Buffalo Bills: Van Miller Dead At 87
Sad news for the Buffalo Bills family. Van Miller, best known for being The Voice Of The Bills, has died. He was 87 years old.
The Buffalo Bills released the following statement regarding his death.
“On behalf of Terry and Kim Pegula and everyone at One Bills Drive, we are all deeply saddened with the news of the passing of Van Miller. As the ‘Voice of the Bills,’ Van’s historic radio calls of Bills games over the years will forever resonate with our fans. His Hall of Fame and Wall of Fame talent was overshadowed only by his engaging personality, his witty sense of humor and his love for the Bills. We will all dearly miss ‘Uncle Van,’ but his legacy will remain deeply embedded in our franchise’s history and in the hearts of his countless fans in Western New York and throughout the NFL community. Our deepest sympathies, along with our thoughts and prayers, go out to his wife Gloria and all of Van’s family during this difficult time.”
NOTE: A private service for the family is being planned at the current time.
VAN MILLER BIOGRAPHY
Van Miller passed away on Friday, July 17, 2015 at the age of 87.
Miller was born on November 22, 1927 in Dunkirk, NY. He began his broadcasting career in 1955 as a summer replacement on WBEN radio and television network calling high school sports. He became the Voice of the Bills during the team’s inaugural season in 1960. He served in that role from 1960-70 and 1978-2003.
Miller called some of the most memorable moments in Bills history including both AFL Championship victories, the Comeback Game and all four AFC Championship seasons. In total Miller called 605 Buffalo Bills games in his broadcasting career.
Throughout his career, Miller was recognized for his excellence in the broadcasting field. He was inducted into the Buffalo Broadcasters Hall of Fame in 1998, the Greater Buffalo Sports Hall of Fame in 1999 and the Chautauqua Sports Hall of Fame in 2002. He was presented with the Pete Rozelle Radio-Television Award by the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2004. In 2014, he was named to the Buffalo Bills Wall of Fame.
In addition to broadcasting Bills games, he called games for the NBA’s Buffalo Braves from 1971 to 1977. He also served as the sports director for WIVB-TV and was a weather reporter and a game show host.
He is survived by his by his wife of 62-years, Gloria, his daughter Cathy, a son Van, and three grandchildren.
