Charles Miller

MISSOULA - On Sunday, January. 18, 2009, Charles “Chawky” Miller said goodbye to his beloved wife of 65 years, Helen. He died of natural causes. His many friends and loving family will miss his quick wit and spirit for all things “Grizzly.”





Chawky was born October. 2, 1914, in Anaconda. He attended Anaconda High School, where he was a member of the “Wonder 5” basketball team that won the Montana state championship in 1934. The team, which also included Paul Chumrau, Bill Lazatich, Mike Devich and Cat Thompson, played with a magical sense of teamwork and skill to top all of the much bigger schools. Friends of Chawky’s recall watching him play with skill and grace that was the envy of many. When someone pointed out that he was the only person in the team picture who wasn’t wearing socks, Chawky stated that his family could not afford them.





Chawky and Chumrau were recruited to join the University of Montana (then called Montana State), where Chawky became a member of the Grizzly varsity basketball team. After graduating from UM, he accepted a teaching and coaching position in Havre. It was there in 1939 that he met and fell in love with fellow teacher Helen Briggs.





When World War II broke out, Chawky joined the Army and was stationed at Camp Buxton, N.C. There, on June 1, 1943, he and Helen were married. Shortly thereafter, Chawky went overseas, where he became a captain serving with distinction. Upon returning, he and Helen opened a clothing store in Drummond. After a number of years, the couple moved to Missoula, where Helen became one of the first employees of Washington Construction.





Chawky later became the sales manager at John R. Daily Meats, where he worked for well over a decade. According to former John R. Daily owner Warren Wilcox, “Chawky was a salesperson’s salesperson.” Clients grew to expect him and his wonderful personality on a specific schedule. Never late, never early. If he did not show up, the company would likely get a call to see what was wrong. He enjoyed traveling the state and knowing each client personally. When it was suggested that he could do his job from a desk using the phone, Chawky decided it was time to retire.





Chawky was a lifetime member of the Missoula Country Club and he spent much of his time perfecting his game with close friends, including Paul Chumrau. In 1985, he hit a hole-in-one on the sixth hole. He enjoyed his retirement immensely by attending all Grizzly games - football and men’s and women’s basketball. Chawky was quick to offer his commentary on the game and was famous for saying, “You only need to win by one point.” He enjoyed his friends and particularly looked forward to meeting with the “Breakfast Club” and the “Over the Hill Bunch.” Chawky enjoyed two glasses of chardonnay, hamburgers and fries, chocolate sundaes and the Grizzlies. But he loved his Helen most of all.





Chawky is survived by Helen; their daughter, Roxann; son-in-law, Jeff Greene; granddaughter, Hillary Hall (Ken Hall); grandson, Justin Greene (Nicole Greene); great-granddaughters, Sidney, Faith and Hope Hall; brother-in-law, Jim Ross and his family (Corbin, Mary Jane, Joe, Rob, and January); nieces, Peggy Johnston (Michael, Brent, Doug, Kevin, and Todd) and Donna Jean Chaffee (Scott, Tamny, and Shelly); and nephew, Don Johnson (Debbie and Barbara).





Services will be held at the First United Methodist Church at 300 E. Main St. in Missoula on Friday, January. 23, at 2 p.m. Immediately following, there will be a celebration of his life, also at the church. As Chawky would have it ... coffee and desserts will be served.





In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made to the Charles “Chawky” Miller Grizzly Athletic Scholarship. Gifts can be made payable to the University of Montana Foundation and noted as a gift in memory of Chawky Miller. Checks should be mailed to the UM Foundation, P.O. Box 7159, Missoula, MT 59807-7159, or call 1-800-443-2593 to make a donation by phone.






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