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TRIBUTE - CAMRON MILLER
Tribute – Camron Miller (1988-2019)
“Camron was a much-loved colleague and teacher of English, Drama and Classics. His wide-ranging interests and breadth of knowledge were admired by all who knew him and his warmth, kindness and humour will be greatly missed. He was a man of great spirit and passion for his subject, instilling a love of literature in those who were fortunate enough to spend time with him. His consideration and care for others made him an excellent Tutor to the boarders in Dronfield and he was an integral part of the life of St Peter’s with a wide group of friends.” Jeremy Walker, Head Master
Camron was educated at St Bee’s School, Cumbria, Royal Holloway, London, and Oxford, joining us in 2014 from St Mary’s, Calne. He quickly made an impression – receiving a rave review from a member of the LVI in his Salvete in that year’s Peterite: “Whether he is inspiring us in the classroom or cracking us up with his American accent in play rehearsals, on behalf of the pupils I’d say that Mr Miller is an amazing addition to the teaching staff: we are lucky to have him!”
He died in his sleep on 10th August, 2019, after a short illness, with his funeral at St Bees Priory and a memorial service in St Peter’s Chapel in early December.
Our Chaplain, the Rev Daniel Jones, gave this address at Camron’s Memorial: Even at the point he arrived for interview, it was instantly obvious that Camron was exactly the sort of person that colleagues would respect and that pupils would love to be taught by. But what I can’t remember is which subject he thought he was going to be teaching when he applied for the job. The Head Master was quick to spot a chance to ask the question though ... so you can teach English, what about a bit of drama? And what about a bit of ancient history? Latin? Camron didn’t seem phased, and fairly happy to help. There were so many things within his palette of expertise that he knew he would be willing to teach a whole host of different things to our pupils. That’s because Camron had one interest above all else ... people.
Camron had a huge list of intellectual gifts and interests, but what I guess most of us will remember him for is his love of those around him. Camron cared about every person that he met.
Hannah: He never failed to stop for a chat around school and we will miss his cry of ‘hello Tutees’ as we pass in the corridor. Whenever Mr Miller was in House he offered a supportive ear for all our dramas, making those days a little bit brighter.
Up and down the country, people will greet each other with a phrase that Camron was fond of, “how do you do?” In Yorkshire we tend to use the slightly briefer version, y’all right? Most people aren’t really interested in the answer. For Camron, nothing could be further from the truth. Camron asked how you were because he was genuinely interested in the answer. He made time to stop and chat and to ask how things were and what you were up to and the next time he saw you, he would have remembered what you said, and ask. That sort of friendship is a rare gift and meant that people would gravitate to him in the staff room. Camron’s energy meant that if you started the conversation in a black mood, you could rarely leave it that way. And the same was true with his dealings with pupils, too. He brought a smile to their faces and gave them good counsel on anything that life threw at them. Camron cared, and we all knew it.
his time at St Peter’s. We will miss his charisma, intellect and dapper dress sense. Whilst not always sticking to the script he always managed to make tutor time memorable, relevant and subtly supportive.
The fact that he found himself teaching so many different things I’m sure won’t surprise anyone. He was incredibly well read and a mesmerising storyteller, never afraid to stop a lesson to share a story that was usually embellished with a whole cast of accents and sometimes even singing and dancing. His pupils lapped it up leaving the rest of us along the corridor to feel rather upstaged.
Lauren: When I look back at my time at St Peter’s, the time I spent with Mr Miller in English lessons will always stand out. Unlike any other teacher I’ve ever had, Mr Miller made a genuine effort in building relationships with his pupils. I will always remember when he gave me the best piece of advice. He said: “When struggling with revision, allow yourself to have breaks where you can watch Gossip Girl.” I’ll never forget his face when I told him I’d finished it within a few weeks.
And the classroom wasn’t the only place where you could see the learned showman at work. There was a lovely moment when rehearsals for Grease were in full swing and Camron was meant to be working on ‘Freddy my Love’ with the principal and chorus girls. Our choreographer was away so, much to their amusement, Camron showed them what true stage presence looks like and taught them to dance as well as sing. Although it has to be said, he was well practiced at his dancing, having made the mistake of agreeing year on year to partner Paddy for a good strip the willow at Burns’ Night. That really was the measure of Camron, life was a dance and if he had to take an interest in rugby and partner a rugby coach with two left feet then so be it, because people matter.
Mel: One of my clearest and favourite memory of our classes with Mr Miller was our Saturday morning crosswords, we would all try to figure out these impossibly difficult puzzles but eventually our class would always fall silent and he would swoop in and help us fill in the rest of the crossword.
Burns’ Night also provided Camron with the perfect opportunity to do something he loved ... dress up and look good. None of us will forget the way that he showed the rest of the teaching staff how they should have prepared for Comic Relief with his meticulously thought-out appearances as Gilderoy Lockhart and Poirot. And we certainly won’t forget the day he managed to wake up late and turn up to work with odd shoes on! The one shade difference on each foot to the rest of us was hardly noticeable, but to Camron it was a travesty, darling!
Charlotte: We all have some stand out memories of him. For me, it was during my first House dinner where he saved the day and marched to the rescue to put out a small fire with a jug of juice. This just shows how he was ever cool in a crisis. Mr Miller and his orange juice will forever be immortalised in my memory.
There were so many sides to Camron that it’s hard to pinpoint his character in a few words. He was often a bit of a contradiction: so confident and well turned out, yet insecure and vulnerable. He is someone who has left a mark greater than his years on those lucky enough to have spent time with him. The sparklingly presented scholar, with a warmth and kindness that enveloped all he met. It was all worn so lightly by a true English gentleman. The world will be a little duller and that bit harsher without him.
He loved his family, his colleagues and his pupils dearly. I’ve wondered what heaven will be like following Camron’s arrival. I suspect that it will be just that little bit more genteel; just that little bit better read and better dressed and just that little bit more welcoming. And, of course, the singing will be just that little bit heartier as the choir of angels is joined by such a genuinely beautiful human being.
