Buffalo Central Terminal

Michael Miller, 51, of Wheatfield, NY, President of the Board of Directors for the Central Terminal Restoration Corporation, died on August 27, 2009. As an active preservation leader for Western New York, Michael inspired many volunteers from the City and throughout the surrounding suburbs to become committed to the preservation efforts for the Central Terminal and the East Side of Buffalo. His passion for the area’s history was infectious. His demeanor and enthusiasm not only encouraged scores of people to become involved but to stay dedicated for the long term.

He was encouraged by the possibility that recent plans for High Speed Rail and associated development could be the catalyst to bring the Terminal Building back into reuse and be saved for other generations to enjoy.

Michael previously had served as the Board Treasurer and spearheaded the effort of creating a broad mix of events bringing the public back to enjoy the Terminal.

Michael, recently hired as the Executive Director for Preservation Buffalo Niagara, achieved this position of his dreams. He knew he had the opportunity to help make a significant contribution to bettering our area.

The loss of Michael has been deeply felt by all those associated with him.

They say no one is irreplaceable. Maybe no one will be exactly like Michael because he was a gentleman by every measure and worked tirelessly to make things better for those around him.

We wish to extend our most heartfelt condolences to Michael’s family, coworkers and many friends.

Respectfully,

Mark Lewandowski, on behalf of the Board of Directors and Volunteers of the Central Terminal Restoration Corporation

Please join us in remembering Mike at the Terminal, Tuesday from 2pm-7pm. A memorial service will be held at 7:00pm.

As printed in the Buffalo News…

March 23, 1958—Aug. 27, 2009

WHEATFIELD —Michael J. Miller of Wheatfield, executive director of Preservation Buffalo Niagara and a longtime advocate of historic preservation, died Thursday in his home after suffering an apparent heart attack. He was 51.

Born in Buffalo, Mr. Miller was a 1976 graduate of Kenmore West High School and was employed by M&T Bank for more than 17 years.

Mr. Miller served as president and was co-founder of Broadway-Fillmore Alive.

“I owe Mike so much,” Christopher Byrd, another founder of Broadway-Fillmore Alive, wrote on the organization’s Web site. “He was a confidant and friend. He loved the neighborhood. He always pointed me in the right direction with his advice.”

Mr. Miller was an active volunteer and leader for the Central Terminal Restoration Corp. and was recently named its president.

He also recently joined Preservation Buffalo Niagara as its executive director, fulfilling a lifelong passion to work full-time in historic preservation.

“He brought significant professional skills, a wonderful spirit and enthusiasm to the organization as well as an extensive network of friends,” Catherine Schweitzer, chairwoman of the organization’s board, said in a statement. “Through his dedicated service to the Central Terminal and Broadway-Fillmore area, Michael earned the trust and respect of the preservation community.”

An avid car enthusiast, Mr. Miller also enjoyed studying architecture and photography.

Survivors include his mother, Rita, and two sisters, Karen Smith and Katie Travis.

A memorial service will be held at 7 p. m. Tuesday in the Central Terminal, 495 Paderewski Drive.

Expression of Sympathy
August 28, 2009

Preservation Buffalo Niagara Sadly Announces the Death of Our Executive Director, Michael Miller

Preservation Buffalo Niagara is sad to announce the untimely death of its recently appointed Executive Director, Michael Miller, 51, of Wheatfield, NY. Michael was previously employed by M&T Bank for over 17 years and was an active volunteer and leader for the Central Terminal Restoration Corporation. Michael recently made the decision to join Preservation Buffalo Niagara to fulfill a life-long passion to work full-time in the area of historic preservation, where he devoted so much of his free time.

Catherine Schweitzer, Board Chair of PBN said “We are all deeply shocked and saddened by the news of Michael’s passing. Michael was so happy with his decision to join PBN as our first full time executive director; he brought significant professional skills, a wonderful spirit and enthusiasm to the organization as well as an extensive network of friends. Through his dedicated service to the Central Terminal and Broadway-Fillmore area, Michael earned the trust and respect of the preservation community. He was genuinely excited about the opportunities ahead for himself, the preservation movement, and the entire Buffalo/Niagara region. Michael will be sorely missed. We all extend our heartfelt condolences to Michael’s family and many friends.”

Plans are underway for a remembrance of Michael’s life at the Central Terminal. Information will be forthcoming.

Preservation Buffalo Niagara is a recently re-constituted organization representing the combination of the former Preservation Coalition and the former Landmark Society and is devoted to education and advocacy for Historic Preservation principles, practices, and related issues. In addition to hiring Michael as its Executive Director, PBN was in the process of searching for a “Preservation Specialist”, which is expected to continue. PBN successfully secured significant philanthropic funding and will play a lead role when Buffalo hosts the National Trust for Historic Preservation Annual Conference in 2011.

Preservation Buffalo Niagara

617 Main Street, Buffalo, NY 14203
Phone (716) 852-3300 Fax (716) 852-5340 Email: PreservationBuffaloNiagara@gmail.com
Website: www.PreservationBuffaloNiagara.org

Contact: Catherine Schweitzer, Chair
Cell 870-5000 Work 883-2429
cfs@bairdfoundation.org

It is with great sadness that the Central Terminal Restoration Corporation has learned that our President, and recently appointed Executive Director of Preservation Buffalo Niagara, passed away yesterday. Our hearts and prayers go out to the Miller family, our membership, and all who know Michael during this difficult time.