Deseret News | Miller leaves 'legacy of a life well-lived'

Reader comments
Miller leaves 'legacy of a life well-lived'

Linda | 1:49 p.m. Feb. 28, 2009

Wow, what a great tribute to a great man! True, most of us will never have the resources to do the things that he did, but we CAN all give to others and help out in our own little corner of the sky.

David | 2:53 p.m. Feb. 28, 2009

It was a wonderful funeral service. Each person who performed did a great job. What a wonderful man. Seeing Larry's children and grand children so close knit - is an inspiration. We have many, many more Larry's today.

magnus | 2:58 p.m. Feb. 28, 2009

I will miss Larry Miller. Truly a great loss.

I think it is impossible to underestimate the impact that Larry Miller has had on the state of Utah.

How much to of Utahs growth and notoriety to we owe to this one man?

Would we have any professional sports franchises if it weren't for Larry Miller?

Would we have been able to hold the Olympics here in Utah without having been successful with our professional sports franchises?

How much of Utahs economy was either directly or indirectly supported by the entrepenurial efforts of this one man?

How many lives were blessd by his immense chartable contributions?

Truly, a great loss.

Comments continue below

Greg | 3:38 p.m. Feb. 28, 2009

Larry was a REAL man!

jann | 3:50 p.m. Feb. 28, 2009

God bless the Miller family.
Larry was one of a kind
Rest in peace Larry.

Jennifer | 4:33 p.m. Feb. 28, 2009

What an extraordinary man...makes you think about the kind of person you are. Would the President of the Church attend our funeral and have such kind words for each of us???? That says alot about Larry H. Miller!!!

Henry Drummond | 4:35 p.m. Feb. 28, 2009

Reading the story made me wonder about what Larry has taught us all. Larry was noted for shooting from the hip sometimes but he always tried to make it right. He was very introspective and showed that not only was it OK for grown men to cry but to apologize when your words and actions hurt people. Let's face it, that isn't easy to do, especially in such a public setting. While I'm not in a position to do much 'shooting from the hip' in public, I do my share with my family and friends. Larry has taught me that it is important to make those things right and for teaching me that and many other things I will miss him terribly.

Deboah | 6:08 p.m. Feb. 28, 2009

I just wanted to let his family know that I will miss him. Also to say thankyou for paying for me to go to collage and let them know I am almost done with school. Thank you again and he will be greatfully missed.

Anonymous | 7:06 p.m. Feb. 28, 2009

We will miss you Larry. You have touched us all.

Anonymous | 7:34 p.m. Feb. 28, 2009

Was he really married at 16?

John | 8:06 p.m. Feb. 28, 2009

I am stunned to learn the entire First Presidency attended Larry's funeral...stunned!

Robert | 8:26 p.m. Feb. 28, 2009

Larry was an awesome man. I hav never known of a more generous man, to have given his whole life in the service of others. I feel like I truly did "know this guy."

DT | 8:51 p.m. Feb. 28, 2009

Larry Miller gave a fireside talk in my BYU ward a few years back. One of our ward leaders just called his office, extended the invitation, and he came and gave the fireside. He didn't know anybody in our ward and drove down in a pretty good snow storm. i was very impressed with that. He also gave a very good talk.

Anonymous | 9:34 p.m. Feb. 28, 2009

Rest in Peace Larry Miller. May God Bless his Family during this difficult time. Good to see all of the love and support that they have received.

Malone's slam | 10:37 p.m. Feb. 28, 2009

What a fitting display of love and respect shown by Malone at Larrys funeral today! All the current and past players were in suits and ties while Malone shows up in a T neck sweater, denim jacket and a toboggan hat. This was a perfect representation of how he approached Larry in business and now in death. No respect, no consideration and no class. The man was never a champion in the clutch play, he publically disrespected himself and those who made him, and dishonored his promises and commitments to owners, other players, fans and himself. He has done some amazing things for the community but so do most wealthy people in their own communities. I thought I could tolerate him before but not nowmoney and fame never changes the inner self. Weve now witnessed the true Malone. Remember, Karl, we are always an examplesometimes a good example and sometimes a bad example. You have left a legacy of bad examples.

rightascension | 10:49 p.m. Feb. 28, 2009

The guiding genius of Larry Miller is gone. the question to answer in the days ahead, now that the automotive industry is in crisis and people have less money to spend on fun, and the Millers had the expense of Mr. Miller's end of life care, is what becomes of the Miller business empire now.

