Major Frank Miller, 70, of Aladdin WY, and Spearfish, SD, passed peacefully from this life to the next, surrounded by his family, on November 1, 2009 after a very courageous battle with cancer.

Major was born on February 14, 1939 in Buffalo, WY, to Marshall and Catharine (Buell) Miller. He attended grade school 1st-8th in Crook County, where he rode to and from school on horseback. He entered his first official school building in Belle Fourche, SD, when he traveled to town for grades 9th-12th. Major boarded in town for high school, always returning to the ranch to help with the summer work. Major graduated from Belle Fourche High School in 1957 and then started college in the fall at South Dakota School of Mines and Technology. He then took a year off to have and heal from a spinal fusion. Major continued his formal education by attending the University of Wyoming in Laramie, WY, graduating in 1964 with a major in Psychology and a minor in Math. On August 23, 1963, Major married his life mate, Ila Rowean Hansen in the Lutheran Church of Lovell, WY with Reverend Swiger officiating. To this 46 year union, two children were born-Brittina Marie and Marshall Shea. After graduating from college, Major continued taking classes and working part-time until Ila's graduation from college in 1966. In 1966 Major went to work for the welfare system in Worland and a year later, he transferred to Sheridan to head up the food stamp program for the Federal Government. Major continued his government employment working in Casper, WY; Cheyenne, WY and also Dallas, TX. From Texas, the family moved to Denver, CO with Major taking a break from social work to do commercial construction. In 1985 he returned to the ranch at Aladdin to help care of his ill father. After his father's passing, Major moved home to the run the family ranch.
In 1988, Bare Tracks Trophies Outfitters was established, featuring turkey and deer hunting on the home ranch, with antelope hunting in Moorcroft. Major's brother-in-law, Stan Hansen of Lovell, was irreplaceable in helping with and continuing the outfitting business, especially during Major's illness.

Major grew up in 4-H, in college he belonged to the Alpha Tau Omega fraternity, he was president of Farm Bureau-Red Water District, past member of Toastmasters, lifetime NRA member, Crook County Commissioner for 8 years, President of Northeast Wyoming Economic Development Commission Board, lifetime member of North American Wild Sheep Association, member and board member of the Wyoming Outfitters and Professional Guides Association, Governor appointed board member of the Governor's Board of Wyoming Outfitters and Professional Guides and founding board member of Northern Hills Hospice.

Major loved his family, ranching, outfitting and reading. He had a passion for teaching hunting, hunting awareness, and gun safety especially to youth and women. Major enjoyed traveling. He was always open to new adventures and new cuisine.

Grateful to have shared his life-Major leaves behind his wife Ila, daughter Britt and son-in-law Ben Praker, son Shea and daughter-in-law Rocio Miller, four beloved grandchildren-Mikaelyn, Santiago, Ayden and Ryleigh. Special Cousins June and Dan Sellars, and many close friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents Marshall and Catharine.

At Major's request a celebration of life will be held Monday, November 9, 2009, at 1:30 P.M. at the Spearfish Tretheway Park Pavilion, in Spearfish, SD.

Memorials may be directed to Hospice of the Northern Hills or the church of your choice.

Online condolences may be written at www.fidler-isburgfuneralchapels.com