Colorado Real Estate Journal - May 6, 2015
Sherm was a bright light in Denver’s commercial real estate community. Friends, family, clients and colleagues all valued his friendship and laughter. Sherm was a valued and trusted mentor, leader, philanthropist and consummate dealmaker. His kindness of spirit will be greatly missed. – Colorado Real Estate Journal A mighty oak that has been an outstanding bulwark in Denver’s real estate community has fallen. Sherm’s knowledge, sense of humor and enthusiasm are irreplaceable. He will be greatly missed. – Steve Snyder, Citywide Banks Sherm’s career was commercial real estate. His calling was helping, mentoring and reaching out to others in need! God bless Sherm. – Kevin McKinnon, Transwestern Commercial Services Sherman was an inspiration to all of us because he was able to maintain his sense of humor and work ethic throughout his long illness. He also was an excellent example of someone who could maintain a very successful career while being a devoted husband and father. – Susan Brown, Valerian LLC Sherm was great guy – credible, affable, positive, optimistic and gregarious! He demonstrated his generous personal traits in his work in promoting the MBA students at CU Boulder. He will be missed by many. – Paul Luber, NorthMarq Capital Sherman was truly a professional and highly respected in the real estate community. He was one of the good guys and will be missed! – Bill McKinney, FirstLink Sherman, or Shermbob as I would call him (and I was Jimbob), was truly one of the most generous people I have ever met. He was especially generous with his time. Sherman was instrumental in the development of countless young professionals in his career as an executive manager with CBRE and Cushman & Wakefield, and then later with the University of Colorado. Sherman was also a mentor and adviser for numerous recovering alcoholics, helping to save their lives. Sherman was also always available to assist others that were afflicted with prostate cancer, providing great counsel and empathy. Knowing Sherman, I am sure he was also a wonderful father and husband. My wife and I share in the sorrow of Sherman’s passing, but both feel blessed to have known him. – James Bolt, CBRE Sherm Miller was an inspiration to me. His passion for his family and friends, his love of the CU Real Estate Center and the students, his positive attitude and his great sense of humor were infectious. I will miss him. – Kenneth Gillis, Centennial Realty Advisors I’m so saddened to hear about Sherm’s passing. From my days as a Denver Post commercial real estate reporter, there are few names that stick out in my memory and one of them is Sherman Miller. Despite my role as a reporter, he was always warm and welcoming, never fake. He was a kind soul, and by the time I left newspapers, I felt I had made a lifelong friend. I suspect the whole world felt that way being around him. Sherm, a little part of Denver’s soul has died with you. You will be missed. – Emily Narvaes Wilmsen, City of Fort Collins Sherm Miller was a wellrespected mentor, colleague and friend. Sherm made a positive impact on everyone who was lucky enough to have him in his or her life. He will be greatly missed, but always remembered. – Barry Dorfman, Jones Lang LaSalle Sherman Miller hired me in 1987 for my first job out of college. Sherman’s passion for commercial real estate and life in general helped me make this industry my career. Sherman’s energy made everyone around him better and his never-say-die attitude made sure you were a winner. We will all miss him very much. – John Marold, CBRE A light has gone out in the commercial real estate family with the passing of Sherm Miller. His enthusiasm for life was infectious and inspired us all. The legacy that he leaves behind is vast and varied. Our thoughts and prayers are with Mary and their children. Sherm Miller – an example of a life well lived. – Kathie Barstnar, NAIOP Colorado Sherman and I served on the Denver Downtown Partnership's Economic Development Committee together. He was the chair and we accomplished much under his leadership. He led by getting the best out of all involved. His character was beyond reproach and I am blessed to have shared a moment in time with him. I am truly saddened by his death and I pray that God's comforting hands and love will give his family and friends peace. – Melvin Bush, Insurance Design & Placement I always had the utmost respect for Sherman. I considered him a mentor and could always count on him being genuinely interested in my family and me. He was a man of true integrity and we will miss him not only in our industry, but also in life. Thank you, my friend. – Britt Nelson, NewCity Commercial Properties and Development Sherman was such a class act and had such amazing energy. He was always so supportive of the real estate community and us. He will be greatly missed. – Pinnacle Real Estate Advisors I had seen Sherman Miller around at various real estate events in Denver and knew he was an important part of the commercial development here in Colorado, although I had never met him personally. One day, I was with my family up in the mountains and we decided to go relax in the hot tub at Avon recreation center after a day on the slopes. There was Sherman, walking through the lazy river with another person. When I got back to Denver, about a week later, I contacted Sherman to see if he wanted to get together. I did not think he was going to be interested in meeting with a person who works for a general contractor, especially since he really had no construction work to speak of. We met at Starbucks in Cherry Creek and people who knew him were constantly coming up to him and saying “hi.” I felt like I was with a celebrity. Sherman made quite an impression on me that day! The way he treated everyone, his open demeanor and willingness to listen were great attributes that were reflected in his personality. The real estate community surely will miss Sherman. – Chris Strom, Maxwell Builders Everyone I know who knew Sherman was surprised and saddened by his passing. Although sympathy is only a small consolation, from the hearts of us who knew him over his many years in the commercial real estate industry, he will be sorely missed. He was respected and admired by everyone who had the pleasure of working with him. Few men have been held in as high esteem as Sherman was for so many years. No person deserved it more! As a member of our profession, I'm sure I share with many others his tragic loss. – Brian Wells, CBRE God bless Sherm and his entire family. He was always the consummate professional and statesman for our industry! You have made a lasting impression on all lives that you touched! – Randy Churchill Dowis, NAI Highland I did not know Sherman, which is odd given our mutual livelihoods in the real estate industry. I know he was very well respected and an industry leader for sure. My condolences go out to his family, colleagues and friends. He will be missed. Rest assured, his example, contributions and leadership enriched the Denver business community and our profession. May he rest in peace. – Steven Cohen, Bravada Partners I first met Sherm Miller in the mid 1980s. At that time Sherm was the manager of the south office of what was then called Coldwell Banker, and I held a similar position with the regional real estate brokerage firm of Iliff Thorn and Co. During the 1980s the Denver commercial real estate market was in the middle of a very long recession, and Sherm and I compared notes as to how best to help the commercial brokers under our management to be motivated and successful. Sherm was full of ideas and put those to work as best he could under the difficult economic conditions that prevailed. As time passed, so did the recession. Sherm was able to watch his efforts lead to financial success for his office and his brokers. Sherm's efforts and success did not go unnoticed and in the mid-1990s Sherm was offered the position as manager of the Denver office of the national company Cushman & Wakefield, which he held for over 15 years. More recently, Sherm moved his career and successes forward, becoming the executive director of the real estate center at the University of Colorado. What was clear to me over those 35 years was Sherm's passion for the commercial real estate industry and his unique commitment to helping others succeed. We are saddened at Sherm's passing, but he will be remembered for decades in the future. – Brad Neiman, Miller & Associates In good company, that is how you always felt when you were with Sherm. He was a mentor and friend and will be greatly missed in our community. From all the partners at Ernst & Young, our heartfelt condolences go out Sherm’s family and close friends. – Shawn A. Simmons, Ernst & Young It is surreal to think of a world without Sherm in it and it will not be the same without him. Yet we are all better for knowing him and he left the world a better place. – Greg Bante, Jones Lang LaSalle No one has had a greater impact on Colorado commercial real estate than Sherm Miller. With his enthusiasm for students and connections to the industry, he mobilized the resources of the University of Colorado and produced one of the best programs in the country. He was loved by all and will be sorely missed. – John Freyer, Land Title Guarantee Company Sherman's passing is a major loss to his family, friends, business associates and the entire Colorado real estate community. Sherman was an innovative, creative, results-oriented, caring and considerate real estate professional who let his actions speak for themselves. Sherman's exceptional pragmatic and academic professional experience is A+ and will live on through everyone who had the opportunity to know him and work with him. My prayers are with his family and friends. – Robert August, North Star Synergies This is so unfortunate. Sherman was a great father and man. My daughter and his daughter are great friends. For him to pass so close to graduation and the debutante ball is very sad. – Betty Knecht, Apartment Association of Metro Denver Sherm was an amazing colleague, boss, mentor and most importantly a wonderful