Expression of Sympathy

Preservation Buffalo Niagara Sadly Announces
the Death of Our Executive Director, Michael Miller

Preservation Buffalo Niagara is sad to announce the untimely death of its recently appointed Executive Director, Michael Miller, 51, of Wheatfield, NY. Michael was previously employed by M&T Bank for over 17 years and was an active volunteer and leader for the Central Terminal Restoration Corporation. Michael recently made the decision to join Preservation Buffalo Niagara to fulfill a life-long passion to work full-time in the area of historic preservation, where he devoted so much of his free time.

Catherine Schweitzer, Board Chair of PBN said "We are all deeply shocked and saddened by the news of Michael's passing. Michael was so happy with his decision to join PBN as our first full time executive director; he brought significant professional skills, a wonderful spirit and enthusiasm to the organization as well as an extensive network of friends. Through his dedicated service to the Central Terminal and Broadway-Fillmore area, Michael earned the trust and respect of the preservation community. He was genuinely excited about the opportunities ahead for himself, the preservation movement, and the entire Buffalo/Niagara region. Michael will be sorely missed. We all extend our heartfelt condolences to Michael's family and many friends."

Plans are underway for a remembrance of Michael's life at the Central Terminal. Information will be forthcoming.

Preservation Buffalo Niagara is a recently re-constituted organization representing the combination of the former Preservation Coalition and the former Landmark Society and is devoted to education and advocacy for Historic Preservation principles, practices, and related issues. In addition to hiring Michael as its Executive Director, PBN was in the process of searching for a "Preservation Specialist", which is expected to continue. PBN successfully secured significant philanthropic funding and will play a lead role when Buffalo hosts the National Trust for Historic Preservation Annual Conference in 2011.

MILLER - Michael J. August 27, 2009, of Wheatfield, NY, Executive Director Preservation Buffalo Niagara, son of Rita (Schwendler) Miller and the late Earl; loving brother of Karen (Robert) Smith of Tonawanda, NY, Katie (Chuck) Travis of North Tonawanda, NY, and the beloved uncle to Corey and Sara. The family will receive friends on Tuesday from 2-7 PM at the Buffalo Central Terminal, 495 Paderewski Drive, where a Memorial Service will he held at 7 PM, with the Rev. Robert J. Fink, officiating. Should friends desire, memorials in Mike's memory may be made to the Central Terminal Restoration Corporation, PO Box 468, Buffalo, NY 14212. Visit www.rhoneyfuneralhome.com, for guest register.

http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/buffalonews/obituary.aspx?n=michael-j-miller&pid=132066018

Happy Hour Tour: The West Village

Buffalo's own West Village was recently the highlight of a Preservation Magazine photo essay. To view the essay, click here!

Our Happy Hour Tour of the West Village begins at 6pm, Friday, October 21 and ends at a local pub. Explore the neighborhood pioneered by Buffalo’s first mayor, Ebenezer Johnson, in 1824. Excellent examples of Italianate, French Second Empire, Victorian Gothic, and Richardsonian buildings survive. Visit the finest red brick architecture in Buffalo, one of the city’s first public parks, early mansions and apartment houses. Meet us at Johnson Park & South Elmwood Avenue, next to the big rock--you can't miss it!


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Special encore tour Sunday, September 27 at 2pm