My sometimes business associate, and at all times friend by the name Warren Miller passed on a week ago. I waited a week to start this Post. Rarely can you find yourself associated with a true Icon with a lasting legacy. And in these times, one who does not prove to have clay feet (e.g., a complete jerk or subject to some horrific scandal that brings tarnish and shame). Warren Miller was a story teller extraordinaire who just happened to make ski films and shape an industry like few if any others. Warren Miller was a story teller extraordinaire who also could use the medium of photography, written word, and illustration as a means of expression.
Warren Miller’s public exploits are well documented and the obituaries provide the highlights. And while I could use this space to reminisce and provide detail of our collaborations and relationship; Newspaper Syndication, Computerizing Warren Miller Entertainment, countless ski trips, weddings, birthdays, vacations, Christmas etc, I think I will use it to discuss the private Warren Miller.
The public Warren Miller could make everyone; from the living-in-a-bubble-elite to the ski-bum pinching pennies to survive feel warm, welcome, and connected to him and his tales. It is a skill few possess. The private Warren Miller was a somber and sincere person who knew first-hand that any true success, and happiness were best earned through hard-work, could prove to be fleeting, and should not be taken for granted. The public Warren Miller could accept and be part of the life and scene associated with people who owned private jets and islands. The private Warren Miller was more comfortable traveling with a trailer attached to the the back of his car, and eating home-made sandwiches to save some money that might be needed later, and seated amongst the commoners. The public Warren Miller was reliable and at-the-ready each fall for his adoring followers; like clockwork. The private Warren Miller kept his feelings and friends close-to-the-vest. The private Warren Miller could discuss life in general and his life in particular with free flowing ease with his close friends. Sometimes it could come across as maudlin but it was honest. The private Warren Miller was a good listener and observer. He could respond to your dilemma with context and provide an insightful point of view; even if it involved Warren discussing one of his failings and what he did to over come it.
A girl\lady\tornado named Laurie entered Warren Miller’s life in the 1980’s. Warren attempted to grab the tornado. Laurie likely added 50 and took away 30 years to Warren’s life expectancy (for a net +20). An elegant tom-boy, Laurie, in my opinion, was the best thing since sliced bread to happen to my friend. And because I am a guy who grew up without a sister, Laurie also proved to be my little-big sister. Warren and Laurie married and it proved to be a colorful, passionate, intense, and an ever-lasting one. One of the private Warren Miller’s best jokes; “Lewis and Clark had Sacagawea, I’ve got Sacalaurie!”
The public Warren Miller could accept having his show homes on Orcas Island and The Yellowstone Club appear in magazines and feature stories. The private Warren Miller was at his very proudest meeting me at the front door of his interim Orcas Island house converted from a garage by his own two hands (for the most part). The beauty of the Warren and Laurie braintrust is they could envision something even when the path to the final result started with them on opposite ends, presented enormous road-blocks, and ups, and downs.
The public and private Warren Miller loved to espouse and promote that each person should search for their own freedom in all aspects of their life. The private Warren Miller possessed an almost unending appetite for the next new thing. Because of his mental and physical gifts coupled with dogged determination, Warren could quickly become competent in his new subject of interest. The result? New material for new stories to be told.
Thank you for sharing both sides of that shiny coin, Warren Miller His public persona, as I experienced it, was imbued with a wonderful mix of wit and intelligence, and reticence. You just knew that this guy, with mic in hand and narrative to share, would first thrill his audience, then accept their applause, and then savor something more private that was far away from the limelight.
Thanks for a glimpse into his other side. I was entertained, coached, and inspired as I attended innumerable presentations at The Opera House. And I always applauded until my hands burned
I hope he rests in peace and satisfaction.
Wonderful thoughts Toni.
I would like to take credit for the spouse adding years to the life of the other concept. I cannot. When Gail was in my office the other day I talked about Laurie’s impact on Warren and yours on Gail’s. Gail told me that Brien told him “Toni has added at least 10 years to your life.” Wow that is pretty powerful stuff.
The Lubeck’s are pretty lucky to have the Miller’s and Goodrich’s as part of there lives. The fact that that it includes Kyle makes it all the more special to me. It is but a small thing, but similar to what my Dad gave to me – the dearest of friends in his life became mine. Today in the dark of the morning Kyle and I skinned up and skied down Baldy (Frenchman’s). We talked about all of you. Later in the morning Kyle helped me pick out two photos to add to this Post.