We at the American Ethical Union (AEU) are heartbroken to share the sad news that our long-time Director of Administration Law’nence “L” Miller was found dead in his home the evening of Monday, February 7. The death was sudden and unexpected, happening a few days before L’s husband of twenty-five years, Shaun Carson, was due to be released from North Shore Hospital ICU. The entire Ethical Culture community is holding Shaun, and all of L’s friends and family in our hearts.

L was in many ways vital to the Ethical Culture movement for decades. He was a constant presence at the AEU national office on 64^th Street and Central Park West. He was the keeper of our movement’s history and key source for on-going Ethical Culture news. He organized AEU annual conferences, facilitated regional workshops, supported AEU committees, and kept an eye on Ethical Society facilities. When people contacted “headquarters,” it was usually his cheerful voice that greeted them. He offered support and advice to people new to Ethical Culture as members and as lay leaders. On a practical level, for many Ethical Societies, L was the face of the AEU.

On a personal level, L was dearly loved by many. He cared deeply about his relationships, maintaining friendships with countless members of our movement. L’s smile and helpfulness struck a unique balance with his sometimes sardonic sense of humor and social critiques, and he was effusive in his appreciation of others. While his work for the AEU could be overwhelming, this rarely slowed him down. After a quick break he would be back at his post, ready to promote Ethical Culture to a broken world. L spoke from the heart often about how much the Ethical movement meant to him, and even got an Ethical Culture tattoo.

L was a long-time member of the New York Society for Ethical Culture where over the years he wore many hats and chaired numerous committees. Recently, he joined the Susquehanna Valley Ethical Society and was named as its Vice President.

We will be sending out information about a memorial service soon, and fuller obituaries will be made available. Thanks for your patience as we try to process our shock over the loss of a dear friend and valued employee.