The RV community and the world lost two great people this year with the passing of Virgil and Sarah Miller. Sarah died March 3 and Virgil died July 7 after a long bout with cancer. Virgil joined the Newmar Corporation in 1975 and rose through the ranks to become President in 1992. In 2001 he was promoted to Chairman of the Board. (Our Dutch Star motorhome was manufactured by Newmar.)

The Miller's lived their Amish Mennonite faith daily in both business and in their personal lives. Virgil was proud of Newmar and the quality RVs the company produced.

I first met the Millers in Shawnee, Oklahoma at a Newmar rally and had a quick conservation with them as everybody there wanted a minute of their time. That night Linda returned to Kentucky due to a family illness so I was alone. The next morning I walked to a big building for a breakfast buffet and noticed each table contained four couples. Not wanting to break the trend I selected a table near a side wall where no one was sitting. I noticed Virgil and Sarah walking around the room shaking hands, then the announcement came for everyone to take their seats. The Millers looked around the room and noticed my table was empty so they took the seats across from me. One other couple joined us later.

There were eight long rows of tables in the room and our row was the last one called for the buffet line. That gave us about 30 minutes to talk before eating and then we talked more while eating. I have never enjoyed talking to anyone more than the Millers. During our one hour together we never mentioned Newmar, motorhomes or traveling. We talked about raising children, grandchildren, hard work and honesty. Sarah said it was a treat for her to eat out because she cooked a full breakfast at home every morning. Virgil and Sarah told me they believed in teaching children integrity, honestly and hard work. They were proud both of their sons owned their businesses without financial assistance from them.

I later met the Millers at Gillette, Wyoming and Quartzsite, Arizona at Newmar rallies and they were always mingling with the crowds (their customers). I have never met another President of a company who wanted to meet his customers in the trenches. The Millers listed their address and home telephone number in company publications. They were also involved in community and charitable projects.

We have lost two great people who were changing America by their actions and deeds. The RV industry needs more people like the Millers.

Virgil Miller