2011 Dignitaries
John Justin Committeeman of the
Year Award
Eric Miller |
Eric
is no stranger to sacrifice and hard work. His family moved to Utah
in 1977 and he soon became the man of the house when he lost his dad
in a trucking accident. He saw that being on a farm meant hard work
as he was putting up hay, helping with the cattle, and learning to
ride a horse at an early age.
For several he went on annual cattle drives in Farson, WY, and provided
to be a valuable asset. He started in 4-H and participated in the Little
Buckaroo Rodeo where he took home several trophies from showing steers
and competing.
He attended high school at Union and later moved to vernal to Finish
out at Uintah. He has an associate’s degree in Diesel Mechanics
and continues to use this knowledge today at Simplot Phosphate mine
where he is employed as a Preventive Maintance Specialist for the past
16 years.
He enjoys being with his family and friends. He is not only Mechelle’s
right arm when it comes to almost everything, after 19 years, but both
boys, Chris & AJ have had him by their side to support their baseball,
rodeo, hockey, whatever they actively pursued. He also enjoys 5 grand
kids.
Eric started helping with the Dinosaur Roundup Rodeo in 1995 where
he and Mechelle had the job of selling beer in the stands and from
there he has been involved with many aspects of the rodeo. He has been
carpenter, electrician, chief cook, sound director, audio technician,
gate man and even kid tender.
Eric has truly shown what it truly what it takes to be Volunteer of
the Year as he received this award in 2009. He has been the backbone
of behind the scenes. If you cant find him at rodeo time, well just
look closer and you will find him tending to the score board, sound
equipment, working slack, raising the American flag, mechanic on just
about anything or the guy on the gate. He takes what he does seriously
and with his help and knowledge the rodeo comes off without a hitch.
He doesn’t like to be in the spot light or make a big deal out
of whose job it is to do, he just does what it takes to get it done.
His son quotes, “He works hard in everything he does. Half –assed
is not something he is. I’m quite certain that a lot of success
I’ve had comes from the values he has instilled in me. He taught
us to always do the right thing, help someone in need and don’t
expect anything in return. Just the best person you can be. For that
I’m thankful.
We would like to thank you, Eric, for all the hard work and effort
you have put into the Dinosaur Roundup Rodeo to make it one of the
best. You are truly representing the John Justin Standard of the West
way of life.
