By Elaine Van Develde

Another Fair Haven icon has passed.

Ray Miller, a pioneer of Fair Haven small business and longtime community friend, died at 92 on Sunday.

So, we honor him today in our Retro Pic of the Day, courtesy of his daughter Peggy.

This day-in-a-life shot gives a focused picture of the Ray Miller so many knew back in the day. Gravelly voice curmudgeon-like manner always at a “high test” premium, there were countless memorable  visits made by many a youngster and their parents to Ray Miller’s Exxon at the corner of River Road and Smith Street — even if you knew you might get a scolding.

Yes, a scolding … with a head shake and a smile. He was the classic small business guy who knew everyone and remembered each of their quirks — like how they never got that wiper fixed or rattle looked at.

He helped many a kid fix a bike or fill their tires with air. And he’d always mutter a little joke and laugh at himself as he gave a hearty, “Hello there!” and warned you to get something fixed before you winded up hurting yourself.

Pretty much anyone who grew up in the area has a story, or several, about Ray, and he about them, no doubt.

He spent a lot of time shaking his head in disbelief at me as I rolled in on empty or with a shoddy muffler that he swore was gonna fall off the car or cause a fire. I could almost hear him say, “Jeez. Not this one with that muffler again! Kids!”

And, check out the price of gas in, I’m guessing, the early 1970s! Gotta say that you were never looked at with shame if you got a couple of dollars’ worth. And when it was pay day, it was “fill ‘er up with high test, Ray!” that we’d hear from my dad. Remember “high test”?

The value in that kind of take-time-to-know-your-neighbor service was priceless, and the sales ticket didn’t have to be high to get it. There was nary a chastising or nasty look for not buying more gas or a investing in some expensive car parts. Instead, there was always worry for the kid on a bike with a flat tire or the teen who may not make it to his prom on $2 worth.

Rest in Peace, Ray Miller. Thanks for the memories, the jokes, grumbling quips, scoldings with a smile and the heart you poured into our community.

There will be a slideshow and tribute to Ray Miller in the coming days. Anyone who has a story to share, please email it to [email protected].