Dr Gary Glenn Miller, mathematician and theoretical physicist, passed away of natural causes on October 16th, 2025, at the age of 84. He was at his home in Victoria, BC, in the presence of his caring wife, Pamela Joy.
Born to Curtis and Laveta on June 11th, 1941, in Kansas City, Missouri, his early life was inspired by all of the sciences, particularly astronomy. In university, he focused on mathematics, but maintained interests across multiple subjects, including visual art (where he was recognized for talent in oil painting).
In 1968, he completed a PhD in Mathematics at the University of Missouri, Kansas City. That same year, he moved to Canada with his first wife, Betty, where he raised a family and started teaching at the University of Victoria. There, he served as Associate Professor of Mathematics for 38 years, until his retirement in 2006, and he was also a Visiting Fellow in Physics at Princeton University from 1975–76.
Gary and Pamela were married in 1999 and have shared a beautiful home for 26 years — where they watched and discussed the night sky and cared gently for many creatures together.
Combining mathematics, physics, philosophy, world mythologies, and religions, Gary spent his life in pursuit of profound truths. He had a way of explaining complex topics in simple words, with a characteristic sense of wonder. Greatly admired for his brilliant mind, he was also consistently kind and gentle. He was known for having time for everyone, as he shared his love of scientific inquiry with so many students and friends each year. He inspired his children and grandchildren to feel awe at the smallest and largest mysteries of nature.
Gary is survived by Pamela Joy, his brother Ronnie (Kathy), children Emrys (Lesley) and Cassandra, and grandchildren Astrid and Sofia. He will be sorely missed.
A Celebration of Life will take place in spring 2026. In preparation for this event, the family is collecting stories, reflections, and photographs from his friends, colleagues, and past students. Please send yours to memories@thisfleeting.world. To be notified of the Celebration of Life, please email this same address to ask to be placed on our contact list.
