Mourners pay respects to Miller

In a steady stream Friday, thousands of well-wishers visited EnergySolutions Arena to give something — cards, flowers, and words of consolation, support and gratitude — to the family of a beloved man who passed away after giving so much to the community he loved.

They came in suits and dresses. They came in casual jeans and T-shirts. They came sporting logos from his many businesses, including Utah Jazz jerseys, ties and hats.

Some even came dressed like Larry H. Miller — from the khaki pants and tucked-in polo shirts to the comfy sneakers.

Invited by the Miller family to attend a public viewing in The Jazz Home That Larry Built, they certainly came.

And came.

And they kept coming — several thousand strong — as friends, admirers, acquaintances, fans and grateful strangers to bid a fond farewell a week after the 64-year-old NBA franchise owner, business mogul and philanthropist died due to complications from type-2 diabetes.

"Everybody's welcome here," said Renate Haroldsen, a former employee of Miller's. "I think that's neat."

They were literally welcomed with opened arms, too. Gail Miller stood by her husband's open casket and greeted and thanked everybody who waited in the long line — many for more than two hours — with hugs and handshakes. Miller's children, including Jazz CEO Greg Miller, were also on hand in the arena's VIP room to receive condolences and to give warm words of appreciation in return.

"We just wanted to pay our respects because we know what a wonderful man he's been to the community," said Judy Haroldsen. "To have the family there shaking hands was really a personal touch."

And that was just the four-hour-long public viewing Friday evening.

Prior to that special gathering, the family hosted a private viewing to mourn, laugh and share memories with religious leaders such as President Thomas S. Monson of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, current and former Jazz team members — including the reunited John Stockton, Karl Malone and Jeff Hornacek — community and state leaders, and close friends.

The thousands who attended the public viewing entered the arena on the main level. Welcomed by ushers, they then took a slow stroll through Larry H. Miller's memory lane. Photos from throughout his lifetime were placed on easels throughout the concourse.