Cover photo for Richard “Rick” Davis Miller's Obituary
Richard “Rick” Davis Miller Profile Photo

Richard “Rick” Davis Miller

d. December 19, 2021

Richard Davis Miller was born, Dec. 10, 1949, in Lawrence, KS, to Jack and Jean Miller, both deceased. He was also preceded in death by his brother, Rob Miller, who passed away, Jan. 19, 1995. He is survived by wife Beth of the home and two nephews, Camden Miller, Pickerington, OH, Kelly Miller, Lawrence, KS. Rick passed away peacefully at his boyhood home in Lawrence on December 19, 2021.

Rick graduated from KU with a degree in Education in 1972 and later completed his Master’s degree in Geography in 1992. During graduate school, he was given the unique opportunity to study glaciers in Antarctica. It was a once-in-a lifetime-trip with memories Rick treasured. He remained close to the Department of Geography, working with other educators and professionals associated with the university throughout his life.

Rick initially worked in the family business as co-owner of Miller Furniture for several years after graduation.

His true passion was geography, where he got involved in 1988 as Supervisory Geographer for the Kansas City Region for the 1990 Census. From there, he began a long career with the state of Kansas in GIS leadership roles within the Kansas Water Office, Kansas Department of Health and Environment, Kansas Geological Survey, and Kansas Department of Administration.

Rick was instrumental in navigating a wide range of technical, administrative, and political issues during the formative years of GIS in Kansas through contributions at local and state levels. His background in education, plus his political and management skills, helped Kansas become respected nationally. Rick assured Kansas technical adherence to adequate technical standards over the long haul of massive data development in his various roles as Chief Technology Architect in the early 2000s. These successes lead to Rick becoming a highly respected leader nationally in the pioneering years of modern Geographic Information Systems.

He was active in the founding of the National States Geographic Information Council and served as National President in 2002. Rick was also a member and leader within the long-standing Governor’s GIS Policy Board, the official Department Secretary administrative and financial reporting mechanism for Kansas. In addition, his education and technical leadership in GIS also contributed to the 1990 formation and success of the multi-state Mid-America Geographic Information Systems Consortium and Symposia, promoting standards and collaboration across 6-10 states in the Midwest.

Rick’s skills didn’t stop at his life work though, he was an avid golfer all his life, earning a golf scholarship to KU, and a runner-up finish in the Kansas Amateur Golf Championship. A KU sports fan always, still, his family ties with Boston made the Red Sox his team. Always a competitor, Rick was an athlete to be reckoned with, whether it was golf, ping-pong, pool or foos-ball. He even was the Kansas State Horseshoes champion at one point.

Rick was well-loved by many and gave of his time and support to all he worked with over the years and will be greatly missed.

Rick was a man of integrity and complete honesty. His wife, family, and friends are heartbroken. He left us all too soon.

A Celebration of Life date is pending.

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