friend to me. He was a true mentor at heart and always made time for everyone, no matter how busy he was. He was always willing to listen, give advice, or just be a friend to lean on. He cared tremendously for those around him and has made a huge impact on my life and on so many others. He loved interacting with our CU students and it was obvious how much joy and energy he got from those interactions and from his job at The CU Real Estate Center. He took the time to get to know each student and he truly wanted to help each one succeed. Words cannot express how grateful I am to have had Sherm Miller in my life and to call him a true friend. – Katie Latier, CU Real Estate Center Sherm was someone who had a vision that always included benefitting others. His efforts in building up people and the community will be missed, but definitely not forgotten. – Chris Phenicie, CBRE I did not know Sherman personally but only his reputation as a stalwart in the Front Range commercial real estate market. His firm sold properties that I had made loans on and their part in the transaction was always very professional. – John Robbins, Commercial Federal Bank, TierOne Bank and Northstar Bank Sherm was a great guy and a breath of fresh air for our industry and the University of Colorado. He will be missed. – Pat Barron, Barron Investments Sherm was a friend, confidant and sounding board for me for over 25 years. I will miss his humor, stories and fishing pictures. Peace be with you. – Chris King, DPC Development Company I did my first investment deal with Sherm in the early ‘80s, when we were both brokers at Coldwell Banker. He was a friend, mentor, man of his word and he loved to tell a good joke. I can hear his laugh right now. He will be missed. – Jonathan Bush, Littleton Capital Partners To say that Sherm Miller made a difference would be a massive understatement! Sherm was passionate about everything that he got involved with – from Creative Adoptions to Araphoe House to NAIOP to Cushman & Wakefield and, most recently, the CU Real Estate Center – and each passion always translated into an exceptional end result. Sherm would tell you that his most rewarding role was with the CU Real Estate Center, where he advanced this program into one of the top real estate programs in the country. Simply put, the students electrified him and that really kept him going during the final, painful stages of his battle with cancer. He loved to laugh! His sense of humor was unique and he was truly happiest when he was with his beloved wife, Mary, and two wonderful kids, Ralsey and Buzz. I feel blessed to have had him in my life and I will miss him dearly! – Cal Fulenwider, L.C. Fulenwider Sherman was an important character-building model throughout my professional life. The example he set was not about business, it was the conviction he demonstrated for his commitments to Mary, Buzz and Ralsey. Sherman Miller was a good man. – Mark Ballenger, Connexion Asset Group Sherm has been a colleague, mentor and friend for over 30 years. His passion and genuine love for our industry has been and always will be inspiring to me. – Ty Ritchie, CBRE When I think of Sherm, words like class, humility and dignity come to mind. He spent his life helping others to succeed. Perhaps there is no greater legacy of success that that. We have lost one of the good ones. – Richard Stone, EverWest Real Estate Partners Sherm was one of the best guys in our business, ever! I had the privilege to work with and learn many things from Sherm during my tenure with Cushman & Wakefield in the 1990s, and then afterward as a client of mine. – Gary Marsh, Marsh Marketing If you met Sherm, you liked Sherm. If you knew Sherm, he impacted your life. The Burns School at the University of Denver will always remember Sherm Miller as a champion of the real estate industry and a supporter of education – Sherm was serious about preparing students to be the future leaders of the profession. Indeed Sherm was a Buff, but in 2008 the Burns School at The University of Denver acknowledged him as an Honorary Dean of Real Estate and Construction Management. His name remains on the wall of the Burns School and we will always remember him with fondness and respect. Sherm was a fierce competitor, but will likely be remembered for his genuine compassion more than his competitiveness. Here’s to Sherm! May he rest in peace. – The Faculty, Staff and Students, Franklin L. Burns School of Real Estate and Construction Management and Daniels College of Business and the University of Denver Sherm has been an icon in Denver real estate for decades. Each of us could do no better than to emulate Sherm in commitment to family, business relationships, effective management and community involvement. – Rebecca B Martin, Prudential Commercial Real Estate Sherman Miller was a dear friend of my family and mine. What a gentleman he was, and one could never ask for a more motivating manager than Sherman. He had good leadership skills and great creativity! My daughter and I had coffee with Sherm just last summer and he will be sorely