Larry H. Miller, founder of Miller Motorsports Park, dies at age 64
On Saturday, February 20, entrepreneur and philanthropist Larry H. Miller passed away from complications due to type 2 diabetes at the age of 64. Miller owned the Utah Jazz, numerous car dealerships, movie theaters, and commercial real estate, but in the automotive industry he was most known for building the Miller Motorsports Park that opened in 2006. The track, located in Tooele, UT, quickly garnered a reputation as being one of the premier venues in the country and hosted ALMS, Grand-Am, NASCAR, and AMA Superbike races. We were fortunate enough to sample part of the racetrack when we tested the Shelby GT500KR last year, and we very much enjoyed his incredible car museum as well. In addition to his business ventures, Miller was well known for his generosity. He and his wife provided close to 300 college scholarships every year and donated millions of dollars to local colleges and universities. Learn more about Larry Miller's life and accomplishments after the jump.Gallery: Larry H. Miller Auto Museum
[Source: Miller Motorsports Park]
PRESS RELEASE:
SALT LAKE CITY (February 20, 2009) - Larry H. Miller, husband, father, grandfather, a well-known entrepreneur, community advocate and humanitarian, died from complications due to type 2 diabetes today, at home, surrounded by his family. He was 64.
Miller, a man who truly loved Utah, its people and its land, was born in Salt Lake City in 1944. From modest beginnings, he grew up in the Capitol Hill area and went on to become one of Utah's most successful entrepreneurs and business leaders.
Leaving behind a profound professional and personal legacy, the entities Miller created have had a significant and lasting impact on the communities in which he did business, and the more than 7,000 individuals he employed.
The Larry H. Miller Group of Companies began with the Larry H. Miller Toyota store in Murray, Utah on May 1, 1979. Through the years, Miller amassed more than 80 businesses and properties in the western United States. Most notable are the Utah Jazz, EnergySolutions Arena, the Salt Lake Bees, Miller Motorsports Park, Megaplex Theatres, and 39 automobile dealerships spanning the Rocky Mountain West. Miller also developed vast real estate holdings including commercial and agricultural properties.
A dynamic entrepreneur and business leader, Miller also became known for his charitable efforts. Miller coined the phrase "Go about doing good until there is too much good in the world."
Miller and his wife Gail provide close to 300 college scholarships each year. Larry H. Miller Charities, a foundation funded by monthly contributions from his businesses, fundraising events in the community, and personal donations from employees, has donated millions of dollars to communities in which Miller does business.
"Larry and Gail have always stressed the importance of giving back to the communities in which we do business. Our customers have supported us and it is important that we show our appreciation by helping those in need," said Greg Miller, eldest son and CEO of the Larry H. Miller Group of Companies. "Larry felt that his legacy isn't in business as much as it was in creating opportunities for good jobs and higher education."
Larry and Gail have also donated millions of dollars to Utah-based colleges and universities for campus improvements such as the state-of-the-art softball and baseball complexes at BYU. The Larry H. Miller Campus of the Salt Lake Community College (SLCC) was completed in fall 2001 and includes the Larry H. Miller Entrepreneurship Training Center and The Larry and Gail Miller Public Safety Education & Training Center.
Despite all of his success, Miller always maintained that his greatest accomplishment is the family that survives him: his wife, Karen Gail Saxton Miller, their four sons and one daughter, 21 grandchildren, and one great grandchild.
Plans for a memorial service will be announced shortly.
For more information on Miller Motorsports Park, call the track at (435) 277-RACE (7223) or visit the website at www.millermotorsportspark.com.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
JD 9:51AM (2/22/2009)
My heart goes out to his family. 64 is really not that old.
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dukeisduke 10:07AM (2/22/2009)
How very sad; this just points out how serious diabetes is. I hope that there will be a Miller Foundation to provide many more college scholarships, and that the operations he started, like the racetrack, will continue to prosper in the future. Prayers for his family.
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369EkO 10:28AM (2/22/2009)
Rest in peace
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John 10:31AM (2/22/2009)
I was disappointed to hear this. His legs were amputated a few weeks ago and he'd been sick in a wheel chair for several months prior.
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imoore 4:23PM (2/22/2009)
When your legs are amputated and you have diabetes, your like expectancy is generally cut short. Having never fully recovered from his heart attack last year played a major part too.
I'm not saying this to be rude or sarcastic. As a diabetic for nearly 12 years now, it makes me sad when someone loses his or her life in a battle against a disease that has no cure. And, regardless of what people may say about him, I'm hopong Miller didn't have to endure some of the discriminations that most diabetics have to endure, like not being allowed to drive or having your license revoked or being told that your diabetes makes you a bad business risk. I say a prayer for him and his family.
chconline 10:36AM (2/22/2009)
Rest in peace good sir.
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Rick C. 10:40AM (2/22/2009)
Sad to hear the loss of a very generous man. Rest in peace.
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Alex 10:50AM (2/22/2009)
RIP
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Mobius_1 10:59AM (2/22/2009)
Wow, what a great life, what a great man. This is sad news.
Every time a real motorsports enthusiasts dies, a little of me dies with them. I think the apporpriate thing to do (seriously) is to have a testimonial race at Miller Motorsports Park in honour of him. He would be proud.
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Curtis 11:05AM (2/22/2009)
Best wishes to the family and friends
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serb 12:26PM (2/22/2009)
Great man ???
wow it seems that all of you guys are not from Utah.
He has ripped of millions of people with all his car dealerships. How do u think he got rich so fast? The only once that loved him were millionaires like him. He was one of the most CHEAP and hated man in Utah.. . .
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MastrCake 2:20PM (2/22/2009)
Whoa there, only a few of the many people I talked to felt like they got ripped off by his dealerships! I'm guessing you are one of them.
Have some sympathy, man!
chconline 2:55PM (2/22/2009)
Car dealerships are called car "stealerships" for a reason. If you don't know how to negotiate and play the right games, then you will get ripped off. Fair deal.
CarbonBlack 4:38PM (2/22/2009)
Even If what you say is true, it isn't really relevant/appropriate to this article.
Even if Hennessey were to die, I'll give my respect to his family and say "RIP"!
GOT 11:26PM (2/22/2009)
I've bought a car from one of his stealerships and didn't get ripped-off anymore than I did from any other stealership. One thing is for sure, he knew how to advertise.
My condolences to his family and friends.
MastrCake 2:18PM (2/22/2009)
I was just at your Honda dealership last Saturday, where I found my next car (for when I actually get some money). The Honda Fit.
Thanks for making this, and all of your other Boise, dealership(s). I had a great experience without any pressure to buy. :)
Rest In Peace. I really mean it, it sounds like you had a hectic life!
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Sofa King Fast! 3:27PM (2/22/2009)
and he was prejudice. he wouldn't show brokeback mountain at any of his theatres
chconline 3:45PM (2/22/2009)
"and he was prejudice. he wouldn't show brokeback mountain at any of his theatres"
He has the right to show what he likes and what he doesn't like.
imoore 4:26PM (2/22/2009)
Believe me, living with diabetes is no peace in the valley. I pretty sure he did what he could to make his days a little easier.
prateeko 3:40PM (2/22/2009)
I used to live close to him. Regardless of how he was in business (or not), he was always nice and polite, inviting more people over to his house than need be for neighborhood functions. I'm sad to hear of his passing and have his family in my thoughts. He was a very nice individual and I am happy that at the very least he is no longer suffering.
R.I.P.
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