Tim Miller's trademark dry humor brightened the lives of thousands of USC students during his 12 years at Annenberg.
Friends and family gathered Saturday to celebrate and remember the life of Tim Miller, one of USC’s most widely-known and beloved staff members.
The memorial service was held at Westwood Presbyterian Church in West L.A., where Miller served as a deacon and volunteered to lead charity efforts.
Miller died after battling multiple illnesses, including pneumonia, on August 21.
He was 47 years old.
“Giving and caring was in Tim’s DNA,” Rev. Peggy Krong said. “For Tim, giving was as essential as breathing.”
Miller is survived by his brother, Todd Miller, who also spoke at the service.
Tim Miller’s brother Todd speaks at memorial service, and niece Melissa tells ATVN’s Kristen Steach what Tim Miller meant to their lives.
“My family and I will truly miss Tim,” Todd Miller said. “Tim was truly a giver.”
In 12 years at USC, Miller was a valued member of USC’s Facilities and Technology Department and interacted with nearly every journalism student with yearly class visits and support in Annenberg’s main equipment room.
He became a familiar face to journalism students—especially those working at ATVN and in the Annenberg Digital Lab—and made a point of greeting those who came to borrow cameras and equipment. At the service, Jim Yoder, a USC colleague, shared stories about Miller’s generosity.
“It’s hard especially because being here and hearing everyone talk about their memories of Tim,” said John Bishop, a 2005 USC alumnus and former ATVN sports director.
“I realize how much more he contributed to everyone’s life than just mine.”
ATVN's Kristen Steach talks to Annenberg Dean Ernest Wilson, Multimedia Technologies Director Chuck Boyles, instructor Paula Woodley, School of Journalism Associate Director Pat Dean, and journalists David Dow, Graham Robertson and Murray Fromson.
Alumnus Felix Rodrigues-Lima said it was Miller’s wisdom—not just his wit—that set him apart from everyone else.
“One thing he said ... always take the high road,” said Rodrigues-Lima.
“I strive to do that in my daily life and my personal life and my professional life as well,” he added.
Miller was also a favorite of the staff, always remembering birthdays and the various religious holidays of others.
USC professor Joe Saltzman said Miller always remembered one important day, and was always around to talk, or just to listen.
“He was the only one I’ve ever met outside of my immediate family who remembered the day my son died,” said Saltzman, “and every year on that day he would come by my office—make it a point to say, ‘How are you doing, Joe? How are you feeling?’”
ATVN’s Kristen Steach talks to USC alumni John Bishop, Ernest Kung and Felix Rodrigues-Lima about Tim’s influence on their lives.
“I was blown away by that,” Saltzman added. “What kind of person takes the time to be that nice?”
Saltzman and his wife Barbara said they eventually started The Jester & Pharley Phund in honor of their son, which buys books and dolls for every American child diagnosed with cancer.
Miller made a point of supporting the charity, both financially and through his work.
USC Annenberg Director of Multimedia Technologies Chuck Boyles had praise for Miller’s interaction with people.
“Tim treated everyone special,” Boyles said.
“Tim was one of the most dedicated, dependable, enthusiastic, outgoing and helpful people I have ever met.”
Boyles also remembered Miller’s trademark dry humor, which made him popular with many students.
ATVN’s Kristen Steach talks to journalism professor Joe Saltzman and The Jester and Pharley Phund’s executive director, Barbara Saltzman, about Tim Miller’s work.
“He liked to pass out candy and cookies while using the words “schmooze” and “chill,” said Boyles. “[He] was the first one to jokingly call [the equipment room] the Annenberg ‘ER.’”
“Tim was unique and while we are all unique, there will never be another Tim Miller,” Boyles added.
Miller was also less than a year away from earning his bachelor’s degree in communication—something he always hoped would help him to be a better communicator at church, on campus and in his volunteer efforts, according to Miller’s speech instructor Paula Woodley.
Tim’s family asks that any gifts be made to The Jester & Pharley Phund to purchase children’s books and toys:
