Nicknames are an interesting thing. We all have names, it’s how we identify each other, but nicknames have a certain flair to them.
My favourite nickname is Bud. It’s simple, it shows some friendliness in the interaction, and most importantly, it makes me feel nice. Seems like an appropriate segue to talk about the Bud of Lloydminster.
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James Edgar Miller was known as Bud since he was just two years old.
He was born in Kitscoty, where his father ran a grain elevator in the small town and Miller got to spend time working on the family farm. He was described as a good student who was keen on athletics and excelled at hockey and baseball.
Miller married Margaret Quinn in 1947 and they eventually had five kids together.
Miller got the itch to run in the Alberta provincial election in 1948. Unfortunately, he was unsuccessful in his first go-around.
The loss didn’t affect the family for long, as Miller and his wife started their own successful farming venture just north of Kitscoty. Miller had graduated from the University of Saskatchewan in 1949 with an agriculture degree, adding to his expertise.
His interest in politics didn’t subside for long. In 1971, Miller successfully ran as part of Peter Lougheed’s Progressive Conservative Party in the Lloydminster constituency.
Miller was busy during his years in office, serving until 1986, during which he had a stint as associate minister of public lands and wildlife. He was successful in his political venture.
Miller was said to have a deep understanding of the bi-provincial politics of Lloydminster. He helped spearhead the Meridian Bridge, the stockade building, the Lloydminster airport, a waterline from the North Saskatchewan River and a new hospital.
Following his retirement from politics, he served as chairman of the bi-provincial upgrader from 1988 to 1995. He also served as chairman of the Lloydminster Regional Community Futures Development, as well as on Kitscoty Council.
He always said it was tougher doing nothing.
What the Bud Miller name may be most famous for today is the park in Lloydminster.
What I didn’t realize while researching for this column was the fact the Kitscoty High School gymnasium was also named after him.
The park was named after him when it opened on June 19, 1986.
Miller had a good feeling for the unique character of Lloydminster and it helped him get various projects done.
Reading about him, it was clear he was passionate about his work and was always willing to help others.
I also learned that bud was often used as an address to someone whose name is not known.
For me, I usually put it in the same context as buddy, and I know Miller was a friend to many.
Today, he is remembered as someone who cared deeply about the Border City and his name lives on through a natural marvel in Lloydminster, Bud Miller All Seasons Park and the gymnasium in his hometown.
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