Dennis Miller of FIJI – FINA Vice President from Oceania Swimming – passed at his home in Australia after battling cancer.
FINA will honor Dennis this Evening Friday, May 31, during the Opening Ceremonies of the FINA Champions Series in Indianapolis, Indiana.
This is a difficult day for the FINA family. Dennis was with us for many years as Vice President of FINA, President of the Oceania Swimming Association, and on the Oceania Association of National Olympic Committees as Secretary General. Aquatics was the passion of this life. We feel for his family and friends on this terrible day. Tonight we will have a moment of silence to remember him and his contributions. It is a big loss. – Cornel Marculescu – Executive Director for FINA
“This is very sad news. I first met Dennis as two of the youngest guys on a FINA committee. We started the same time. I will always remember his as an incredible human being. He was a quiet man. But when he spoke, everyone listened. He was a great, great advocate for athletes and athletes safety. Always fair and wise. Great family man. It is great loss for the sport as his contributions and wisdom will be missed.” – Sid Cassidy – Vice Chairman of FINA Open Water Technical Committee
Statement from FINA
As an administrator working behind the scenes, Dennis Miller dedicated his career to the development of Aquatics in Oceania, but also worldwide, within the FINA family.
Hailing from Fiji, Miller was a former national champion in the 100m butterfly. Having studied in Australia, Mr Miller joined the Fijian Public Service and Trade and Investment Board, alongside starting his career in swimming governance, notably being Swim Team Manager at the 1982 Commonwealth Games and 1988 Olympic Games, and Chef de Mission of the Fijian team at the 1996 Olympic Games, alongside many other major swimming and multisport events.
Dennis Miller became Executive Director of the Oceania National Olympic Committees in 1997, as well as President of the Oceania Swimming Association since 2008.
Within FINA, Mr Miller also became a Member of the FINA Technical Open Water Swimming Committee in 1997, serving for over 10 years, before joining the FINA Bureau, where he has been liaison for this discipline.
He was presently FINA Vice-President and member of the FINA Executive.
In this moment of grief, FINA addresses its heartfelt condolences to Mr Miller’s family and friends, as well as to the entire Aquatic community in Fiji and Oceania.
Miller was 61 years old and is survived by his wife and three children.
Many prayers for our friend Dennis. Always good to me and all those in it for the right reasons. An impactful loss to Friends, family, his nation and our sport.
Dennis was a true man of integrity – we miss him already.
Saddened by the news. Rest in peace Dennis.
Dennis was one of the most enthusiastic open water person on this earth , he played a integral part for the inclusion of open water for the Olympic Games, he understood the drive and commitment of the athlete.
RIP Dennis,
Very sad to hear~ he was a huge part of swimming in Fiji, a gentleman , to the miller whanau~ sharing your sadness at this time
It was a pleasure meeting Dennis at Fina Swim for All. His advice, encouragement and passion for the sport will remain etched in my memory. Condolences to his family.
Our heartfelt condolences to the family of Dennis Miller! Dennis has done so much for FINA, Oceania and Open Water Swimming, and the Pacific Region. It has been a pleasure working with him over the years and happy he was able to visit us in Hilo, Hawaii a couple years ago and our daughter in Manhattan Beach to keep up his SUP activities.
Dennis will be very much missed.
Our heartfelt condolences to the family of Dennis Miller! Dennis has done so much for FINA, Oceania and Open Water Swimming, and the Pacific Region. It has been a pleasure working with him over the years and happy he was able to visit us in Hilo, Hawaii a couple years ago and our daughter in Manhattan Beach to keep up his SUP activities.
Dennis will be very much missed.
Bill and Jean Sakovich
Such sad news for the Oceania sporting community. What a great legacy you have left behind Dennis. It was amazing meeting you in the SPG2007 & learning from you in SASNOC.
Janita Patrick (née Adams)
Dennis will be remembered for his contributions to swimming and fondly by those who enjoyed his friendship. Deepest condolences to the Miller family. May he rest in peace. Adios, Dennis! Esta ki!
So very sorry to hear of Dennis’s passing and deepest condolences to his family. We here in Oceania will miss his support, advice and friendship greatly.
We will miss you Papa Denis you were much respected also by Oceania Continent Handball Federation Family and our Handball Cook Islands Inc Family. I will treasure all that you have taught me over the years when we meet at the ONOC meetings. Our sincere condolences to Mama and your children. You are all in our prayers. Kia akapumaana mai te atua ia tatou katoatoa. Moe mai ra e Papa ti roto koe i te rima o te Atua. Rest with God our Papa xoxox.
So sad to hear of the untimely death of Dennis Miller. A great friend of OCeania sport and our sport of basketball. Our sympathies to his wife Glynnis a long time contributor to FIBA and basketball globally but particularly OCeania and FIJI. Bob Elphinston Honorary President FIBA and past President FIBA Oceania
heartfelt condolences to the aquatic family. deeply sadden by the passing of Miller
A very sad day for FINA, Oceania SA and the Fiji SA! A great servant of aquatics sports. One of my fondest memories was the Oceania Swimming Championships in Fiji with Dennis as the meet director. He proudly showed what Fiji Swimming could achieve. . . a great swim meet.
Saddest condolences to his family, who can take solace that Dennis’ contribution to swimming and Oceania sport can never be adequately measured. Rest in peace.
I totally agree with Glenn Tasker. I was part of the Oceania contingent since Dennis got involved and he did a superior job, not only for us, Oceania and Swimming. I also attended that Oceania Champs in Fiji with the Northern Marianas.
Again, sincerest condonlences to the Dennis Miller family, he will always be remembered as a major building block for aquatics in Oceania.
RIP
Rest in Love Dennis…your contribution to the growth of swimming in Fiji and Oceania will always be appreciated. Sincere condolences to Glynis & the family…