Honoured Members Database

Amateur sport in Manitoba was Al Miller's pound of clay on a potter's wheel…shaped, moulded and glazed into a pure and precious product that has benefitted society as a whole. He survived four changes in provincial government and five premiers, not to mention 11 ministers, to serve as Manitoba's first Director of Fitness and Amateur Sport and ultimately became the Deputy Minister Responsible for Sports and Recreation in the Province.

Al Miller was at the meeting that laid the groundwork of the Canada Games. He also called the first organizational meeting that led to the formation of the Manitoba Sports Federation. He was a founding member of the Western Canada Games and the driving force behind the creation of the Manitoba Games.

Miller thought that Manitoba communities could benefit from the establishment of recreation programs. More than 40 communities had recreation directors and programs. “The big thing about Al is that he has a feel for what a community's particular wants and needs really are,” said Harry Sirett, a long-time friend and associate. “Al enjoys people and he enjoys what they like to do.”

A post-secondary education was acquired at the University of B.C. and the University of Western Ontario. His last job prior to returning to Manitoba in 1962 was serving as the Director of Recreation in Port Arthur and Red Rock, Ontario.

As an athlete, Miller distinguished himself in high school at Daniel McIntyre in basketball, track and field, football and swimming. A sailor, he served on the board of the Gimli Yacht Club for 11 years and acted as Commodore for three more and competed in three Canadian Fireball Championships.

Al Miller had a major impact on Manitoba sport over the past 30 years. Simply put, his contribution was paramount to the recreation needs of Manitoba.