Blaine County Commissioner Vic Miller dies

Blaine County Commissioner Vic Miller died at Benefis Hospital in Great Falls Friday night.

Saddened Blaine County residents are planning a formal caravan to escort his body from the county line at Lohman Saturday afternoon to Edwards Funeral Home in Chinook.

Fellow Commissioner Frank DePriest said everyone was welcome to join in the caravan. People should just show up at Lohman, he said.

A former Harlem mayor, Miller was elected a commissioner several years ago, but lost his seat in redistricting after a federal civil rights lawsuit. But he won a seat back in 2006. A Democrat, Miller was unopposed for re-election in the fall election.

"He was very, very dedicated," DePriest said. "Dedicated as a commissioner, as a musician at everything he did."

At the time of his death, he was chair of the commissioner and the public service officer. He served as the official spokesman for the county during recent flooding and fire events.

"This is a big loss for the people of Blaine County," DePriest said. "I don't know anybody who didn't know Vic Miller."

"When he walked into a room, everyone noticed he was there," he said.

DePriest said he learned a lot from Miller after his election two years ago.

"I relied on him," he said. "He taught me a lot."

Service arrangements are incomplete, but they will be held at Harlem High School next Saturday.