Obituaries
Jellison Funeral Home
Peterborough, New Hampshire
Vernal A. ("Alti") Miller
Greenfield, New Hampshire - Vernal Alvis Miller, 54, died on December 2, 2011, at Crotched Mountain Rehabilitation Center.Mr. Miller was born in Westmoreland Parish, Jamaica, on July 28, 1957, the son of Rebecca (Hemans) and Ronald Miller. Verne grew up in Jamaica, part of a large extended family. His mother lived in the mountains, his father, a fisherman. Verne often joined his father and uncle on their boat, according to his long and winding stories. Verne's smile was always shining on his face, his ready laugh contagious and joyful..He was a master mason, a craft he learned in Jamaica, which culminated in impressive fantastical rock structures still viewable across the street from the Yankee Farmer in Greenfield and stonework around Peterborough. He worked in the maintenance department of Crotched Mountain for nine years and was a faithful friend to many; he was generous, a help to those in need, and a lover of nature.He enjoyed cooking alongside the children, using his famous Jamaican rub. In 2010 Verne planted a beautiful vegetable garden at Big Boulder Farm - he had a real green thumb! He was sad not to be strong enough to plant, but he came and watched. He was an enthusiastic dancer, joining in with the children, as well as with the Grumbling Gryphons impromptu Anansi the spider dance. He will be missed.He is survived by two brothers, a sister, cousins, nieces, and nephews in the U. S. and Jamaica.His funeral will be held at Jellison Funeral Home, 25 Concord Street, Peterborough on Sunday, December 10, 2011, beginning at 2:00. Friends may call beforehand at 1:00. Reverend Daniel Osgood, pastor of Greenfield Covenant Church, will officiate.Memorial gifts may be made to Crotched Mountain Rehabilitation Center, One Verney Drive, Greenfield, NH 03047, or to the American Cancer Society, Two Commerce Drive, Bedford, NH 03110.Jellison Funeral Home is assisting with the arrangements. An online guestbook may be found at www.jellisonfuneralhome.com.
