It is only fitting that the last game that Utah Jazz owner Larry H. Miller was alive for was one in which his team beat the defending champion Boston Celtics on Thursday night. Miller passed away Friday afternoon at age 64 among family and friends because of complications from type 2 diabetes.

“It is with great sadness that I offer condolences to Gail and the Miller family on behalf of the entire NBA family,” NBA Commissioner David Stern said in a news release. “Larry’s legacy extends beyond the NBA as he touched many lives in the Salt Lake City region through his business ventures and charitable endeavors. The NBA lost a great leader, colleague and friend today. We will miss him.”

Miller, known primarily as owner of the Utah Jazz, bought a 50 percent share of the team in 1985, and the second 50 percent the next year.

According to his doctor, Miller had been struggling with his health — especially in the last six years. In June 2008 he suffered a severe heart attack and was hospitalized for 59 days. After his release from the hospital, his medical problems continued especially with diabetes, which led to both his legs being amputated six inches below the knee in January.

His dedication to the Utah community is also seen on the BYU campus. The BYU baseball and softball fields carry his and his wife’s names. But funding was not his only contribution to the school. He dedicated time and service, and at one point taught a popular class for the Marriott School of Management.

“At BYU we have benefited enormously from Larry’s interest in and support of the University, as well as his financial contributions,” President Cecil O. Samuelson wrote in a statement Friday night. “We are grateful to have the Miller name prominently displayed on our campus at Miller Park, which houses our baseball and softball facilities.”

Miller was a respected businessman in Utah, and served in many positions. Utah Governor Jon Huntsman appointed Miller to chair the Governor’s Commission on Strengthening Utah’s Democracy in January. A replacement will be named at a later time.

“Every citizen in our state feels a little empty today. Larry was Utah and Utah was Larry,” Huntsman said in a news release. “He inspired many and served countless. We all have been made better by his extraordinary life.”

President Samuleson recognized the legacy that Miller and his family will have on BYU’s campus and on the students.

“Knowing how Larry is loved on the BYU campus, our thoughts and our prayers go to Gail and the Miller family at this tender time,” he said. “We want them to know that their husband and father left a legacy at BYU and that his generous gifts — particularly of his time and talents — will live on forever.”

He is survived by his wife and high school sweetheart, Gail, five children, 21 grandchildren and one great-grandchild. 

geoffreypaulsen@byu.edu

Copyright Brigham Young University 22 Feb 2009