RIP Les Miller

It's been announced on the ABC that Les Miller, long time woodworker, woodwork teacher and one half of the ABCs 'Weekend Woodies' show, passed away early this morning.

My introduction to Les came when he was running a basic woodworking course at the local community college about 20 years ago. He was not only an expert woodworker but an excellent teacher with a wicked sense of humour. He was also a founding member of the Woodworkers Guild of NSW, and Associate editor of the Australian Woodworker.

I hope that someone who knew Les well will post a more complete obituary. I'm sure there are many who owe their interest in woodwork and in some cases their livelihood to Les.

I did wonder why he was not at the Brisbane show & some one said that he was not well.

I'm a fan, I built my workbench from his plans.

That's very sad but it must have been sudden. He looked fine at the Melbourne show late last year. Maybe Neil could send condolences on behalf of forum members.

The ABC has set up a special guestbook at the following address, for those wishing to post condolences:-

http://abc.net.au/sydney/

Many people who saw Les, read his words or heard him may never have taken up woodwork without their contact with Les.

Those who already had a passion with woodwork were encouraged by Les to pursue woodwork further.

Les Miller's passion for woodwork will be passed on forever and he will be greatly missed.

We are all a little bit poorer today. Les was a good hand.

Woodworking and wood workers were lucky to have such an enthusiastic character as Les.

Bugger.

I first talked to Les at a Melbourne 'T & W W W' show about 5 years ago, and haven't missed sitting in on his sessions ever since. I've been an amateur woodworker for over 40 years, yet I still managed to learn heaps every year.

I'm really sad to hear of his passing, but I have no doubt that all his tips and no-nonsense techniques will live on in everything that comes out of my shed.

Jeff.

I'll certainly miss Les, his sessions at the WWW shows were always worth sitting in, his ability to get his point across with humour and showmanship was legendary and you always came away having learnt something new. I envy those who had the good fortune to have been in his classes. RIP.
Graeme

Les' encouragement and kindness to me over the years always drove me to the next level of achievement in my work. I will so miss his presence at the Wood Show, and the jokes we shared. A great man and a huge loss to the woodworking fraternity.

Tikki

He had a great sense of humour as well, we are richer for his being here.


Bruce C.

I'll echo the sentiments - I took a day off last year to sit through Les' talks at the Canberra WWW show. I learnt a lot, he had very good advice to offer and had a good sense of humour. I think that we are all the poorer now that he is gone.

Cheers

Like others I will miss his seminars at the anual www shows,
It's funny to think that I've learn't so much from a man speaking to me, yet who I never met.

Thank you Les.

Himzo.

Truly a sad day for woodworkers Australia wide...

I first saw Les about 5 years ago at the wood show and was impressed at his happy go lucky attitude with a great sense of humour and his passion for all things wood.

Like many posting here, I always made a point to spend time sitting in on his seminars and, even though I consider myself reasonably educated with techniques in woodworking, Les always taught me something. Was always up for a one on one conversation and loved sharing stories or his wisdom.

We are better for knowing him but he will be missed.

I remember reading that Les had Leukaemia but i must admit I hoped that he would still be at the woodworking show last weekend.

R.I.P. Les.


Scott in Peakhurst.

Dear Les , It is with great regret that I hear of your passing . I just connected tonight to show you a cot I had built and to thank you for your teaching at Asquith Boys High School . I was Going to say encouragment but I think you always thought I was a pretty lousy woodworker . I hope I have proved you wrong . Maybe at 41 years of age now I could get an A in grade 10 woodwork . I often think about you and the enthusiasm you had . Without you I doubt I could have ever built my own house or my own furniture . I now have a complete workshop and often think of you as I tinker .
You have left a very deep and meaningful mark in my life . I always think of you , I am now a teachers aide in a wood work class here in Tassie .
There is no doubt you touched , affected and changed more lives than you could ever possibly have thought .
I was going to go to Hobart to see you at the woodworking show and invite you up to see the house you inspired .
I hope Mr Millers family read this , he was an inspiration to many .
My deepest sympathy to all family and friends .

Richard Van Raay
A.K.A Richard Achterstraat
Tasmania