– Bill Miller, owner of the Discount Fabric Warehouse chain, passes away at 65
– Discount Fabric Warehouse chain mourns the loss of owner Bill Miller.
Remembering Bill Miller: An Inspiring Life Dedicated to Business and Philanthropy
Businessman. Nature lover. Visionary. Philanthropist. These were the words used to describe Bill Miller, the owner of Discount Fabric Warehouse – a nationwide business empire he built starting in 1995.
Miller, who was called “The King of Towd” in the headline for a 2015 Tribune-Herald feature article, passed away on January 29 at Hilo Medical Center at the age of 65.
“We have two stores on this island as well as stores on Maui and Kauai. We also bought another store in Honolulu,” Miller’s wife, Jessie Crusat Miller, told the Tribune-Herald on Tuesday.
The Big Island Discount Fabric Warehouse stores, located in Hilo and Kailua-Kona, offer a wide variety of fabrics, sewing machines, patterns, threads, supplies, and accessories. In addition, Miller acquired Kaimuki Dry Goods in Honolulu to expand his business.
These stores not only provide quality products but also offer classes and workshops in sewing, upholstery, and related crafts, further fostering a sense of community and creativity.
Miller, born in Salt Lake City, started his journey in the sewing industry as a salesman at the Singer sewing machine store in the former Kaikoo Mall in Hilo. When Singer Corp went bankrupt in 1995, Miller seized the opportunity to start his own business.
His first store in Hilo opened on June 15 of that year, starting in a modest 3,000-square-foot space in Ben Franklin. Today, the business has flourished and the showroom stands at an impressive 11,000 square feet on Kanoelehua Avenue.
Crusat Miller is determined to continue her late husband’s dream and give back to the community. “He always tried to give back to the community,” she said. “The community has seen his business thrive. He always felt that you should have things for people. He was very, very gifted.”
A Philanthropic Soul: Bill Miller’s Impact on the Community
Bill Miller’s philanthropic efforts extended far beyond the realm of business. He dedicated his time, money, and resources to numerous charitable initiatives, one of which was the Friends of the Children’s Criminal Justice Center of East Hawaii.
In 2019, Miller was honored by this organization for his “Bags of Hope” program, which aimed to support abused children. Understanding that these children often carried their belongings in black trash bags, which only served to remind them of their traumatic experiences, Miller organized a team of volunteer seamstresses to create unique and colorful tote bags for the children.
These bags not only provided a practical solution for carrying their belongings but also contained thoughtful items such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, coloring books, crayons, composition books, pencils, stuffed animals, and travel pillows. Miller’s commitment to making a difference in the lives of these children was truly inspiring.
Remembering Bill Miller: A Life Well-Lived
While Miller’s businesses catered to designer hula halau and hobbyist sewing, his personal pursuits centered around outdoor activities. He was known for his fitness, having successfully completed the Honolulu Marathon in 2022. Additionally, he enjoyed hiking and bird hunting, always maintaining an active lifestyle.
Miller is survived by his loving wife, Jessie Crusat Miller, and his children William Miller of Colorado Springs, Colorado, Allen Miller of Vancouver, Washington, stepdaughters Tiffany Suzuki of Honolulu, and Jasmine Crusat of Kona. He is also survived by his mother, Sally Miller, his sister Linda Curry, and his brother John Miller, all of whom will cherish his memory.
Celebrating Bill Miller’s Life
A celebration of Bill Miller’s remarkable life will take place on Friday, March 1, from 2 to 6 p.m. at the AJA Veterans Hall. The address is 361 Haihai St. Attendees are kindly requested to dress casually as a tribute to Miller’s down-to-earth nature.
For further inquiries or to share memories of Bill Miller, please contact John Burnett at [email protected].
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1. Bill Miller, owner of the Discount Fabric Warehouse chain, dies at 65
2. Bill Miller, owner of Discount Fabric Warehouse chain, passes away at 65.
