SABATTUS — David “Dave” V. Miller, 65, passed away peacefully Tuesday, Feb. 8, at his home after a prolonged illness with cancer with his loving wife Beverly at his side.

He was born in Bridgton, son of Donald E. Miller and Edith L. MacAlaster, on Aug. 17, 1951. He raised sheep, cows and chickens as part of 4-H as a youngster. In 1969, he graduated from Bridgton High School.

He proudly served in the U.S. Marines Corps as a corporal, E-4. Boot camp at Parris Island was followed by B-School at Camp Lejeune. Because he had rheumatic fever as child, he served stateside during the Vietnam War for two years in the Marine Corps Reserve at Cherry Point, N.C., as a card and key punch operator working with computers. He received a Good Conduct Medal during his service.

Dave enjoyed power lifting and bodybuilding, competing between 1975 and 1980 within Maine and the New England regionals. He was Mr. Maine in 1979, and could bench 500 pounds, and lifted 800 pounds during his top years. He continued to be active in power lifting until 2015.

Dave got his first horse named Beli in 1973. He was passionate about racing and raced until December 2016.

He owned and operated Start to Finish, a commercial hood cleaning and janitorial business. He was a compassionate and caring friend to his employees. He saw the potential in people and was passionate about helping others in any way he could. Dave was known to do unexpected kindnesses for others. He will be remembered and deeply loved by his friends, family and employees.

Dave’s passions included listening to country Gospel music, traveling, horse racing and being an avid fan of the New England Patriots. Dave loved his horses and dogs, Sophie, JJ and Pablo, and cared deeply for them. His greatest joy in life was spending time with his children and grandchildren, who brought him so much happiness.

He is survived by his wife, Beverly; four children from a previous marriage, Andrea Godbolt of Fort Mill, S.C., Michael of Casco, David of Sabattus, and Amanda Miller of Charlotte, N.C.; seven grandchildren, Cooper and Griffin Miller, Deja Miller, Raylisha, Tony, Kiana and Bryana Godbolt; his sister, Dawn Ellen Johnson and her children, D. Joseph Johnson Jr. of Bridgton, Noble of North Carolina, Michelle Johnson of Concord, N.H., and Jenny-Lyn Elliot of Concord, N.H.; two foster siblings, Jean and Geraldine Moster; and Beverly’s daughters who helped care for him, Denise Harwood, Susan Peaco and Amber Lopez.

He is predeceased by his parents; aunt, Eunice Anderson; aunt, Dorothea Miller; uncle, Samuel Miller; and grandson, Caleb.

Online condolences and sharing of memories may be expressed at www.lynchbrothers.com.

David V. Miller