[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 179 (Tuesday, November 13, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1508]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  IN RECOGNITION OF R. BURNETT MILLER

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DORIS O. MATSUI

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 13, 2018

  Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, it is with profound sadness that I rise to 
honor the life of my good friend, the Honorable R. Burnett Miller, who 
passed away on October 14, 2018. Burnett was not just my dear and close 
friend, but a larger than life figure and leader in Sacramento. As his 
wife, Mimi, and his children Jim, Fitzgerald, Powell, Simone, Mary and 
Margot gather to remember his life and legacy, I ask my colleagues to 
stand with me in his memory.
  Burnett was born on September 2, 1923 to Delma Burnett and Leroy 
Miller, a respected family with deep roots in Sacramento. As a young 
adult, his education at Santa Clara University was cut short when he 
enlisted into the army during World War II. Burnett was a brave man and 
his efforts in the war and in the Battle of the Bulge earned him a 
Purple Heart and a Silver Star. During his harrowing service, he was 
injured, but returned to his battalion and helped liberate Mauthausen 
concentration camp in 1945. He served our country with immense honor 
and remained a true patriot all his life. After his service, Burnett 
traveled in Europe and graduated from Georgetown University, but he 
could not leave Sacramento behind for too long.
  Burnett returned to Sacramento and joined the family business, now 
Burnett & Sons Lumber and Millwork, a century old institution of 
Sacramento. From then on, he dedicated much of his life and work to 
Sacramento. For years, Burnett was a treasured city councilman. In 1982 
he was chosen, with great pride, to serve as interim mayor.
  Burnett and his wife, Mimi, supported Sacramento in a way that went 
beyond local politics and they had a knack for tapping into our sense 
of community. As advocates for local arts and culture, they were 
dedicated patrons of the Crocker Art Museum, Sacramento History Center, 
and Sacramento Poetry Center, among others. As was Burnett's style, he 
brought the community together and opened his home to friends and 
strangers alike in support of local artists, organizations and causes. 
The soul of Sacramento would not exist as I know it if it were not for 
Burnett Miller.
  Mr. Speaker, today we honor the marvelous life of R. Burnett Miller; 
a husband, father, adventurer, intellectual and beloved public servant. 
Burnett Miller is a true Sacramento treasure and a giant in our 
community. I will remember him for his spirit, kindness, and wisdom.

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