By RON GOWER

TNEDITOR@TNONLINE.COM

The year 2020 was heartbreaking for the Carbon County 4-H program.

First, the coronavirus affected fairs and other events that 4-H members anticipate throughout the year. They raise livestock, grow fruits and vegetables, make jellies and jams, and work on crafts over time for display and competition at fairs, shows and local club gatherings.

Secondly, Robert “Bobby” Miller of Fairyland Farms, Franklin Township, who deservedly could be called “Mr. 4-H,” passed away at the age of 83 on Aug. 5.

Both the impact of the virus and the loss of Miller were devastating to anybody involved in the Carbon County 4-H program.

There was no better friend to 4-H than Bobby. He got involved in 4-H through his parents, who had been active in the club. Like his parents, he dedicated his life to promoting agriculture and 4-H. His children all were avid 4-H members and were perennial blue ribbon winners in fair judging, often winning big at state and national events. His grandchildren are also active.

I was introduced to Bobby back in 1967 when I covered my first livestock auction at the former Carbon County Fair when it was held in Lehighton. The thing about Bobby is, as soon as you met him, he became your friend. He was always good-natured, laughing, helpful and informative.

While his children were vying for top prizes in competitions, it wasn’t unusual to see Bobby in other pens giving advice and help to some of the people seeking those same prizes. He sometimes even housed animals for other 4-H’ers.

I covered the fair in Lehighton almost every year until it disbanded in 1992. Bobby and his children were participants in the agricultural aspect during every one of those fairs.

The children, Danadee Miller-Boyle, Diane Miller-Graver, Deanna Wentz and Dean, have all been photographed by me throughout the years with the ribbons and prizes they won at various fairs. And usually standing next to them was their proud father, Bobby.

Bobby and his wife, Fern, who were married for nearly 65 years, lived their entire life at Fairyland Farms, a landmark in Franklin Township. Although they predominantly showed livestock at fairs, the family excelled in all aspects of farming. For years they owned and operated a small country store at Fairyland Farms.

It wasn’t unusual to go into the store for a loaf of bread and be in there over a half-hour later shooting the breeze with Bobby. And he taught his children to be just as congenial.

Bobby had a big heart, not just for other people, but for the animals he raised, too.

I’ll never forget introducing my wife to Bobby. It was at the State Farm Show in Harrisburg. Lauren and I were walking around the livestock pens and we came to the swine. in one of the pens, Bobby was sharing his milkshake with a pig. We still get a laugh from that memory.

A few hours later at the farm show, Bobby was competing in the sheep-to-shawl competition, for which he has numerous ribbons.

Just as Bobby was always polite and helpful, so did he teach his children those same qualities. All got involved in Penn State Extension events. Danadee became an employee of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Throughout my long career in journalism, whenever I had a question about farming, I knew I could call Bobby or any of his children and receive a verbal tutorial.

When the Carbon County Fair was re-formed at its Palmerton site, Bobby and his brood became a part of it.

Another thing about Bobby was age couldn’t slow him down. He still spent time working in the fields, feeding and caring for the animals, helping in the store and assisting in grandchildren in excelling in the agricultural vocation.

I can’t think of anyone more dedicated to farming and the 4-H program than Bobby.

He was an incredible, kind, lovable and knowledgeable person. I would never have been able to cover some of the agricultural events as thoroughly as I did without his patience and expertise.

His loss will leave a big void in the local 4-H program. Fortunately, much of that void surely will be filled by those he worked with through the years, including his family.

(Note: His obituary states that contributions in his name may be made to the Carbon County Livestock Show and Sale Advisory Committee, 1888 Fairyland Road, Lehighton, PA 18235; St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Big Creek, Franklin Township, Lehighton, PA 18235, or Franklin Township Volunteer Fire company, Fairyland Road, Lehighton.)