Kory Miller

Kory Alan Miller was born on Friday, November 13th, 1959 at St. Anthonys Hospital in Lakewood, Colorado to Mother Opal (Baker) Miller and Father Victor Alan Miller. He passed away on Tuesday, November 12th, 2024 at his childhood home in Lakewood, after a long battle with prostate cancer.

He is Survived by: Wife Susie Miller, Daughter Kari Anne Jolly (Spouse: Brian Jolly) Granddaughter Korbyn Anne Jolly, Step-Son Cullen Pinkus, Uncle John Miller (Spouse: Frankie), Brother Kim Miller (Spouse: Patricia Miller & Nephews: Kade Miller (Spouse: Amiee), Trace Miller (Spouse: Leanne) of AL) Sister Victoria Brader of AR, Sister-in-Law Tina Seidel (Spouse: Rodney) of SD, Brother-in-Law Frank Harris (Spouse: Tiffany & Nephew: Blake), Beloved Puppy Dog Clyde, and his many, many beloved Friends and EMS Family.

He is Preceded in death by: Mother Opal (Baker) Miller, Father Victor Miller, Aunt Bonnie Baker, Uncles Ruben, Virgil, Kenneth and Gene Miller, his beloved Weiner dogs, Ninz, Britz, Krimz, and Shepard mix Tasha.

Kory graduated from Lakewood High School in 1979. During his teen years, Kory owned a Chevrolet Chevelle that he was very proud of. After graduating, he worked at his father’s carwash before moving to Big Lake, Alaska. He returned to Colorado 3 years later in 1982 and upon his return, he worked at a local gas station where he met Diane (the mother of his daughter) who he married in 1983. He went on to drive a delivery truck for Lakewood Equipment before moving onto what would become his lifelong career as a Paramedic.

Kory dedicated over 40 years of his life to serving his community as a paramedic. Beginning his career in 1982 with Haley Ambulance Service in Wheat Ridge, Colorado and continuing through the evolution of the service into American Medical Response (AMR) in 1992. He served as an FTO and operations supervisor in both Golden and Denver until his passing in 2024.

A passionate advocate for education and growth, Kory was instrumental in training and mentoring the next generation of EMTs and paramedics. He took great pride in encouraging and guiding new providers in the early stages of their careers, ensuring that they not only gained the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed but also understood the importance of compassion and dedication in their work. Kory believed in the potential of every student and always wanted to see them thrive. His legacy lives on in the many paramedics, EMTs, and first responders whose careers he shaped and whose lives he touched.

Throughout his career, Kory was known for his calm demeanor, unwavering professionalism, and a sense of humor that brought comfort during the most challenging moments. His leadership was built on a foundation of integrity, a strong work ethic, and an unwavering commitment to patient care. He earned the respect of his colleagues, who admired his dedication to excellence and his tireless efforts to improve the quality of care in the field. Above all, Kory was a trusted mentor and friend, always available to provide guidance, support, and encouragement.

Personal Life:

Kory loved spending time with his family and friends.

In his younger days, he and his best friend Roger spent 12 years with the “Independent Mountain Men” traveling all over the Western United States doing rendezvouses. Roger is credited with turning Kory into a firearm enthusiast.

In November 1984, his daughter Kari was born.

Kory often popped in at daycare during nap time to take his daughter Kari for ice cream in his pickup truck. When she was younger, Kory enjoyed taking Kari on annual camping trips, where he would strive to make them as educational as possible. He would put together fun outdoor scavenger hunts using a compass to determine where items were. In 2014, his granddaughter Korbyn was born. He loved cheering on Korbyn as she rode her horse at Saddle Club Gymkhanas and Jackpot Barrel Races. He was very proud of her accomplishments at only 7 years old. One of his proudest moments in life was becoming a grandfather!

Kory and Susie met online in 2018. From the moment they met face to face, they were inseparable, like peas and carrots. Kory described Susie as the “Jenny to his Forest” and the two were engaged on August 20th, 2020 in Deadwood, South Dakota. They married a year and one day later on August 21st, 2021 at the Little White Church in Morrison, Colorado. They were blessed with 6 short happy years together.

Kory had a passion for his Indian motorcycle which he and Susie enjoyed many rides through the mountains on. They rode through Evergreen into Morrison, where he loved stopping in at the Holiday Bar for his favorite “Miller Highlife” which he always said was the coldest beer in town. He would always pay in cash so he could collect the $2.00 bills they handed out for change. He enjoyed going to Tony Rigatoni’s for the chicken marsala, followed by a stop at Dirty Dogs for a beer and a cigar and then onto Barrel’s and Bottles in Camp George West for one of their special brews. He loved taking trips to Deadwood, stopping along the way in Lusk, Wyoming where he would always stay at the Best Western hotel with the “flint stone furniture and outdoor covered chuck wagon omelet station.”

He enjoyed trips to Stranahan’s, making moonshine, playing poker, and sharing a glass of good whiskey with his friends. He enjoyed going camping in Lost Park, hauling his black powder canons and many guns along (firing them off just to claim his spot from the other campers). He enjoyed going to the Black Hat Cattle, Co. in Kittridge, Colorado for a good steak and extra dirty gin martini with blue cheese stuffed olives.

While at home, he passed time by playing Yahtzee on his phone and watching his many favorite classic TV shows including “M.A.S.H.”, “The Andy Griffith Show”, and the show that ultimately inspired his lifelong career, “Emergency!”. His weekend nights were spent enjoying a drink and movies with his wife and step-son. He bonded with Cullen over their shared interest in airplanes, the city, cars (and many other creative uses for money), and the EMS themed comedy show, “Sirens”. He enjoyed smoking the occasional cigar (sometimes a pipe) on the front porch in his rocking chair. He loved the series “Vikings”.

Kory Loved Westerns, John Wayne in particular some of his other favorite movies were “Blast From The Past”, “Fury”, Mars Attacks, and his all-time favorite, “A Christmas Story”.

---------- Because of his birthdate, Kory’s favorite number was 13. Sons of Liberty ----------

Even while battling cancer Kory remained positive, choosing to enjoy the little moments of life as best he could. He continued to work until his illness forced him to stop, demonstrating courage and commitment to those around him and inspiring all who he interacted with. Kory was a shining example of a leader, husband, mentor, and paramedic. In the end, Kory was seen with a smile. He is loved and will be missed by many, ‘til Valhalla Kory.

information;

A memorial service and reception will be held on: Friday, Dec 6th 2024 from 12:00 – 4:30PM

The Elks Lodge,

5700 Yukon Street,

Arvada, CO. 80002