12 April 1941 – 3 November 2014
A war baby, mother always said such a difficult child. Determined ,strong willed, every day a battle. It was three years later I arrived in this world, he was my big brother.
By the time I knew him, Mum and Dad had won the war. His whole life now dedicated to excellence. By the measuring stick of his peers an outstanding success.
First noticed at the competitive primary school calf club day. Setting the bar high for his two younger brothers to follow. Constant leading had a totally obedient docile calf. Hour upon hour of methodical brushing, until coat was sleek and shiny. One year Hugh decided, docile was not the look wanted. His calf would “trot” around the ring. Of course he had his way, calf dutifully performed for the judge, but, as was to prove so often, the “judge” preferred conformity.
And so it was. My brother Bob and I, gifted with far less talent and determination, had the unfortunate role of growing up in the footsteps of this brother, who excelled in all things.
Not that Hugh ever seemed to notice his far superior abilities. His constant focus always on how he could improve. In fact his favorite quote throughout his life, “but He said to me, My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness”
At High School, an outstanding rugby player, coming home bearing a placard,”the most promising rugby player of the tournament”. Captain of the first eleven, again the proud recipient of a cricket bat inscribed “player of the tournament.”
The perfect student, achieving a high academic standard.
Despite his obvious ability to choose many avenues, farming was in his blood. Dairy farming his great and abiding passion until the day he died.
I also saw then, at first hand the other driving passion in Hugh’s life. Sharing a bedroom with his two brothers, I saw this young teenager nightly pouring over the bible. The rest of his life was based on this, in his inimical determined way. Never satisfied with the status quo, Hugh was forever delving into his latest in depth realisation. There could be more.
Farming still his passion, at 19 years old, Hugh owned a rundown dairy farm. His home for the next 54 years as he transformed it into a productive farm with a high performing herd.
Still achieving in sport, hockey his game now, playing for his province, he was asked to trial for the national team. Owning a farm and national representation a tough call, farming won out.
Now of course, also a wife, then a daughter, and a son. Hugh always the great protector, benefactor, adviser, preacher, for family, church, and local community.. Life moving on now, children, then grandchildren in the home, on the farm. Heartache and worries of a grandfather. In their veins ran also that determination to name their own destiny. Always going to be difficult.
The great attribute of my brother Hugh though, his 100% commitment and passion for what he was doing. Not always comfortable to be around for the unenthused. His determination to seek the best. Never afraid to court controversy, to challenge the status qoa, in his quest for the better way. In himself and his local community.
This became the tone for his entire life, striving for the very best, the highest standard. This sometimes distanced this man from his peers. Most of us are more comfortable with the medioca.
Above all this characterised his walk with God, in his journey of discovery.
It is said” I know your deeds that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were one or the other” Hugh could never be accused of being lukewarm, about any task put before him. Sportsman,photography,potter,dairy farmer, husband, father,grandfather. Above all else dedicated to his God.
Farewell Hugh, tomorrow we must again face life’s struggles, for you the rush to excellence is over, rest in peace.
“I tell you the truth, whoever hears my words and believes in Him who sent me has eternal life, and will not be condemned, he has crossed over from death to life.”
“the righteous shall shine like the sun in the kingdom of heaven”
“for everyone who has, will be given more, and he will have an abundance”
My brother Hugh died this week.
To young, so much more living.
Why,why, we so need him here.
So much to offer, always giving.
Why did he die,
I ask with a sigh.
For wife, children, grandchildren,
all given such love and good care.
His church, and neighbors, me,
We need you, it seems so unfair.
Why, we all ask why?
Did this good man die.
Your journey through life cut short.
Such plans you had, for years ahead.
Your life mapped out, so much to do.
Death has robbed us, of you instead.
Again I ask with tears,why?
As I see him on deathbed lie.
Upright,such talent,now gone forever.
To know big brother was always there.
Why his life my God did you take?
So many people depend on his care.
Why did he die?
I ask with a sigh.
Our journey in this life like sailing the seas.
Know where we are going,
will get there with ease.
Then what do I see,
just where are we going?
Rush to the captain,
says why are you worrying.
Sometimes you plan,
your journey so well.
But the winds may change,
you never can tell.
The captain has seen,
a changed wind today
Far easier to go home.
No need for further delay.
For that was always where,
we were heading you see.
Will now get there early.
Where we’re meant to be.
Your time to die.
With envious sigh,
I say my goodbye.
Now, I know why.
From Your brother
Asaw Miller
Asaw Miller 