SA father of five Paul Miller dies on Kokoda Track, partner shares emotional tribute to beloved veteran

The shattered daughter of a South Australian army veteran who died hiking the Kokoda Track says he was “my best friend, my hero, my safety blanket”.

The wife of a South Australian father who died while hiking the Kokoda Track alongside his son says he was a proud veteran who was using the trek to raise money to provide service dogs for other returned soldiers.

Father of five Paul Miller, 48, was on the second day of the self-funded charity trip with his son Aaron, 17, when he suffered a suspected heart attack.

His walking group gave him CPR in an attempt to save his life, but he was later pronounced dead at Port Moresby’s Pacific International Hospital.

Mr Miller’s wife of 23 years, Amanda Kaplan, remembered him as a dearly loved family man and an avid sports fan who was passionate about helping others.

Ms Kaplan said Mr Miller was a loving father to children Sarah, 28, Sabrina, 24, Hayley, 20, Aaron, 17 and Amy, who passed away aged 12.

Adelaide veteran Paul Miller, 48, died after suffering a suspected heart attack while hiking the Kokoda Trail with his son. Picture: Facebook

Mr Miller – known to mates as ‘Dusty’ – enlisted in the Australian Army as a 16-year-old vehicle mechanic in 1991, before being allocated to the Royal Australian Electrical and Mechanical Engineers and posted to Brisbane.

He served for more than 25 years and was deployed on five overseas operations in East Timor, Iraq and Afghanistan.

After postings in Toowoomba, Townsville, Darwin, Brisbane and, finally, Adelaide, he was discharged in 2014 due to service-related mental health issues.

The 48-year-old was using the trek to raise money for Operation K9, a Royal Society for the Blind program that provides service dogs for veterans in Adelaide.

Paul Miller (left) with daughter Sarah, 28 (right). Picture: Facebook

Mr Miller’s daughter Sarah, 28, said her “whole world (had fallen) apart” after hearing news of her dad’s death, remembering him as her best friend and hero.

“I still don’t want to believe it. I still want to believe that Dad will call me and tell me every thing will be okay,” she said.

“My best friend, my hero, my safety blanket is gone, but I know his memories will live on forever and I will always be meeting people that loved and knew him.”

Paul Miller with his wife Amanda and son Aaron, setting out on their journey to the Kokoda Track. Picture: Facebook

Ms Kaplan said she believed Mr Miller would want the tragedy to become an opportunity to raise awareness for his fellow returned servicemen and women.

“Paul wore many hats – a father of five, partner, son, brother, uncle, mate, veteran, sports fan, and a passionate advocate for veterans,” Ms Kaplan said.

“Paul was an avid sports fan and member of the Sydney Roosters, Western Force and Freo Dockers.

“Please remember our veterans during Anzac Day, Paul was a proud and extremely well respected member of the veteran community.

“We would love this opportunity to spread the awareness and fundraising efforts that Paul was aspiring to achieve.”

She also gave thanks to Mr Miller’s walking partner Raymond, who remained with him in his final moments and helped escort their son Aaron home.

“During this tragic time, he remained with Paul and made all efforts to save Paul’s life,” she said.

“In true Dusty style, he went out with a bang – doing something that he has always wanted to do … Kokoda.”

On Monday, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) confirmed Mr Miller’s death and said it was providing consular assistance to his family.

“The department ... is providing consular assistance to the family of an Australian man who died in Papua New Guinea,” a DFAT spokesperson said. “We send our deepest condolences to the family.”

In a touching tribute shared to social media, friend Scott Jeffrey described Mr Miller as a “colleague, a mate and a brother to many.”

“Dusty was always there for others. I will miss my mate and brother,” Mr Jeffrey said.

“Till we meet again in Valhalla big man. Your duty is done. Lest we forget.”

Mr Miller was using the trek to raise money for veterans charities, sharing updates of his training regularly to social media. Picture: Facebook

Mr Miller's wife Amanda described him as a passionate advocate for veterans. Picture: Facebook

Mr Miller shared a photo to social media from Adelaide Airport on April 13 before setting off on the trip alongside his son Aaron.

“First step on our trip to PNG, beware Brisbane we are coming for you,” Mr Miller wrote.

The Kokoda Track was the location of an intense battle between Japanese and Australian forces in 1942.

April is one of the busiest periods on the track as thousands walk in the footsteps of Australian soldiers in the lead-up to Anzac Day.

The total track runs over 96km through the Owen Stanley Range and is generally completed in four to 12 days.