Richard George Miller 6th December 1947 – 4th September 2009

Richard George Miller
6th December 1947 – 4th September 2009

The North West Branch of the Institute
of Corrosion is saddened to report the 
death of a valued member on the 4th September 2009.

Richard, affectionately known as ‘RGM’, died peacefully, of a brain haemorrhage at the University of Wales Hospital, Cardiff.  For the past 18 months he had been working on behalf of Det Norske Veritas (DNV) on the new gas terminal project at South Hook, Milford Haven.

RGM was born in Newport, Monmouthshire, South Wales, on the 6th of December 1947 and was the youngest of four siblings.  He went to school in Newport and later at Ormskirk Grammar School when the family moved to Lancashire, where he excelled both academically and at sport, becoming both Head Boy and Captain of Sports.  He was an outstanding athlete, competing at County level, and one of the school records he set stands to this day.  He was also passionate about Rugby. 

He obtained a BSc in Geology from the University of Sheffield in 1970 and a Masters in Geochemistry from Leeds University the following year.  Subsequently, Richard took a post on a game reserve in Uganda where he was conducting geological surveys and working towards his PhD when political instability in that country put his life in danger and he was forced to leave suddenly with only his passport and the clothes he 
was wearing. 

He married in 1973 and joined the Regular Army (the Royal Regiment of Wales) a year later.  He attended Sandhurst and attained the rank of Captain.  He had various positions including that of Equerry to the Prince of Wales, Platoon Commander and was an undercover operative in Ulster.  By 1979 he had three sons, the eldest being Mark, followed by twin boys Paul and John.  He resigned his commission in the Army, moved to Melton Mowbray and embarked on his career as a Corrosion Specialist in the Oil Industry.  He was divorced in 1984.

For the past twenty-two years he had a loyal and loving partner, Alicia Borowska, and arrangements for the funeral were made by Alicia.  The service took place at Southern Cemetery, Manchester.  As befits a patriotic Welshman, his coffin was draped with the Welsh Dragon flag and much of the proceedings had a strong Welsh influence.  The service was conducted by his brother, the Reverend A. Miller, and music included Tallis’ Spem in Alium, the Welsh National Anthem, Men of Harlech, and Mifanwy.  All three sons spoke of their father during the service.  Alicia gave a short eulogy, and Paul Arkeley of DNV gave an informal description of his work with that organisation and highlighted the respect in which he was held by colleagues at Milford Haven and within DNV as a whole.  A reception was held after the service at the Didsbury Park Hotel, which provided a fitting opportunity for family, friends and work colleagues to meet, chat in the sunshine and reminisce about times spent with him. 

When I first met Richard he was living in Didsbury, Manchester, though he had spent much of his career working in the oil industry in Norway, Saudi Arabia, in the USA and in North Africa.  He was a convivial character who was exceptionally well read and he enjoyed a wide circle of friends from the army, UMIST, DNV, Trefriw and elsewhere.  He was a Guest Lecturer and Consultant at the Corrosion and Protection Centre, University of Manchester, and he would attend North West Branch meetings when his busy work schedule allowed.  He originated and sponsored the cash prize given to the winner of the Institute of Corrosion “Young Speaker of the Year” competition for students of corrosion science and technology.

Richard Miller was an admirable and positive person.  The world of corrosion science and related industries will miss him, and condolences are extended to Alicia and to his family.  His spiritual journey will hopefully encounter his favourite road sign “Croeso y Cymru” – Welcome to Wales.

B. Windsor
NW Branch         

(I owe a debt of gratitude to Richard’s partner, Alicia, and Bill Cox for their assistance in the compilation of this obituary.)