Lasting Memories

Stephen Roy Miller
April 12, 1944-May 6, 2016
Atherton, California

Stephen R. Miller ("Steve") of Atherton, CA, passed away peacefully in his home on May 6, 2016, surrounded by his family and friends, whom he loved with all his heart.

He was 72 years old and was our hero. He is survived by his wife Terry, sons Steve Jr., Kevin and Scott, daughter Laurie Miller Scott, mother Nancy Miller, two sisters Sandra Rowe and Nancy Miller and 11 grandchildren.

His 11th grandchild was born the day he passed away.

Steve was born April 12, 1944, in Orinda, California, to Nancy and George Willard Miller. He attended St. Stephens Episcopal Church and was active in Boy Scouts.

Steve graduated from Miramonte High School in 1962, where he was a standout football player. After attending New Mexico Military Institute, Steve went on to attend U.S.C., where he met many lifetime friends and his future wife of 49 years, Terry Ann Perrin, who attended rival school Cal.

Upon graduating from U.S.C. in 1966, Steve married Terry Perrin and started his career at Dean Witter in Los Angeles, CA. He joined in an entry-level position and rose quickly at the company, becoming branch manager of the Palo Alto and San Francisco offices before he was ultimately promoted to the position of president of Dean Witter Reynolds in 1984.

An important moment in his life came in 1985 when he decided to pass up further opportunity in New York in order to spend more time with his young family. He accepted a new position on the West Coast and ultimately retired from a successful career at Dean Witter in 2006 after 40 years with the firm.

More than anything, Steve loved spending time with his family. Family vacations were important to him and Tahoe, Echo Lake and the Hawaiian Islands were his favorite spots. He was a man of high character, integrity, humility and tough perseverance. He always had an encouraging word and was a mentor to many.

Golf was a big passion of his, and he enthusiastically hosted rounds with his family and friends at places that were very meaningful to him. He could also be found building his model railroad – a project he loved and hoped that he never finished. He was active in the community and was a longtime member of the Menlo Park Presbyterian Church.

Steve's family wishes to extend their sincere thanks to Dr. Steven Coutre and the incredible nursing staff at Stanford Hospital and ITA. They provided outstanding care with unwavering compassion throughout the long journey.