It is with great sadness that we share the news of the passing of Dennis Miller in the early hours of October 31, 2021. Dennis was surrounded by love, and his family.
Dennis was born in Vancouver on May 4, 1944 to hard working parents, Otto and Dorothea (nee Miles) who emigrated from Denmark and England respectively. The eldest of 3 children, he grew up surrounded by books and music, which were lifelong passions for him. At the age of 13, Dennis took up the tuba upon the advice of family and friends because “trumpet players [were] a dime a dozen”. He was captivated by the instrument, and quickly developed immense proficiency – so much so that five years later, at the age of 18 (before graduating from high school!) Dennis won the position of principal tuba in the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra (VSO). He held the position of principal tuba at the VSO for more than 25 years, including a one year sabbatical as principal tuba with the Houston Symphony Orchestra (1980-81). In 1989, he and his family moved to Montreal to take up the same position in the Orchestre Symphonique de Montreal (OSM). Dennis remained in this position until his official retirement in August 2012, but he continued to play with the OSM until March 2013 when his successor was found.
Shortly after Dennis’s final performance, he was diagnosed with a rare and devastating Stage 4 head and neck cancer. Dennis underwent surgery, chemo-radiation and multiple reconstructions. Beating the odds, he lived 8 years with visible scars of his cancer, always maintaining his dignity.
Dennis was an extraordinary musician, teacher, and mentor. Throughout his career he held teaching positions at the University of British Columbia (UBC), Rice University, and McGill University. His kindness, grace, and humour had an indelible impact on his colleagues and students, many of whom hold prominent positions in orchestras around the world. Dennis elevated the image of the tuba from just a supporting bass line to a lyrical, sonorous voice. He pushed the boundaries and expectations of tuba repertoire, playing music written for voice, flute, violin, and more.
Dennis’s love of music was only surpassed by his love of family. He adored his children, whose diverse interests he supported and encouraged with wisdom and sensitivity. He was immensely proud of their accomplishments and life choices. When Evelyne decided to return to school, he juggled rehearsals, teaching and child care to support her pursuit of a mid-life career change. Dennis was a strong believer in social justice, and supported many causes. He was a loyal friend who could always be counted on to help in a crisis, and loved to find a reason to celebrate and host a gathering.
Along with his musical legacy, Dennis leaves Evelyne Pytka his beloved partner of 44 years, his children Tobie, Erik (Lane), Annelise (Scott); his sisters Sherrill Miller (Courtney Milne), Lorraine Richey (Bill); brother-in-law Saul Pytka (Babs); sisters-in-law Pauline Pytka and Marilyn Pytka, as well as nieces, nephews, and many cousins. We wish to express our gratitude to the Head and Neck and Neurosurgery teams at the JGH, who gave us the gift of 8 years, as well as the staff on K8 and Palliative Care Unit at the JGH. We are especially grateful to Dr. Marc Tewfik for the compassionate care he provided over these many years.
Due to COVID, a private funeral will be held. A celebration of Dennis’s life is planned in the New Year.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Dennis Miller Scholarship fund (fund #08531) in support of low brass students at the Schulich School of Music, McGill University through the following link:
www.alumni.mcgill.ca/give/index.php?new=1&giftCode=08531.
Donations by cheque may be made out to “McGill University.” Please indicate “Dennis Miller Scholarship – 08531” on the lower left-hand corner. It can be mailed to the following address:
Donation Services
McGill University Advancement
1555 Peel St, 9th Floor
Montreal QC Canada H3A 3L8
Dennis, we raise a glass of single malt in your honour. May the fourth [sic] be with you.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Miller Dennis 2021..
Death notice for the town of: Montréal, Province: Quebec