missed. He was taken from us too soon. What a great person he was! – Myron Cave, Cave Commercial Brokerage Sherman Miller was the consummate broker – knowledgeable and always professional. He will be missed. – Jan Friedlander, Friedlander Commercial Real Estate Sherm made a real and genuine impact in many lives, including my own. He faced and overcame many challenges with courage, contagious energy, enthusiasm, humor and an incredible positive attitude. Thank you, Sherm, for giving back, for being a great friend and example to me and so many others. – Dave Vorlage, Brinkman Partners I got to know Sherm well during his tenure at CU. Yet I never knew of his previous or more recent illnesses. He never mentioned anything to me. You never had a sense of a man burdened with serious health problems; only for one with a zest for life and complete devotion to his family and CU students. That is how I will remember Sherm. – Michael Leccese, ULI Colorado Sherm was and will always remain one of the great people in the Colorado commercial real estate industry. My first opportunity to come to Denver was as Sherm’s replacement at CBRE when he left for Cushman & Wakefield in 1997. We were friends prior to that time, and remained friends ever since. Sherm was someone I respected, admired and loved for his positive outlook on life, quick wit, and great capacity for giving and supporting others. Sherman, be with God and know that you are loved and missed here. – Ray Pittman, CBRE Sherm was a great man who left a great mark on a city, state and a lot of its people. It did not matter if you were with him oneon-one or if you were among a large group, he always made you feel like the topic at hand was of highest importance. His enthusiasm toward his work, family, friends and passions was contagious and inspiring. He was a mentor to all of us. – Scott Johnson, Lennar Multifamily Communities I am very sad to learn of the sudden demise of Sherm Miller. It is a true loss for our society. We have all lost a real champion, visionary, dean who stood for the true betterment of his students and a friend to many. He has brought the best out in all of us. His infectious smile made a big difference and will be missed. May his soul rest in peace. – Sunny Srinivasan, Magna IV Engineering As a memorial to Sherman, I will add to what will be many notes of condolence to Mary and his family, and admiration for an excellent businessman, an exceptional real estate professional, and more importantly a good man! I lend my voice to the chorus of those wishing that Sherman R.I.P! – David K. Martin, Martin Company I have known Sherm well since 1980, when he joined CB as broker. He was part of the first training class that we conducted. I have followed and envied his career as he truly embodied professionalism and class. There are not enough Shermans in this business and we need more who are cut in his mold. – Michael Cantwell, CBRE Sherm was a great man with many accomplishments and we will truly miss him. The world was a better place with him in it. – John Probeck, Western Proscapes Sherman was a gentle presence who gave all who knew him the sense that his knowledge was always available. – David Nilges, Nilges Commercial Realtors Sherm was a good guy, a true professional and a man who knew how to fight the good fight. CU Real Estate Center and the rest of the real estate community have lost a valuable asset and a good friend. – Ryan Toole, Alterra Real Estate Advisors Sherm and I started in the business on the same day. After a few years, he interviewed for management. I said, “You sure are working hard on that presentation.” He said, “This might be the last listing I will ever need to get.” He was right. There were so many friends he made along the way. Miss you Sherm. – James P. Gruber, Gruber Commercial Real Estate Services Sherman was a lovely, dear man, and wonderful father and friend. Thank you, Sherman, for your many contributions. You left the world a better place. – Monnie Elliott and the Raymond family Sherm was a consummate professional and one of the nicest guys in the business. His impact on the real estate community is far reaching and he will be greatly missed. – R.C. Myles, DTZ I do not know how Sherm found the time to help everyone the way he did. We were all better because of him, and we will miss him. He had a great attitude, was a great leader and a great guy. – Bruce Johnson, Cresa Sherm was such a great guy – personable, affable, always smiling, and had only good things to say about you and anyone else whose name surfaced. He was positive until the very end and I am positive he will be sorely missed; I just hope he knows how much. – David H. Naus, Equity West Investment Partners There are so few people you meet over a lifetime whose energy, enthusiasm, positive attitude and sincere desire to help are all embodied in one individual. I am a better person today for having known Sherm Miller. Perhaps his passing on Earth Day may allow us all a moment each year in the future to remember all that he accomplished, the lives he touched and how we all are