Charles “Chuck” Miller died the morning of June 25, 2026, at his home in Hamilton, Montana. He lived a full life defined by medicine, military service, family, and a deep commitment to Montana’s wilderness and public lands.

Chuck was born February 15, 1945, in Kalispell, Montana, to Margaret Doris Liebig and Charles Melbourne Miller. He graduated from Flathead High School in 1963 and earned his degree from Montana State University in 1967.

Chuck joined the United States Air Force, served for more than a decade, and attained the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. He completed medical studies at the University of North Dakota in 1969 and received his medical doctorate from Bowman Gray School of Medicine in 1971. He completed residencies in both General Surgery and Plastic Surgery at Wilford Hall Medical Center in San Antonio, where he became Chief Resident and trained other physicians.

In 1980, Chuck established a plastic and reconstructive surgery practice in Spokane, later specializing in hand surgery.

Montana and the outdoors were central to Chuck’s life. At age 14, his grandfather introduced him to the Bob Marshall Wilderness on his first pack trip, beginning a lifelong passion for the backcountry. Chuck later developed a particular passion for mule packing and producing certified weed-free hay.

Through his involvement with the Backcountry Horsemen, he spent more than 40 years supporting trail maintenance, wilderness access, and the preservation of public lands. His service was recognized with the organization’s Founders Award and Lifetime Achievement Award. He also served on the board of the Selway-Bitterroot Frank Church Foundation and was a strong advocate for the Bitterroot Forest Service.

Chuck is survived by his wife, Diana Miller, and daughters Katie Miller and Heather Miller.

He will be remembered for his dedication to medicine, military service, conservation, and the Montana wilderness he loved.