W. Owens Miller; Aerospace Executive, Grower

W. Owens Miller, 78, an aerospace executive, citrus grower and philanthropist. Born in Oklahoma City, Miller grew up in Glendale and was educated at UCLA. He co-founded one of the first aerospace sales companies half a century ago and became known as an innovator in flight controls. In agriculture, he introduced new techniques to landscape and terrace orange and avocado groves and operated OMA Ojai Ranch, one of the largest citrus ranches in Ventura County. As a philanthropic leader, Miller served as president of the St. Vincent De Paul Society of the Los Angeles Archdiocese. He was a founding trustee of the Cape of Good Hope Foundation to educate black South Africans, and a major donor to the Red Cross, St. Vincent Hospital’s Meals on Wheels, KCET-TV, Good Shepherd Homes for Women and several organizations that educate minorities. Miller also was active in the Republican Party. On Jan. 15 in Los Angeles of emphysema.