Nicklaus Lee Miller

With deep sadness, our family announces the sudden passing of Nicklaus Lee Miller on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, due to complications following heart surgery.

Lee, or Lee-Lee as he was affectionately known, was born on December 14, 1967, and spent his early years along the South Branch of the Muskoka River in Baysville, Ontario.

Lee embraced the outdoors from an early age, often found exploring the riverbanks and neighborhood with his older brother, Robin.

Later, Lee’s family grew to include his stepfather Gerry Garvey and younger siblings, Derek and Elliot. The family relocated to Bracebridge, where Lee attended Macaulay Public School and later Bracebridge and Muskoka Lakes Secondary School.

Lee’s passion for the culinary arts emerged early in life. He spent his teenage summers working as a cook in Oxtongue, and his skills in the kitchen became a lifelong gift he generously shared with those around him — especially during holidays, where he was at the heart (and the stove), of every family gathering.

Lee pursued his studies in Mechanical Engineering at Seneca College and later followed his love of the outdoors to Whistler BC, where he worked as a ski lift operator during the winter months.

His intrepid spirit eventually led him to the water, where he studied Marine Navigation and found his calling on the Great Lakes. Over the course of more than 25 years with the Algoma Central Fleet, Lee proudly rose to the rank of First Officer.

When not on the water, he travelled through Europe, mainly Germany and France, with his beloved Nana, Yvonne Reid, and embarked on skiing adventures in South America with his friends.

Closer to home, he enjoyed riding his motorcycle and four-wheeler and could be found every Sunday morning, at 8am sharp, around the breakfast table with his family for our weekly catch up. He had an appreciation for good food and wines, and a talent for bringing people together with his humor, and hospitality. Many a visit to Lee's home would lead well into the early morning hours.

Lee was predeceased by his father Klaus Miller, his Nana Yvonne Reid, and his stepbrother Elliot Garvey.

He is lovingly remembered by his mother Carrol Reid (Ken Wettlaufer), his brother Robin Miller, his Aunt Betsyann Garvey and his stepbrothers Derek Garvey (Michelle Bird) and Jeff Renshaw (Katie).

He also leaves behind nieces and nephews Ashley Clifford (Grant), Owen Garvey, Alexis Garvey, and Finley Garvey, along with six great-nieces and nephews who will carry 'Uncle Lee's' memory and storytelling forward with love and laughter.

Cremation has taken place, and a private family interment will be held in Baysville, where he will be laid to rest alongside many generations of family.

A celebration of Lee’s life will take place at the Bracebridge Legion on Saturday August 9th from 1-4pm, where his many friends and loved ones are all welcome to gather, toast and share memories.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Lee’s memory may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation.