Ladies and gentlemen, cherished family, and dear friends, we gather here today to celebrate the extraordinary life of a truly remarkable individual—Hubert Clifford Miller, affectionately known to many as Bert.
Born to Lillian and Hubert, Bert was one of thirteen siblings who grew up in the close-knit community. The bonds forged with his brothers and sisters—Dick, Roy, Lillian, Mona, Ruby, Madge, Stella, Kenneth, Jim, Jean, Reenie, and Barbara—fostered a strong sense of family that would define Bert’s life.
Bert’s educational journey began at Royston School, where he spent his formative years before embarking on a path that led him to join the 75th Anti-tank Regiment at the age of 18. His enlistment marked the beginning of a courageous journey that took him to Normandy on D-Day+7. Despite the harrowing experiences of war, Bert’s resilience saw him through to Flensburg in Germany, an achievement that reflected his unwavering dedication to protecting his family and country. Later in life in 2016 he received the Chevalier Legion D’honneur medal which was attended by the mayoress and his family. He received 3 kisses on the cheek by the French Consulate which made him nervous as he thought they were going to French kiss him! Later on he was interviewed for radio and was asked what happened after Normandy for social activity during the war, which his reply was “I shagged my way to Flensburg”. Needless to say, the interview was cut short.
Upon his return to civilian life, Bert’s professional endeavours were as diverse as his experiences during the war. From his role as a bookkeeper at Monkton Coal Office to driving buses for West Riding Wallace Arnold and Yorkshire Traction, Bert embraced each opportunity with determination and a strong work ethic. It was during his time as a bus driver that he crossed paths with Joyce, a conductress, who would become future wife.
Settling in Royston, Bert and Joyce created a home filled with love, laughter, and cherished memories. Their shared love for the east coast led to yearly vacations in Ingoldmells, and Mablethorpe, accompanied by Derek the window cleaner’s Austin Cambridge. But Joyce wanted to go to overseas, in particular to Benidorm. Bert didn’t fancy that so he would palm Joyce off on to other family members so he could stay at home and go to the Alex. On one rare occasion he did go with her he was impressed by Joyce’s Spanish. He had been paying for her to complete the Readers Digest Spanish course. When she came across someone who spoke Spanish to her she would say “no hablo espanol” or something similar. Bert loved this and would regularly joke with his friends that he spent £250 just for her to say she couldn’t speak Spanish.
Bert’s children, Julie and Ian, his grandchildren, Paul, Louise, Liam and Kelly, and great grandchildren, Isaac, Sophia, Paris and Nick were everything to him. When Joyce passed in 2010 he became very close with Ian. They were a comedy double act. Always joking and having a laugh together. Royston’s very own Morecambe and Wise. At the age of 63 Bert couldn’t hide his excitement when Ian had become a holiday rep in Greece. Travelling over for a 3 week holiday. Ian recalls that during that time he saw his dad for just 4 days! Bert was out socialising, enjoying the food, and even out and about in the disco’s. Regularly coming in later than Ian!
Julie and her family live in Australia. But this didn’t stop Bert going to see them. He went to see them 3 times. Including for his 90th birthday when he travelled business class. This was mainly because he had his knees operated on and Ian had threatened that he needs to take a hammer to them to make them fit in economy. He loved business class though. It was Christmas when they flew, and the air hostess was coming around wishing everyone a Merry Christmas. Bert replied “Merry Christmas to you old flower” which confused the hostess. She was one of the rare ones who was oblivious to Bert’s charm.
Renowned for his social nature, Bert was a familiar face at the Royston Alexander Working Men’s Club, where he not only held various committee positions, including president, but also became a legend in the world of pool with his signature move known as the ‘Bert Miller’. The shot was close your eyes and hit and hope something goes in. Even to those who didn’t know who he was would call it a ‘Bert Miller’
In his later years, Bert continued to spread joy as a befriender and driver for AIDS UK, using his unmistakable purple Honda CRV and later the affectionately nicknamed ‘pope mobile,’ a silver Mercedes Vaneo. Ian took it to a sign writer and Had his Handletrade business logo down the side of it in green, grey and black writing. He was not best pleased.
But as usual smiled and even helped Ian with his deliveries.
His love of hugs became legendary, even earning him the title of ’94-year-old veteran hugger’ during a hospital stay which was filmed for Casualty 24/7. He said to one of the nurses, “no tablets but I’ll have a hug”. Bert was no stranger to hospital staff. Over the years he’s had a brain bleed, 3 strokes, a heart attack and was even given 2 weeks to live. But his resilience shone through, and he lasted another 2 years. Bert’s magnetic personality left an indelible mark on everyone he met, making him a beloved figure in the community.
As we bid farewell to Bert Miller, let us remember the laughter he shared, the hugs he generously gave, and the indomitable spirit that defined his remarkable journey. May his memory continue to bring smiles to our faces, and may we cherish the lessons of love, resilience, and joy that he leaves behind.
Rest in peace, Bert Miller. Your legacy lives on in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to know you, and a hero to those who you loved.
Funeral Service was conducted at Barnsley Crematorium at 12:50pm on 19th January 2024.
Chris Platts - Professional Celebrant 