A memorial service for the Rev. Clyde H. Miller, former UCC Rocky Mountain Conference Minister and member of Executive Council, is scheduled for Aug. 3 at People’s Presbyterian Church in Denver.

Miller, of Denver, died July 16, a day after entering Hospice care. He was 83.

“No doubt, everyone that knew Clyde has an exciting, interesting or funny Clyde Miller story to tell,” said the Rev. Geoffrey A. Black, UCC general minister and president. “Indeed, he touched the lives of many with his passion for justice and his upfront direct approach to people and issues.

“Clyde gave us much to think about and much to laugh about,” said Black. “Underneath that gruff humor there was a serious church leader and a very capable Conference Minister, who loved the United Church of Christ.”

Miller underwent heart-bypass surgery four years ago and was active in the church until about three years ago, said the Rev. Tom Rehling, current Rocky Mountain Conference Minister. “At that point, his kidneys started to fail and he needed dialysis three times a week,” said Rehling.

The Rev. Davida Foy Crabtree, former Connecticut Conference Minister, said, “Clyde was larger than life, a prophet who spoke the truth, albeit a little more colorfully than some were comfortable with.  He had a great sense of humor, a passionate love for the UCC, a razor sharp mind that saw through to the core of an issue.

“He was unrelenting in pushing us to address the justice issues – not the surface ones, but the deep ones that others conveniently ignored,” said Crabtree. “The man was truly remarkable, and the UCC owes him a great debt of gratitude.”

Prior to his service with the UCC, Miller was president of the Boston City Missionary Society for 11 years. From 1964 to 1968, he was executive secretary of the Church Federation of Greater Chicago’s department of Christian education, where he developed training programs for suburban churches to relate to the civil-rights movement.

Miller received his bachelor of divinity degree from Chicago Theological Seminary (CTS) in 1958. His first position thereafter was that of assistant pastor of the Church of the Good Shepherd, a UCC congregation in Chicago. In 1979, he received his doctor of divinity degree from CTS.

Miller is survived by his widow, Eva, and two daughters. Condolences to the family may be sent to 175 S. Jasmine St., Denver, CO 80224.