With heavy hearts we mark the passage of Jake Miller into the light.

Born in Winnipeg, Manitoba in April 1949, Jake passed away November 2020.

Jake was a natural athlete graced with agility and speed. A valued member of his high school basketball team at Jefferson High, he also excelled in Track and Field.

Gifted with a beautiful singing voice he was asked to sing with the choir after his Rabbi heard him sing at his Bar Mitzvah. (he politely declined, shunning the limelight!)

Most at home in nature, Jake made the move to British Columbia and worked as a tree planter, planting over 750,000 trees in his 20’s.

Inspired by a concert of Ravi Shankar and George Harrison, Jake travelled the first of many journeys to India, studying the philosophy and practice of yoga and meditation. Eventually earning a Masters of Meditation from IMI in Kullu Valley, Himachel Pradash.

Returning to Canada, he landed in Toronto and started his career in the film industry which spanned over 30 years. Jake started out with a Craft Service position, ultimately revolutionizing the way Craft Service was done. He later switched gears, becoming a member of the Props Depts in Toronto and IATSE Local 891 in Vancouver. Jake was in his element working with Props. He became well known and sought after for his well-honed skills and tasteful sense of aesthetics. He worked on many commercials, television shows and films with his close friend and Props partner, Nicholas Dibley. Jake enjoyed anticipating and then exceeding the needs of actors such as Marlon Brando and directors such as Robert Altman.

Retiring to the natural splendour of the Purcell Mountains and Kootenay Lake, a new ability surfaced and Jake received his Reiki 1 certificate. A natural healer, as his teacher says. This healing practice helped him throughout his battle with the aggressive bone cancers he faced so courageously.

Jake was an inspired singer, songwriter and musician, he will be dearly missed and loved by his family… wife of 28 years, Jennifer, sister Sarah, daughter Damian, grandchildren Ruby and Izak. father-in-Law Kit (Barbara) brothers-in-Law Graeme (Maybel) and David (Jen) nieces Amanda (Mike), Katie, Lily Ann and Audrey, nephew Alex, great nieces Miller and Davis, cousin Esther (Mel) Jake was also deeply loved by his Mother Regina, Father Moses and Mother-in-Law, Martha. He was so loved by his cats, Mango, Taj, Pedro, Domino and Charlie.

There will be no funeral service or official memorial donation. Jake has requested that you choose to remember him in your own way. He felt a deep connection to nature and animals. Planting a tree in your yard or somewhere for him would be a lovely tribute. Adopting, rescuing or fostering a cat or dog or donating your time or money to an animal shelter will also pay tribute to this incredible man. Giving blood is a way to honour the medical practitioners who did everything they could to help Jake. Jake was a private person but gives us comfort with words from one of the last songs he wrote:

“You can count on me, anytime.

Just call my name and I’ll be there.

You can count on me, anytime…

If you need me, if you need me,

You can count on me”

-Written by Jennifer Moore