Richard “Rick” Davis Miller
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Richard Davis Miller was born, Dec. 10, 1949, in Lawrence, KS, to Jack and Jean Miller, both deceased. He was also preceded in death by his brother, Rob Miller, who passed away, Jan. 19, 1995. He is survived by wife Beth of the home and two nephews, Camden Miller, Pickerington, OH, Kelly Miller, Lawrence, KS. Rick passed away peacefully at his boyhood home in Lawrence on December 19, 2021.
Rick graduated from KU with a degree in Education in 1972 and later completed his Master’s degree in Geography in 1992. During graduate school, he was given the unique opportunity to study glaciers in Antarctica. It was a once-in-a lifetime-trip with memories Rick treasured. He remained close to the Department of Geography, working with other educators and professionals associated with the university throughout his life.
Rick initially worked in the family business as co-owner of Miller Furniture for several years after graduation.
His true passion was geography, where he got involved in 1988 as Supervisory Geographer for the Kansas City Region for the 1990 Census. From there, he began a long career with the state of Kansas in GIS leadership roles within the Kansas Water Office, Kansas Department of Health and Environment, Kansas Geological Survey, and Kansas Department of Administration.
Rick was instrumental in navigating a wide range of technical, administrative, and political issues during the formative years of GIS in Kansas through contributions at local and state levels. His background in education, plus his political and management skills, helped Kansas become respected nationally. Rick assured Kansas technical adherence to adequate technical standards over the long haul of massive data development in his various roles as Chief Technology Architect in the early 2000s. These successes lead to Rick becoming a highly respected leader nationally in the pioneering years of modern Geographic Information Systems.
He was active in the founding of the National States Geographic Information Council and served as National President in 2002. Rick was also a member and leader within the long-standing Governor’s GIS Policy Board, the official Department Secretary administrative and financial reporting mechanism for Kansas. In addition, his education and technical leadership in GIS also contributed to the 1990 formation and success of the multi-state Mid-America Geographic Information Systems Consortium and Symposia, promoting standards and collaboration across 6-10 states in the Midwest.
Rick’s skills didn’t stop at his life work though, he was an avid golfer all his life, earning a golf scholarship to KU, and a runner-up finish in the Kansas Amateur Golf Championship. A KU sports fan always, still, his family ties with Boston made the Red Sox his team. Always a competitor, Rick was an athlete to be reckoned with, whether it was golf, ping-pong, pool or foos-ball. He even was the Kansas State Horseshoes champion at one point.
Rick was well-loved by many and gave of his time and support to all he worked with over the years and will be greatly missed.
Rick was a man of integrity and complete honesty. His wife, family, and friends are heartbroken. He left us all too soon.
A Celebration of Life date is pending.
I am remembering Rick today with great affection and respect. We were high school classmates and had youthful adventures and good times together. I am sending condolences to his family and friends as I recollect his fun-loving companionship and practical wisdom.
Beth,
I was so sad to hear about Rick. He did so much to promote GIS and I always enjoyed listening to him at the Kansas Association of Mappers Conferences. What a great obituary you wrote for him. He accomplished so much. I would have liked to have visited with him about Antarctica. He was a very good man and will be missed.
Thanks for all the happiness your brought to his life.
I’ve know Rick since we were younger than 12. We played golf together and he would always beat me. This thin guy could drive the ball farther than anyone i’ve seen and had a great short game. He was always an affable but serious player and i enjoyed the times that we played. I guess I never knew how accomplished he was in the world of geographers. His accomplishments are impressive and he never let on how good he was at what he did. I am sorry to not have the opportunity to cross paths with him again as I always found Rick to be an enjoyable person that was quiet in his accomplishments. My condolences go out to his family and the many friends that are missing him now. I hope that in his peace, all of his drives will be in the “short grass” and his putts all uphill and straight.
Rick was a wonderful friend. He will always be with me. So sorry for you loss, Beth.
Beth and family, wish you peace and comfort. My condolences to all.
He was a man of integrity and always kind to me.
Beth, I am really saddened to learn of Rick’s passing. I very much respected and truly enjoyed him. He was a fierce competitor and a loyal friend. I wish you well and hope that you can soon find solace in remembering him. I think of Cam, too, and hope he is Ok. Please know that I offer you and all those who loved him, the most kind condolences. Respectfully, Jack Brown
Rick and I worked together at the Kansas Water Office when the Kansas GIS director position was funded by and housed at the Office. He was really good at herding cats [Policy Board or Technical Advisory Committee]. His obituary beautifully describes his very significant role in GIS development in Kansas and nationally. I missed him when he left State employ; I’m saddened by your loss.
Beth,
I was so sorry to hear about Rick’s death. You are the one who has comforted so many in their time of grief; I hope you now have loved ones who will help comfort you now in yours. Rick was a wonderful man and it was so sweet to watch you two blossom into a couple all those years ago–happy years to remember and cherish.