Philip Miles, Jr.

Madison - Philip E. Miles, Jr., age 81, died on Tuesday, November 8, 2011 at Agrace HospiceCare in Madison. He was born on December 27, 1929 to Philip and Eleanor (Burgess) Miles, Sr. in Madison. In 1948, Phil graduated from Madison West High School. He went on to earn an undergraduate degree from Harvard University in 1951, and the PhD in Mathematics from Yale University in 1961. From 1954 to 1956, he served in the U.S. Army.

Phil joined the mathematics faculty of the University of Wisconsin - Madison in 1960 and was an active faculty member for 40 years. He spent the years 1964-66 on leave in California working on a film project for the Mathematical Association of America, holding the MAA title of Associate Executive Director and Executive Director, Committee on Educational Media. He had a deep interest in mathematics education, and was an early advocate of the use of some new kinds of technology in teaching. However, while he was always open to new ideas and approaches, he coupled these interests with high standards and a healthy skepticism. He served the department for many years as Associate Chair, and provided both continuity and sound advice, particularly through the turbulent years of great departmental growth, the Vietnam War and strikes on campus.
In addition to his lifelong interest in mathematics and education, Phil loved to enjoy the natural world through canoeing, gardening, birding and walking. He was a devotee of classical music and opera, an avid film-goer, and an insatiable reader with wide-ranging tastes but a particular fondness for murder mysteries. He liked to travel, and shared many adventures around the world with his family. He was a prolific photographer, and leaves behind many boxes of slides. His dry and sometimes subtle sense of humor was enjoyed by family, friends, and colleagues, and persisted through his last days.
Phil is survived by his four children, Sarah Miles Schiller (Arthur) of Kewaunee, Katherine Miles Duren (Christopher Rutland) of Madison, Elizabeth Miles Waring (Robert) of Redwood City, Calif., and Charles Erskine Miles of Waltham, Mass.; his first wife, Angela Miles of Madison; three step children, Mark Box (Elizabeth Shapland) of Fairbanks, Alaska, Joyce Buck (Robert) of Roselle, Ill., and Gail Sperry (David) of Elmhurst, Ill.; his grandchildren, Margaret Schiller, Erik Schiller, Eleanor Duren, Kyle Buck (Sarah), Megan Jaicomo (Mike), Breanne Albin (Jeff), Melissa Auger, Kate Cortez (Anthony), Jeff McCutcheon (Katie); his great-grandchildren, Ethan Buck, Mary Buck, Paul Buck, Daniella Jaicomo, Josalyn Albin, Cole Albin, Claire Auger, and Isabella Cortez; and his two sisters, Carol Tashjian and Joan Oliver. He was preceded in death by his second wife, Joan Miles.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 22, 2011 at CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 3610 Speedway Road, Madison, with a visitation from 1:00 p.m. until the time of service.

Memorials in Philip's name may be made to: The Madison Audobon Society in support of the Faville Grove Sanctuary (Faville Grove Sanctuary, c/o Madison Audubon Society, 222 S. Hamilton St., Madison, WI 53703), or Agrace HospiceCare (Agrace HospiceCare, 5395 E. Cheryl Parkway, Madison, WI 53711).