Salvos’ Miller was genuine institution

A HOBART institution for decades, Salvation Army envoy Don Miller has passed away at the age of 86.

Mr Miller will be best remembered as the old man who rattled his Salvos tin every Friday night at pubs and clubs across the city.

Always polite, charming, and with a twinkle in his eye, he cajoled many a reveller to part with a few bucks to help the Salvation Army’s work in Tasmania.

So widespread was affection for the octogenarian that his portrait, by artist Diana Michalek, hung over the front door of the Republic Bar at North Hobart for years.

Republic assistant manager Felicity Bradney said the portrait was gifted to the bar years ago and had always been popular with patrons.

“We have great memories of Don visiting us in the pub. He was popular with everyone. Our regulars remember him coming in each Friday and everyone emptying their wallets for him.”

His family said on Wednesday that it had been blessed and was grateful “to have had such a beautiful and godly man influence our lives”.

Relatives and friends have been invited to farewell Mr Miller at the Salvation Army Citadel in Elizabeth St on Monday at 10am.

His family has asked that in lieu of floral tributes, donations are made to the Salvation Army.

Mr Miller is survived by his wife Velma, five children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.