Former SRJC instructor Charles Miller dies at 80

Charles Roger Miller, who spent three decades as an instructor at Santa Rosa Junior College while training educators and business leaders how to analyze and initiate change, died Sept. 21 of sudden cardiac arrest at his home in Forestville. He was 80.

He was known for his quirky sense of humor and the trademark old gray briefcase that he always carried. According to friends and co-workers, Miller had a gentle style and humble wisdom that encouraged teachers and students throughout the world.

Miller spent 13 years as vice president of Company of Experts, a consulting and training firm founded by his former wife, Nancy Stetson. He was best known for his work in 'appreciative inquiry,' a theory for analysis and strategic change in companies and organizations. This work earned him awards from the California Community College Council for Staff Development and the John Fry Individual Merit Award from the National Council for Staff, Program and Organizational Development.

'Charles invited us into a world of kindness, compassion and community, inspiring us to pay it forward,' Kathy Becker, president of Company of Experts, said in a statement.

He was also the U.S. director for the Instructional Skills Workshop, a Canadian organization that works with new and experienced educators. He continued working for this program into his late 70s.

At SRJC, Miller served as chairman of the English and business departments. He was a faculty member for 32 years and co-developed and coordinated the Learning Skills Program, an instructional and counseling program for adults with disabilities.

'He was a quietly encouraging mentor to many individuals, groups and programs. He left a legacy of excellence when he retired,' Jennifer Mann, SRJC colleague and friend, said in a statement.

Miller was born in Huntington Park on Sept. 2, 1935. His grandfather, Roger D. Dahlhjelm, was co-founder and manager of the original farmers market at Third and Fairfax in Los Angeles. As a child, he lived in the Philippines, an experience that would whet his appetite for travel. Over the course of his life, he visited almost every state in the United States, as well as trips to Canada, Europe, Kenya, India, Suriname and Peru.

He earned a bachelor's degree in marine engineering from the Maritime Academy in 1956 and a master's in English from San Francisco State University in 1966 and in psychology from Sonoma State University in 1974. He completed all doctoral coursework in organizational psychology from the Professional School of Psychology in Sacramento and was a licensed marriage and family therapist.

Miller met his first wife, the late Colleen Collins Miller, in his early 20s when, as a young officer in the U.S. Navy, his ship was docked in Sydney. They had two children, Michelle Miller, 55, of Forestville and Ian Miller, 51, of Santa Rosa. His second wife was Inta Maneks of Sebastopol, with whom he had one child, Owen Miller, 48, also of Sebastopol. He was also married to Rebecca Heckman of Oregon for a short time and, lastly, Nancy Stetson of Rohnert Park who, although they divorced in 2007, remained friends, 'music buddies,' and devoted grandparents.

Along with three of his former wives and children, Miller is survived by three grandchildren and a sister, Coralie Wonder of Rancho Palos Verdes.

A celebration of Miller's life will be held from 1 to 5 p.m. Oct. 10 at the home of his friend Carla Stone in Santa Rosa. For directions, please contact a family member or Nancy Stetson. The celebration is open to anyone whose life was touched by Miller, including his students.

Tax-deductible memorial gifts may be made to the newly established Charles Roger Miller Scholarship Fund at the Santa Rosa Junior College Foundation.