Long-time Trail Ambassador and Adopter Dennis Miller died in June. He leaves a legacy of trail stewardship and volunteerism, and will be remembered both by family and friends, and by those he touched on the Canalway Trail.
Beginning in 2010, Dennis, his friend Dave Ross, and Dave’s son Hunter served as Trail Ambassadors for the section of trail from Spencerport to Holley west of Rochester, riding regularly as the “Can-Ale” Cycling Club.
Dennis’ dedication to the Canalway Trail was not limited to being an Ambassador, however, as he adopted the Orleans County Line to Redman Road trail section in the Town of Sweden for many years through the Adopt-a-Trail program.
Dennis will also be remembered for the creative approach that the Can-Ale group used to connect with trail users. They held camp-outs several times each summer at the NYS Canal Corporation Boater/Biker/Hiker Campsite at the Holley Canal Port. According to Dave Ross, they met people from around the country and the world. “Last summer we met a through-cyclist from Boston, accompanied by his dog that rode in a specially-made trailer,” said Dave. “We had another chance meeting with a cyclist from Germany who was taking a bike trip around the world.”
Off the trail, Dennis was a Mason and heavy equipment operator. In his retired life, he mowed the grass at Brockport Country Club.
He was a veteran of the Navy in Vietnam, and is survived by his Sister Marjorie Miller and Brother Rick Miller, along with many nieces and nephews.
You can find more information about the services held for Dennis Miller here.
Our condolences go out to Dennis’ family and friends. Dennis, the entire Canalway Trail community will miss you!
Canalway Trail Times 