Malcolm Roy Miner — a devoted family man, veteran, world traveler, and lifelong learner — passed away peacefully on November 27, 2024, in Beaverton, Oregon. He was 91, surrounded by his family.
Born in Springfield, Massachusetts, on December 11, 1932, Malcolm was the eldest of four children of Lucile and Harold E. Miner. As the son of an Army officer, his early years were spent moving around the globe, including attending high school in Turkey. He graduated in civil engineering from Auburn University and, following in his father’s footsteps, served as an officer in the U.S. Army. After his service, he earned a master’s degree from the Technical University of Munich in Germany.
While skiing in the Austrian Alps, Malcolm met the love of his life, Sabine Plache (1939– 2016). Their life together was full of adventure, laughter, and deep companionship.
Malcolm’s career mirrored his intellectual curiosity and love of exploration. As a highway engineer, he worked on projects in Turkey, Ecuador, Venezuela, Colombia, and Libya. At 33, he earned his pilot’s license, sparking a lifelong passion for aviation.
In the 1960s, he turned to airport design and development, first with working in Norway, taking the family with him. Next he worked for the Federal Aviation Administration, and later for CH2M Hill in Corvallis. In 1977, he founded his own airport planning consultancy, often flying himself to remote job sites across the Northwest. Eventually, he became a certified real estate appraiser — a career that suited his love of people, stories, and lively conversation.
In 1975, he and his family settled on a 16-acre ranch in Philomath, Oregon, where he embraced rural life — raising cattle, tending bees, and working the land with joy and care. A lifelong athlete, Malcolm took up triathlons in his 50s and celebrated his 75th birthday by skydiving — proof of his fearless zest for life.
He was a devoted supporter of the Oregon State University women’s basketball team, rarely missing a game and meticulously tracking player stats. He was also a founding member of the Rotary Club of Philomath and an active member of Peace Lutheran Church.
Malcolm will be remembered for his warmth, sharp intellect, and quick wit. His humor lit up every room, and his generous spirit left a lasting mark. Even in his later years, he remained curious and deeply engaged with the world.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Sabine; his son, Mark; and his brother, Gary. He is survived by his sons, Michael and Matthew; his daughter-in-law, Aileen; and his grandchildren: Kai, Sage, Kian, Larissa, and David. He also leaves behind his sisters, Beverly Murray and Diane Ota.
Malcolm’s presence will be deeply missed, but his legacy of kindness, adventure, service, and laughter lives on in the many lives he touched.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, May 31, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Peace Lutheran Church in Philomath, Oregon. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Lumina Hospice & Palliative Care.