Marc Alan Miller passed away unexpectedly on August 14, 2023 at the age of 70 in Tucson Arizona.  He was a man of service, of faith and of joy.  Marc was beloved by his immediate and extended family.  He was valued as a good and kind friend, colleague and neighbor.  He impacted many lives directly and indirectly, in big and small ways.  He embraced life and leaves a legacy of love, fun, courage and compassion.

Born in Cheyenne Wyoming in 1952, Marc grew up enjoying the outdoors and developed a love of fishing and hunting with his family. Along with his parents and younger sister Vicki, Marc moved to Tucson in 1966.  He attended TUSD schools and was a member of the first graduating class at Santa Rita High School in 1971.

In 1970, Marc met the love of his life, Liz Rodriguez.  They married in 1972. During their more than 50-year love story, they were there for each other and with each other through the best of times, the worst of times and everything in between.  Memorable happenings included a cross country job move to Chicago; Marc's returning to college in the 1980's to complete his Business/MIS degree at the University of Arizona; owning and maintaining an affordable housing apartment complex for a time on Tucson's westside; health challenges, both personal and in the family; and turning the backyard into an oasis with plants, trees, butterflies, different bird types including his favorite, hummingbirds.

The birth of each of their children – Andrea, Matthew and Meredith – was a blessing.  The addition of grandchildren was equally miraculous.  Marc was always ready to assist, play, guide, rescue, protect, bake birthday cakes, tend the pets (especially the dogs), help with sports and school work, attend games and performances, participate in sacraments and church activities, pick chiltepin and whatever else was needed by the kids and grandkids.  Marc has been and will continue to be loved and respected as a Husband, Dad and Tata forever.

Marc had a fulfilling 37-year public service career that started in 1973 as a Volunteer Firefighter for the City of South Tucson.  He soon became a certified EMT /firefighter.  In 1979 he was one of an early group of certified paramedics in the State of Arizona, graduating from the St. Mary's Hospital program. He was employed in EMS at A&A Ambulance, Associated Ambulance Service and Arizona Medical Transport, where he also served as Manager of the local operation.  He later returned to Firefighting/EMS with Rural Metro and performed EMT/Paramedic testing and certifications for the State of Arizona. When the family moved to Chicago, Marc supported the MIS systems for a five-state Head Start coalition, continuing his commitment to community service in a different field. After returning to Tucson, Marc joined Northwest Fire District  in 1991 and worked his way through the ranks, holding positions that included work in Logistics and TeleStaff,  Engineer, Field Captain and Battalion Chief. He retired in 2010.

Marc participated in a variety of fun activities throughout his life, starting with little league baseball. He briefly played football at Santa Rita and was the catcher for the Eagles baseball team.  In the late 70's-80's he played 'beer league' softball all across Tucson and enjoyed bowling in league play.   He had favorite video games he shared with Matt and the grandkids.  Yearly hunting trips were a highlight for Marc, although he sometimes called these 'armed hikes.' He enjoyed riding his motorcycle for a number of years. He liked the Lord of the Rings and the original Star Wars books/films and others of that genre.  He had eclectic taste in music ranging from Elton John to Pink Floyd to the Foo Fighters among many others.

More than all other sports, Marc loved golf.  He was a dedicated and skilled golfer, whether playing for fun or competing in local or nearby tournaments. Memorable wins included placing in the Pima County Amateur, 1st flight Champ in the Silver Invitational in New Mexico and being a member of the Northwest Fire team that captured the local Firefighter Cup more than once. Known for his accuracy and steady play, Marc earned nicknames like "The Grinder" and "The Marksman."  He taught his son Matt & Matt's friends the finer points of the game, through instruction and example.  Every Wednesday, Marc could be found on the course playing with the Silverbell Men's Golf Club, thoroughly enjoying camaraderie, healthy competition and Birdie Juice with his good friends and respected teammates.

Marc was steadfast in his Catholic faith and over the years participated in various ministries, including being a lector and usher, calling Bingo and serving on the School Board at Santa Cruz Parish. Most recently, Marc was a member of the Collection counting team at Most Holy Trinity Church, where he and Liz regularly attended the 7:30 am Sunday Mass for more than 30 years. Marc's belief in God served as the foundation of his strength and service to others.

Marc was preceded in death by his parents, Gerald and Darlene Miller; mother-in-law Maria (Geli) Rodriguez; brother-in-law John Bostwick; and grandsons Damian Fisher and H. Padilla Miller.

Marc is survived by his wife and best friend Liz.  His three children: Andrea Rodriguez Miller (Francisco Padilla); Matthew Miller; and Meredith (Tyler) Ford.  Grandchildren:  Donavan, Araceli, Malia, Christianna, Hannah, Sergio, Garrett and Sebastian. His sister,  Victoria Bostwick and nephew Jacob (Sarah) Bostwick, grand-niece and nephew, Scarlett and John Levi.  Additional family include: Marc's aunt Elena Martinez and uncles Don Miller and Arnoldo (Hortencia) Rodriguez; and his God-children  Layla Rodriguez and Joe Zelenak. Cherished  members of the Kroeger, Cheever, Hanlon, Miller, Rodriguez, Martinez, Ford and Padilla families. Marc is also mourned by close friends who enriched his life immensely throughout the years.

To honor Marc's commitment to service and community, the family suggests donations in his name to the following organizations in lieu of flowers:

First Tee of Tucson www.firstteetucson.org/donate

Catholic Community Services https://www.ccs-soaz.org/donate/form

The Tucson Audubon's Paton Center for Hummingbirds https://tucsonaudubon.org/ways-to-give

A Celebration of Life will take place Thursday evening, 8/24, beginning at 4:00  pm at Brother John's Beer, Bourbon and Barbecue at 1801 N. Stone, Tucson, AZ 85705. Please join the  family for an Open House, food and beverages and the following events:

4:15 pm: Northwest Fire District Pipes and Drums presentation

6:00 pm: Friends and Family remarks plus open mic

7:00 pm: The Final Round - A Toast to Marc!

A private burial will be held at Holy Hope Cemetery.