Renfrew’s sporting community is sharing their memories of Doug Miller, who passed away unexpectedly last week at the age of 73.
Local sports journalist Peter Clark says Doug was a regular fixture with the Renfrew Red Sox and Industrial League Hockey.
His impact was perhaps most felt as part of two championships with the Junior B Timberwolves, one each as a player and a coach.
Clark adds that Doug was easy to approach and always willing to provide comments on stories or just to shoot the breeze.
“The Bear” Kevin Regan, voice of the Junior A Wolves, first met Doug playing fastball and Industrial League hockey, but would meet him again as the GM of the Junior B Timberwolves.
He says that Doug had the ability to command the dressing room with his discussions, and his jokes often left teammates in stitches.
Bear adds that Doug always gave 100 percent of himself to the Timberwolves as a coach and GM, leading to a number of successful years.
While he was known for his hockey exploits, Doug also grew to love ringette as his granddaughters took up the sport.
Dave Fortin with the Upper Ottawa Valley Ringette Association says Doug was blessed with an animated manner of speaking and a booming voice that played into his coaching style.
Fortin says the Miller family was also welcoming to outsiders, helping him to make connections in the community.
(written by Kasey Egan)
