Reid G. Miller: A Legacy of Courage and Compassion
The world lost a remarkable storyteller with the passing of Reid G. Miller, a veteran Associated Press journalist known for his daring exploits in the field and unwavering support for his colleagues. At the age of 90, Miller peacefully slipped away in his sleep at his home in Sarasota, Florida, leaving behind a legacy of courage, compassion, and dedication to the craft of journalism.
Miller’s career spanned over four decades, during which he crisscrossed the globe, bearing witness to some of the most significant events of the late 20th century. From Washington to Central America, East Africa to South Korea, he chronicled the triumphs and tragedies of our time with a keen eye and a fearless spirit. His son, G. Clay Miller, fondly recalls his father’s passion for adventure and love of history, which shaped his remarkable career.
A Man of Many Talents and Territories
Born in Medford, Massachusetts, Miller joined the AP ranks in his early twenties, starting with a part-time role in Phoenix in 1956. His journey took him through various reporting and leadership positions in Salt Lake City, Pittsburgh, and Miami before landing in Washington, where he became an integral part of the bureau’s fabric. Colleagues remember him as a man of humor, dedication, and impeccable style, whose presence was both reassuring and inspiring.
In the 1980s, Miller ventured into the heart of Central America as a roving correspondent, navigating the region’s tumultuous landscape with grit and grace. In 1984, tragedy struck when a bomb exploded during an interview in southern Nicaragua, leaving Miller wounded and claiming the lives of several journalists. Despite the ordeal, Miller’s resolve remained unshaken, and he returned to the field, undeterred by the dangers that loomed.
A Beacon of Strength in Times of Turmoil
Miller’s tenure in East Africa, based in Nairobi, brought him face to face with some of the darkest chapters of human history. In 1994, he covered the Rwandan genocide, bearing witness to unspeakable atrocities that would leave a lasting impact on his soul. In neighboring Somalia, he played a pivotal role in securing the release of a kidnapped colleague, Tina Susman, after a harrowing 20-day ordeal. Susman fondly remembers Miller as a mentor and friend, who treated her with respect and camaraderie in a male-dominated field.
As the AP’s bureau chief in South Korea, Miller continued to uphold the values of integrity and professionalism that defined his career. His retirement in 1999 marked the end of an era, leaving behind a legacy of mentorship and camaraderie that endures to this day. Colleagues remember him as a boss who led with empathy and encouragement, nurturing careers and fostering a sense of unity among his team.
A Lasting Legacy of Love and Laughter
In addition to his son, G. Clay Miller, Reid G. Miller is survived by his wife, former AP Pentagon reporter Pauline Jelinek; a daughter, Kimberly Matalon of Miami; another son, Reid G. Miller of Gainesville, Florida; three grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, and a brother, Randall Humpling of Barstow, California. His impact on the world of journalism and the lives he touched along the way will be remembered for generations to come.
In his own words, Miller reflected on his remarkable journey with a resounding affirmation: “Would I do it all over again? In a heartbeat.” As we bid farewell to a true legend of the press, let us honor his memory by continuing to uphold the values of truth, courage, and compassion in our own lives and work. Reid G. Miller may have left this world, but his spirit lives on in the stories he told and the hearts he touched.
