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Keith McCord Reporting Funeral services were held this afternoon for veteran TV broadcaster and long-time KSL employee, Doug Miller. Doug died last weekend after a short illness.
Many of Doug's TV fans gathered today at the Delta Center to pay respects. It was the second ceremony for Doug; the family held a private service last night. Because Doug is so well-known from of his TV shows about the outdoors, the family wanted the public to be able to say goodbye.
It was a funeral service that only Doug Miller would love, his friends doing a series of duck calls in his honor.
Before the service began, people could watch many of Doug's favorite stories that aired on his TV show over the years. Today's ceremony was a celebration of Doug's life, with music, comments from friends and family and humorous e-mails.
Rev. Neal Humphrey: "I know Doug is in heaven and with all the animals he hunted, ha ha."
Miller began his broadcasting career in radio back in the 60's in Arkansas, but became a household name, beginning in 1989 when he started a weekly program focusing on Utah's outdoors and all the fun that he--and we-- could have in it!
Steve Moon, Friend: "He taught us all a new love and respect for the outdoors, no matter how old or how young. He came into our homes each Saturday night and shared his passion with us."
We knew Doug's passion for the outdoors, but his daughter shared many of his other passions.
Karen Coleman, Doug Miller's Daughter: "Many people did not know that my dad was an extremely talented piano player. He grew up playing in bars and clubs every Friday and Saturday night; only to follow that by playing in two churches every Sunday morning."
Doug's casket was taken by motorcycle escort to the Farmington Cemetery after today's services. And in a special tribute, KSL's Chopper 5 and KUTV's Sky 2 did a fly-over at the cemetery to honor Doug in his many years of service at both stations. Miller was 59.
