City mourns loss of former Parks and Recreation Director

Cornwall.ca — The City of Cornwall is mourning the loss of one of the community’s great sports ambassadors.

Si Miller, the retired Director of Parks and Recreation with the City of Cornwall, passed away on Saturday. He was 84.

“He was a mentor to me and to many other people,” said Christine Lefebvre, the current Division Manager of Parks and Recreation, who worked alongside Mr. Miller prior to his retirement. “He played a big part in developing the parks and recreation system in Cornwall that we all know and enjoy today.”

Some of the many accomplishments that were achieved under Mr. Miller’s tenure include the development of Guindon Park, Marina 200 and Cornwall’s popular recreational path. He also brokered partnerships with local service clubs to develop Optimist Park, Legion Park and the Lion’s Club Bandshell in Lamoureux Park, among other things.

An avid hockey, lacrosse, softball and baseball player, Mr. Miller served as the City’s Parks and Recreation Director from 1963 until his retirement in 1994.

His devotion to sports and the community extended well beyond his job. Mr. Miller actively participated in Cornwall’s minor hockey program, coaching teams from Atom to Juvenile and taking on the role of Director. He also served as Director and President of the Ottawa District Hockey Association, as well as a Director of the Canadian Amateur Hockey Association.

Mr. Miller’s contribution to sport was recognized by the Cornwall Lion’s Club with the Jacques Richard Trophy in 1971 and he was named a Paul Harris Fellow by the Rotary Foundation for distinguished community service. He was inducted into the Cornwall Sports Hall of Fame in 1975.

In 1994, the City of Cornwall renamed the venerable Water Street Arena in his honour. One of Cornwall’s favourite gathering places, the Si Miller Arena was built in 1936 and became the home of many great hockey teams over the years, including the Cornwall Royals between 1969 and 1976.

Mr. Miller is survived by his wife Joan, three children, Jane Gillis, Mark Miller and Patti Lewis-Hoey, and several grandchildren.
Mr. Miller is resting at the Wilson Funeral Home (822 Pitt Street) where visitation will be held on Tuesday from 2 pm – 4 pm and 7 pm – 9 pm and Wednesday from 8:30 am – 9:15 am, with the funeral to follow at St. Columban’s Roman Catholic Church on Wednesday, February 26th at 10 am.

City flags at municipal facilities have been lowered in Mr. Miller’s honour. Residents are also encouraged to visit the tribute to Mr. Miller near the main entrance of the Benson Centre.