Larry Miller trafficked in fun and was rich, so what was not to love?

Dick of the NW | 10:54 p.m. Feb. 28, 2009

FYI, LHM was born in 1944 & married in 1965 = 21.
It just seems to me that more people "knew this Guy" and felt closer to him than leaders of Churches. He was so accessible and such an example for good works. Our hearts have lost some with LHM's death. Let's fill that space with works that are good and be better each day. I will miss you LHM. May God bless Gail and your family now and in the future. Thank you just for being that person you were.

Dave in AZ | 11:45 p.m. Feb. 28, 2009

Larry lived great and he died great! He lived a great life of helping others, more than we will ever know, and he died great in the eyes of the Lord-- Larry went about doing all the good he could, where he could, when he could, to who he could, that was his energy. If I could do one-hundreth of what he did I'd be exhausted. May his posterity carry on in his wonderfully hard-working tradition and may we all learn to go the extra mile or two or three in going about doing all the good we can to others.
I'll miss you Larry, your one of the guys I would follow to the ends of the earth because that is where the rainbow would be. May you enjoy your reward in heaven because you certainly earned it here. I look forward to seeing you in the future.

I didn't know him personally | 11:47 p.m. Feb. 28, 2009

I didn't know him personally, but he has done so much for Salt Lake and I'm sure other places. It is so sad for me and I cried when he passed away. It was best for him but the rest of us are going to miss him. I really am going to miss him. There really is no one like him. What a guy!

Out of line Malone Slam | 11:51 p.m. Feb. 28, 2009

Malone Slam Mr. Miller accepted people as they are and It would be out of character if Malone was dress any differently it the man heart that most important than what he wears Malone has grown up alot and thought Miller was father that he never had I thought it was touching what he said about Larry and the time he spent last summer visiting with Larry Miller. Malone Slam this is not the way to pay respect for Larry Miller by slaming Karl Malone

CP | 12:07 a.m. March 1, 2009

I would like to make a statement to the person who made comment at 10:37pm and slammed Karl Malone. I don't think you were fair at all. can I ask you if you clicked on and looked at the photos that went along with this article, Karl really respected and cared about Mr. Miller. It didn't matter how he was dressed. He was there. And he looked very nice. Doesn't matter that he wasn't wearing a suit and tie. He was there and showed his love for Mr. Miller and his family and I have no doubt that Mr. Miller was very happy about that.

ARE YOU SERIOUS | 2:02 a.m. March 1, 2009

Karl isnt showing any disrespect to anyone. LHM wouldnt want Karl to be all dressed up. You obviously have some personal jealously problem and need to get some counseling. Karl thanks for being you, and thanks for being the GREATEST POWER FORWARD of ALL TIME! We would have a championship for you,LHM, and all Jazz fans if it werent for the NBA and their bias! THANKS LHM for keeping the JAZZ!

Vickie Barlow Mississippi | 2:14 a.m. March 1, 2009

Thanks for being a great example, never tarnishing
the name of the state of Utah or the LDS church. It means alot to us who live in the mission field.
You truly will be remembered as a Christian Man.
Love and respect to your family

Anonymous | 3:28 a.m. March 1, 2009

Would the First Presidency attend the funeral of the quiet and humble, the meek and the lowly of heart, the penniless and the poor?

I recall the scriptures how Jesus visited the funeral of a child, the poor and the unknowns of the community (Lazarus) and how He wept.

Let us not lose focus on the meek who will be exalted, not for their money but for their meekness.

They may not be able to build Stadiums, but they can build Mansions (In the sky)

Not to lesson our respect for the wealthy,but that we may be poor in heart and in spirit to inherit for that which is worthy

Malone Fan | 5:42 a.m. March 1, 2009

Is this guy that slammed Karl Malone for real?! If Karl Malone hadn't shown up that would've been one thing, but HE WAS THERE and HE PAID TRIBUTE to Larry Miller. Sometimes people act like the self righteous Pharisees "straining at a gnat and swallowing a camel." Look at the big picture, hater! Your prejudice is showing through! Karl, know that there's a lot of fans in Utah, both in and out of the church here, that love you -- that will always love you. You are one of us and you are always welcome here -- with open arms.

