Horticulture Icon Dr. Robert “Bob” Miller Passes Away at 92
June 3, 2022 
Dr. Robert “Bob” Miller
Dr. Robert “Bob” Miller, who had a long career in floriculture as an educator, plant propagator, and product supplier, has passed away at the age of 92. Miller started his career at The Ohio State University as a professor (1958-1966), doing research on easter lilies and poinsettias in Wooster and teaching courses in Columbus.
In 1966, Bob and family moved to Smith River, CA, to join Dahlstrom and Watt Bulb Farms, and shortly thereafter began a program of greenhouse construction to supply west coast markets. Always a major easter lily bulb supplier, he moved heavily into foliage propagation, shipping rooted cuttings throughout the U.S., then over time, become a major supplier of dormant hydrangeas for spring holiday markets.
Miller was an informative and popular speaker at the Ohio Short Course (now known as Cultivate) and served many years as a director of the Seeley Conference. He was loved by numerous former students and industry associates who appreciated his quick wit, to-the-point manner, and engaging storytelling. He retired from D&W in 2007 and became a master woodworker.
Miller is survived by his wife, Alice, and five children: Jim, Rob, Bill, Brian and Jennifer, 11 grandchildren, and 7 great grandchildren.
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