Blair County Judge Fred B. Miller is likely to be remembered as a common pleas court judge who died during his first year on the bench. But Miller deserves to be remembered for what he brought to the bench and the great future he would have had.

Miller, who grew up in Tyrone and served 21 years as a magisterial district judge in the northern part of our county, had an ability to connect with people in a way that served him well and helped him get elected a year ago to the county court.

In his new role that began in January, Miller had a learning curve and a heavy load of criminal and civil cases. But he was embracing the work and seemed to be managing well when he left the bench in late August to address health issues that turned into a cancer diagnosis which claimed his life on Nov. 10.

At the judge’s funeral service Saturday, the spacious Wesley United Methodist Church was packed with family, friends and colleagues who mourned while describing a life well lived in 54 years.

Miller’s wife, Tracy, with their son, Grant, by her side, thanked God for providing Fred as her husband and best friend, a man with unwavering patience, compassion and grace.

The judge grew up in Tyrone — and worked at the community pool as a lifeguard — then headed to Penn State and Dickinson School of Law, where he was at the top of his class. When working as a law clerk for Centre County Judge David E. Grine, he was described as having excellent analytical skills. Miller also set up a Centre County law firm with two partners that continues to operate. Then in 2002, he became a magisterial district judge.

In that role for more than two decades, Miller worked inside and outside the courtroom. He was known for listening to people and considering the options when he played a role in determining their future and the community’s safety. And he drew praise for combating truancy in the Tyrone and Bellwood-Antis school districts.

Miller also loved sports — high school and college — and devoted time and effort to bring about more recreational opportunities locally through the Tyrone Kiwanis Basketball Tournament and the Northern Blair Recreation Center

“Fred brought as much attention to Northern Blair County as anyone.” Senior Judge Daniel J. Milliron, longtime friend and colleague, said during Saturday’s service.

As for friends, Miller had many, some dating back to his childhood days when a Monopoly game paved the way for him to convene a trial for those ordered to go directly to jail. Other friendships developed later, including one with Andrew Blattenberger, the southern Blair County magisterial district judge who said Miller mentored all incoming district judges and accepted their phone calls at all hours.

“I learned so much from him about how to be a judge,” Blattenberger said.

While Miller’s untimely death robbed the community of a chance to watch him develop as a county judge, the accolades for Miller offer an example of how to live life well.

To repeat Blattenberger’s closing remark: “Your court is now in recess, my friend. Godspeed.”