Pace Setter | 5:58 a.m. March 1, 2009

Thank you Larry for being the "pace setter" on the track of life. Thank you for going the extra mile. Thank you for sharing the "game-ball" with those who were not as good of players as you turned out to be and spreading the opportunity to succeed. Thank you for having the self respect to honor your convictions by living what you believed. Thank you. Well done.

Ct Jazz Fan | 6:15 a.m. March 1, 2009

To the low class man who commented on the dress attire of Karl Malone. It is the inside of a person that counts not his outside appearance. Karl was truly moved by the services as demonstrated in the photos. I think that Karl and all of those who were involved in the proceedings did a great job. Truly Larry was respected in all walks of life as dignitaries from all walks of his life were present. Thanks Larry for being a great man on the inside... I think that Karl is trying to emulate your example and be great on the inside as well. When people want to be like you... that is true legacy.

Bill | 6:40 a.m. March 1, 2009

It doesn't matter how Malone was dressed. Larry avoided wearing ties--did that matter? You could learn a lesson from Samuel: The Lord looketh upon the heart and not upon the outward appearance.

DeepintheHeart | 6:43 a.m. March 1, 2009

I guess whoever wrote Malone Slam failed to read an earlier article in which he paid great tribute to Larry Miller. I think the point was that Miller used far more important tools to measure a man, and he did not find Karl Malone wanting. The expectations we place on others frequently say more about us than they do about them.

landgrabber | 6:52 a.m. March 1, 2009

I have only lived in utah for about four months but i always watch the news on tv and read the papers to stay informed.From what i have observed Mr.Miller was a great person who done a lot for his fellow man also Karl Malone is a great basket ball player my comment is about the way Mr.Malone was dressed if unless i have miss interped the Bible JESUS was always wearing a robe and sandles so the old saying the cloths makes the man is not always true,so don't judge any one by the way they are dressed.My heart goes out to the Miller family it is always hard to lose a loved one may God be with you and confort you.

Anonymous | 7:07 a.m. March 1, 2009

I've only known Larry Miller through the media. Recently I read one of the initial articles following his death that briefly reveiwed his personal and business life. All in all, I concluded that someone should make a movie of this man's life. His acheivements from such a modest beginning and his example of pure charity were amazing. Surely, these are the things good movies are made of. It could have a positive impact on society and the world to know Larry and Gail Miller. The same could be said for the father and mother of your governor Huntsman.

Jeff | 7:16 a.m. March 1, 2009

Although I did not know Mr. Miller personally I do remember when the "Delta Center" was being built. Larry used out of state, non Union workers to build it keeping virtually none of the money in the State of Utah. Not everything he did was for the State of Utah.

Chris in Texas | 7:39 a.m. March 1, 2009

All you posters who speak about Malone or the First Presidency have lost the point of the article - Larry H. Miller, a man who did a lot for the community and for individuals he came in contact, has passed away. Speaking as a pastor who does a lot of funerals and graveside services, you are sooooo out of line. It's not about you and your opinions. Stay focused, please.

Larry, thanks for all you did. Hope we see you again in the "courts" on high. 'Nuff said.

Class Act | 8:26 a.m. March 1, 2009

Larry, by example, showed that one could be exceptional in making things happen in the business world. Larry also showed how to be a most generous person. He also showed how one can have a somewhat casual appearance and still be a sharp leader. He was a very Unique Individual. He did things "his" way, and "his" way got many things accomplished that would have not been accomplished if it wasn't for "his" unique way. One could definitely say that Larry H. Miller >> "Did It His Way".

Larry also loved the State of Utah, the United States, the LDS Church and the Lord Jesus Christ.
He showed that love not by just "talk", but by Real
action that made a Difference.

God Bless Larry in his new arena and in his new challenges and areas of influence on the other side.

God Bless Gail and his family.

