, that was never the focus of his life. He genuinely cared about all people, and was always thankful that he was so blessed. He was a wonderful brother, funny and thoughtful.

He gave to the little church in Viera where Mary Kay volunteered, so that they could provide more food to the needy. He was always looking for a way to help.

When I look through my pictures, they are of him reading to his grandkids, laughing with us all, and enjoying the world God gave us.

His pain was so great and he was so lonely without Betsy, but now at last he is at peace.

He was always searching for truth and for God, and I trust that he has found them now.

I will always love him, miss him dearly and pray for when I will see him again.

He was searching for meaning and for God, and I trust that he has now found both.

He and Betsy have left a wonderful legacy in their children and grandchildren.

~Andrea Miller
~sister, Lakeland FL