Larry H. Miller Dies at 64
“We send our deepest sympathies and condolences to the Miller family during this very difficult time," said American Le Mans Series President and CEO Scott Atherton. “Larry was a visionary in the truest sense and an exceptional businessman, but also one of the most genuine people I have had the pleasure of knowing. The businesses and facilities he built for Salt Lake City, Utah and the region as a whole will be his lasting legacy. He also had a well-known passion for the automobile and sports car racing. Realizing his dream of constructing Miller Motorsports Park -truly a world-class racing facility by every measure – is something he was very proud of. He was a tremendous enthusiast of the American Le Mans Series even before our first race there in 2006.and we are all better people for having known him as a person and worked with him as a professional."
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| In this Aug. 8, 2008, file photo, Larry Miller, owner of Utah Jazz, explains his medical conditions during a news conference in Salt Lake City. Miller disclosed a series of health complications that he said nearly ended his life several times, including a heart attack. Miller died Friday, Feb. 20, 2009, at home from complications due to Type 2 diabetes. He was 64. |
| AP Photo |
02/21/09 Larry H. Miller, husband, father, grandfather, a well-known entrepreneur, community advocate and humanitarian, died from complications due to type 2 diabetes today, at home, surrounded by his family. He was 64.
Miller, a man who truly loved Utah, its people and its land, was born in Salt Lake City in 1944. From modest beginnings, he grew up in the Capitol Hill area and went on to become one of Utah’s most successful entrepreneurs and business leaders.
Leaving behind a profound professional and personal legacy, the entities Miller created have had a significant and lasting impact on the communities in which he did business, and the more than 7,000 individuals he employed.
The Larry H. Miller Group of Companies began with the Larry H. Miller Toyota store in Murray, Utah on May 1, 1979. Through the years, Miller amassed more than 80 businesses and properties in the western United States. Most notable are the Utah Jazz, EnergySolutions Arena, the Salt Lake Bees, Miller Motorsports Park, Megaplex Theatres, and 39 automobile dealerships spanning the Rocky Mountain West. Miller also developed a vast real estate holdings including commercial and agricultural properties.
A dynamic entrepreneur and business leader, Miller also became known for his charitable efforts. Miller coined the phrase “Go about doing good until there is too much good in the world."
Miller and his wife Gail provide close to 300 college scholarships each year. Larry H. Miller Charities, a foundation funded by monthly contributions from his businesses, fundraising events in the community, and personal donations from employees, has donated millions of dollars to communities in which Miller does business.
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| Larry Miller before Diabetes ravished his body |
“Larry and Gail have always stressed the importance of giving back to the communities in which we do business. Our customers have supported us and it is important that we show our appreciation by helping those in need," said Greg Miller, eldest son and CEO of the Larry H. Miller Group of Companies. “Larry felt that his legacy isn’t in business as much as it was in creating opportunities for good jobs and higher education."
Larry and Gail have also donated millions of dollars to Utah-based colleges and universities for campus improvements such as the state-of-the-art softball and baseball complexes at BYU. The Larry H. Miller Campus of the Salt Lake Community College (SLCC), was completed in fall 2001 and includes the Larry H. Miller Entrepreneurship Training Center and The Larry and Gail Miller Public Safety Education & Training Center.
Despite all of his success, Miller always maintained that his greatest accomplishment is the family that survives him: his wife, Karen Gail Saxton Miller, their four sons and one daughter, 21 grandchildren, and one great grandchild.
Plans for a memorial service will be announced shortly.
Quotes Regarding Larry H. Miller’s Passing
Jon M. Huntsman Jr. (Governor, State of Utah)
“Every citizen in our state feels a little empty today. Larry was Utah and Utah was Larry. He inspired many and served countless. We all have been made better by his extraordinary life.
“Mary Kaye and I wish to express our deepest love and sympathies to his wonderful wife, Gail, and their entire family and wish them a sense of deep condolences at this difficult time."
Jon M. Huntsman Sr.
“Larry Miller was one of the most treasured and close friends I’ve had in my life. He was a man of total integrity and honesty. His legacy in Utah will exist over many generations. Karen and my special love are extended to Gail and their wonderful children and grandchildren."
Thomas S. Monson (President, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints)
“I was sad to hear of the passing of Larry H. Miller after a valiant battle with ill health. He was a kind, generous man, a great citizen, and friend to the community and his church.
“In recent years, his generosity included significant underwriting for the Joseph Smith Papers Project that is bringing the Prophet’s work to life. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife Gail and their family."
David Stern (NBA Commissioner)
“It is with great sadness that I offer condolences to Gail and the Miller family on behalf of the entire NBA family. Larry's legacy extends beyond the NBA as he touched many lives in the Salt Lake City region through his business ventures and charitable endeavors. The NBA lost a great leader, colleague and friend today. We will miss him."
Randy Rigby (President and Chief Operating Officer, Utah Jazz/Larry H. Miller Sports & Entertainment)
“Larry Miller is a dear friend and great leader who cared deeply about his family, the state, his faith and his employees. He has created a legacy that we, as his stewards, are committed to carry on and build in his honor. His commitment to sports has changed the face of Utah forever."
Tony Schnurr (President, Larry H. Miller Group of Automotive Companies)
“We are all saddened by the news of Larry’s death. He was a great man and an inspiration to all of us. The mark that he has left in the business communities in which we are located will be felt for all of the generations to follow. Larry will be truly missed."
Jerry Sloan (Head Coach, Utah Jazz)
“The whole Jazz family is really saddened by Larry H. Miller’s passing. He meant so much to this state and this community. He’ll always be in our hearts for what he’s done. He’s certainly someone we’re all going to miss. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Larry H. Miller’s family."
John Stockton (Retired Player, Utah Jazz)
“Personally, I have lost a valuable friend. Larry has been such a remarkable individual. The community has benefited so much by his life. He is someone we will all miss."
Deron Williams (Player, Utah Jazz)
“This is a sad day for me, our team, the fans of the Utah Jazz, and the NBA. Mr. Miller was a terrific man and friend. He changed the lives of thousands of people. We have all been blessed by his generosity and love for this community, and I am blessed to call him my friend. He gave us a lot of joy, and we will miss him."