R.I.P. Greg Miller

Visitors from across the country used to flock to Miller's Luncheonette on South Main Street, and why wouldn't they? It was one of those great greasy spoons that you could settle comfortably into without worrying too much about your waistline - everyone else was also partaking of the sausage gravy and buscuits, so no big deal. That's what I had when I interviewed Eric Fingerhut there for a failed congressional run against Oxley. The smell of fried hamburgers and eggs would smack you in the face the second you opened the door. It was pure Americana and inherently blue-collar Findlay.

Whenever it flooded, Greg Miller would inevitably get a call from one of us at the paper, wondering how he and his place were fareing. By the time the August 2007 monster hit, everyone knew the river's basic flood pattern - if anything downtown is going to get soaked, the block north of the Main Street bridge usually gets it. And so I remember calling Greg a few times before a few floods, interrupting him as he moved stuff on top of tables and did his usual rearranging routine that all downtown business owners have down pat now. Greg would always take the time to tell me what he was up to at that moment. I'd ask him a few quick questions, making sure not to keep him on the phone for too long. Then he'd sigh with resignation, tell me it was all getting pretty old, and return to damage control.

When Miller's didn't open back up after The Big One, it sucked. I think we all missed the little place, its atmosphere, the warmth on a cold day. I didn't know Greg personally, but I suspect he'll be missed even more. 

Greg's illness, although terrible, seemed to bring out the best in the community. So many fundraisers. So much money and giving. I thought it served as a testament not only to his cooking skills, but to what kind of person he was, that so many people cared.

Comments

[Eric Gelbaugh]

I had never eaten at Miller's until I met my wife several years ago. I don't know why...maybe it was my parents never took us or I always was just as happy with McDonald's or Wendy's. Whatever the case may be, I was a Miller's virgin until 2003.

After my first visit, I fell in love with the place. The atmosphere was everything I liked about Findlay...small, blue-collar and down-to-earth. At Miller's, you could be sitting next to the CEO of Marathon or Cooper Tire or you could be sitting next to the guy that sweeps the streets and digs holes. You just never knew.

I did not personally know Greg Miller. I never had the honor or privilege to make his acquaintance or know his friendship. But in talking to those who did know him, he was a one of a kind man and hie will most assuredly be missed. I was really hoping that he would open the restaurant after the flood, but I knew in my heart that that was not a very good possibility. I miss the cheeseburgers, the homemade pies, the mashed potatoes...all of it. It feels as if Findlay has lost one of its front teeth and we now have a goofy, gap-toothed grin.

God bless Greg Miller and his family.

[Samantha Hanna]

I played softball at Findlay High school for greg for 3 years. He was one of the best coaches I could have asked for. He took the time to understand us and ask us what we needed. He was more like a dad then a coach wich we all needed at that time in our life. He will be missed by all of us girls and the community. RIP Greg....