Dapper2k | 9:22 a.m. March 1, 2009

He also built the DC faster then anyone thought possible completed on time and under budget. The construction of the DC was an act of supreme organization orchastrated be Mr. Miller and had to be done on a ver strict budget as Larry was stretching himself very thin in order to afford it and the loans it took to build it. He made promises to the lending instatutions that he would be able to get it done quickly and at a very low cost considering what it is and he came through. It was also imperative to have the DC to make the JAzz profitable and is probably the corner turned in making the Jazz profitable.

Skip H | 10:24 a.m. March 1, 2009

I interviewed Miller Dec. '06 and he was very courteous, gracious with his time, and candid with his comments. Even though the publication I work for is small potatoes, his candid nature and great comments made me feel like I worked for the NY Times.

I grew up in a neighborhood in Sandy just south of where Miller lived w/ his family. My best friend told me when he was 9, Miller basically saved him from a Doberman that had attacked him.

I'm sure there are many stories of Larry Miller offering a hand to someone in need.

RIP Larry!

Anonymous | 11:07 a.m. March 1, 2009

Great article. I think Larry did a great job for the community. By the way Jeff. My father-in-laws construction company based right here in utah helped build the DC. They also got to put their names on the walls. Get the facts straight next time.

Jared Ericksen | 11:53 a.m. March 1, 2009

Larry Miller gave not only plenty of money to those less fortunate, but also gave his valuable time. When I was a student at BYU I took an entrepreneurial class. Larry Miller was one of our guest teachers and came once a week for 5-6 weeks. His wife Gayle also came one week. What an amazing life story and an amazing individual!

Anonymous | 12:12 p.m. March 1, 2009

The DC was built by hundreds of Utah workers and many Utah construction companys, to name a few, Sahara construction and CCI a union mechanical contractor, no one ever said Larry only did things for just Utah,Thanks to the Miller family for sharing Larry with us, so he could do all the GREAT things he did. TELL WE MEET AGAIN.

Delores | 12:26 p.m. March 1, 2009

He sounds like a very kind man. Was he a member of the Church?. I didn't read anything about his service as Bishop or as a missionary just his financial dealings.

Darlene | 1:56 p.m. March 1, 2009

To the one who asked, "Would the First Presidency attend the funeral of the quiet and humble, the meek and the lowly of heart, the penniless and the poor?" I respond, "They ABSOLUTELY would, and DO!" If you are so concerned about whom they honor, get to know them as millions do and learn for yourself the goodness of heart these great men show in their daily lives.

hayley | 3:37 p.m. March 1, 2009

im going to miss him it is sad to see him go so soon it is sad but he is at happy place

kwt | 5:55 p.m. March 1, 2009

Were all the players and coaches for the Jazz at the funeral? So far I have only seen clips of Williams, Korver, Knight, and Brewer. Were the other players at the funeral? I hope so, seems kind of sad to think they weren't all there to atleast give respect to the man who was there to pay them big bucks.

Florida | 6:19 p.m. March 1, 2009

Thank you Larry and family for being very human and good, even under the constant scrutiny of media and public attention over the years. Thank you for not shifting the financial burden of arena construction to the tax payers (as so many others do).

farmgirl | 10:34 a.m. March 2, 2009

My family is "hooked" on the "Joseph Smith Papers"--a wonderful show airing every Sunday on KJAZZ at 8 p.m. The project is underwritten by Larry H. Miller and we thank you!

Ed Clinch | 1:41 p.m. March 2, 2009

I wish more of us, myself included, could be more like Larry Miller.

God bless him and his family.

True LDS are true Christians, true Christians are true sons and daughters of God.

RUH | 3:24 p.m. March 2, 2009

John Stockton was there both for the viewing and for the funeral. He was dressed very nicely in a dark suit and white shirt and tie. I was a little disappointed that the other Jazz great, Karl Malone didnt dress up for the event. But, he did show up , thats enough!

j - philippines | 8:46 p.m. March 2, 2009

i probably would'nt know or be interested about Utah if it werent for this man..RIP Larry, you had a good life

Joe | 11:43 p.m. March 2, 2009

Rest in peace Mr. Miller

Jean | 6:50 a.m. March 3, 2009

Mr. Miller was a great example to all. Us in Southern Utah are saddened at his passing as well. I will miss seeing him sitting in his seat at the Jazz games! To the Miller family, you are in our prayers.

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