WESTLOCK – May 1 has been enshrined as a special day for the Town of Westlock to recognize not only the massive seven-figure contribution of Albert and Florence Miller to the community, but the couple’s lifelong commitment to volunteerism.
At their April 24 regular meeting, town councillors voted 7-0 to declare May 1 Albert and Florence Miller Day for a second-consecutive year then offered a hearty round of applause. Albert, who would have turned 94 on May 1, 2023, passed away March 23, 2020, the day after he had returned from his last trip to Hawaii, while Florence passed away Nov. 21, 2019 — the couple were married for 49 years.
The proclamation reads: IN HONOUR OF their lifelong commitment to community service; and IN APPRECIATION OF their contributions to our community; and IN AWE OF their generosity and spirit; and IN MEMORY OF lives well lived; THEREFORE, I, Ralph Leriger, Mayor of the Town of Westlock, on behalf of the Westlock Town Council, do hereby declare May 1, 2023, to be Albert and Florence Miller Day.
Shortly after Albert’s passing, it was announced the Miller estate, which ended up being valued at roughly $8 million, would be given to the Town of Westlock and led to the formation of the Westlock Community Foundation. Since, a board was formed to head the foundation and has been working behind-the-scenes with the set-up, while a new executive director starts work May 1, and will help manage it. It’s expected that the return on the investment from the $8 million nest egg will begin flowing to community projects later this year.
For Leriger, who was a friend to the couple and continues to sing their praises, the enshrinement, which will continue in perpetuity, means their legacy will continue to live on as the proclamation is the only one made by the municipality that singles out individuals.
Albert not only made a mark on the local business community as the proprietor of A. Miller Farm Equipment starting in 1964, then taking over the Chrysler and Dodge dealership in 1970, he and Florence were heavily involved in the community with the Rotary Club, as well as a number of other endeavors like the tractor club and tractor museum.
“Their commitment to community and the gift that they gave us … we want to ensure that their contribution goes on and on forever,” said Leriger in a follow-up interview April 28. “And what I really like about it is that the first of May was Albert’s birthday and it’s also the start date for our new community foundation director.”
Leriger said work continues on the foundation and he’s excited for what it will be able to accomplish in the years to come. In a recent interview, new foundation executive director Katie Robertson said the Miller’s donation will create “an incredible legacy” that the entire community will benefit from.
“When I see the progress that we’ve made in putting this whole thing together, I sincerely hope Albert and Florence are looking down on this with pride and would be pleased with what we’ve done,” said Leriger. “I feel that this is going to succeed, I’m convinced of it.”
