Editor’s note: Every Monday, the Muscatine Journal profiles a local figure who responds to questions provided by one of our reporters.

Muscatine, Iowa — After more than 30 years of working with Special Olympics, Ron Miller, 64, is looking forward to being a volunteer. Miller, Special Olympics program director at the Muscatine Community Y, will retire Dec. 31.

While he may be relinquishing the title, Miller is not walking away from Special Olympics. He plans to serve on committees and continue coaching athletes. In July 2010, he will coach the Iowa golf team at the National Special Olympics games in Lincoln, Neb.

Personal

Name: Ron Miller

Age: 64

Family: Wife, Deanne Miller; daughter, Lisa Miller of Columbia, Mo.; daughter, son-in-law and grandsons Julie, Matt, Gage and Bradey Cook of Muscatine; and son, daughter-in-law and grandsons Jason, Teri, Chase and Tate Miller, also of Muscatine.

Hometown: Muscatine

Profession: Special Olympics program director at the Muscatine Community Y

Q&A

Why are you retiring?

I’ll be 65 in January and I can start my Medicare, and it’s time. I’ll still be active, though, with Special Olympics.

What will you miss most?

The athletes and all their enthusiasm.

What’s your favorite memory?

It’s difficult to point to one particular memory as a favorite. There are so many wonderful moments that have occurred through the years. When you’re working with a group of exceptional people, as I have been fortunate to do, you end up with exceptional memories.

What would you consider your biggest accomplishment?

The development of the program through the years. When I started there was little actual training in the individual sports. We have taken each sport and developed the training around the individual athlete so they would all be successful.

Why did you initially get involved with Special Olympics?

After graduating from the University of Iowa (Go Hawks!), my first job was as a therapeutic recreation specialist at the former Dixon Development Center in Dixon, Ill. They were already involved in the program at different levels as they had a total of over 3,000 residents living there at that time. I worked there for 10 years and the majority of my job was training and coaching the

numerous sports they were involved in. This was the experience that I was able to bring to Muscatine when I moved back.

What advice do you have for your replacement?

Never forget who you are there for. Keep in mind that there is always a learning opportunity while you are training and coaching the individual sports. This learning opportunity isn’t always about the sport itself, but about life in general.

What are your plans after you retire?

I plan to do some traveling and to keep active as a volunteer for the Community Y and the Special Olympics. I have already been chosen to coach the golf team that is representing Iowa at the National Special Olympics held in Lincoln, Neb., in July 2010.