better off for having the distinct pleasure to have known him. – Tom Bahn, Cushman & Wakefield Over the course of his career Sherm was a great businessman, a gentleman and an all-around great guy. As the head of the CU real estate program, he brought knowledge, experience and an unbounded enthusiasm for bringing young people into the real estate field. As one who has taught in that program, largely at Sherm’s request, I’ll be one of the many who miss him and regret his untimely passing. – Tom Ragonetti, Otten Johnson Sherm was a true gentleman who pursued life and career with boundless energy no matter what the circumstances. The world would truly be a better place if we had more people like Sherm. – Mike Komppa, Corum Real Estate Group We are going to miss him more than I can say. His influence on our students will continue to show itself as they progress in their careers and their lives. It made him so happy to spend time with them, mentor and advise them, and then to introduce them around. He could work a room like no one I have ever seen, putting together people instead of “deals” … and he was very good at it. – Lisa Peck, CU Real Estate Center He was a mentor to a lot of us in the real estate field, as well as just a great guy. We will miss you, but your memories will never be forgotten. – Bob Busey, Unique Properties Sherm was good man through and through. He enjoyed and loved his life, his profession, and his family and friends in a way we should all admire and emulate. He and I enjoyed our days on the board of NAIOP very much. He introduced me, or should I say coerced me, into getting voice mail many years ago. Our prayers and thoughts are with Mary, Buzz and Ralsey. – Doug Jones, The Jones Realty Group Sherm was a great friend and a class guy! He proved both in many ways, time and time again over the years. Always upbeat, even in the face of his challenge with cancer, his resolve to live life and carry on with everything in it was an inspiration to me and no doubt to many who will read this. I will never forget his call after he read about my own diagnosis with Parkinson’s disease. His was the very first call I received and without doubt the most empathetic, compassionate and caring of the many kind calls, messages and letters that came my way. Sail on Sherman! – Glen Sibley, Fleisher Smyth Brokaw Sherman Miller was one of Denver’s icons as well as a very warm person. He will be sorely missed. My prayers go out to his family. – Catherine Quintero, Burkett Design I had not seen Sherm much over the last several years, but when I think of him, I think of the giant smile that was always on his face. Denver commercial real estate will miss him. Love to Mary. – Steve Leonard, Pacifica Capital Investments Thanks for all your great contributions not only to the University of Colorado, but to our real estate community as well. Your energy and passion for doing the right thing will be missed. – Your friends at Dean Callan & Company Sherm will be missed by the Colorado real estate community, where he was known and respected as an ethical professional. I will miss him on a personal level not only for his friendship and sense of humor, but also for his support and guidance in my own battle against prostate cancer. May he rest in peace, he has earned it! – Dennis Greene, Vector Property Services Sherm Miller always had time for you. Whether you were just starting out, or a seasoned pro who just needed a few minutes to counsel with a wise colleague. His smile was contagious and depth of knowledge in the industry legendary. Sherm, we all will miss you. – Marc Lippitt, Unique Properties About 12 years ago I was fortunate to meet him on the Denver Chamber board. Over the years, I have traveled with Sherm, enjoyed some sporting events together and worked on community activities. He was always positive, committed to his family, profession and the community. He will be missed dearly by many. – Ralph Christie, Merrick & Company Sherm was one of the nicest people that I knew in the real estate business. We worked together briefly in the late ‘70s at CB Commercial and because we were in different areas of expertise, would go for periods of time between seeing each other. However, in my eyes, Sherm was always the same ole Sherm each time we visited – upbeat and always interested in discussing my life rather than his. He was such an understated guy with such great accomplishments. – Greg Gulley, Omni Properties Sherman was an awesome guy – an individual who when engaging with you always gave you his 100 percent undivided attention and made you feel like the most important person in the world. His great personality was very rare in today’s world and he will surely be missed. We have lost a great leader and even a greater man. – Troy McWhinney, McWhinney Sherm Miller was inspirational and transformed the way the real estate industry and academia worked together with his work at CU. I look to Sherm as the perfect example of how industry professionals can give back in a meaningful way, and his work at CU to highlight how real estate centers at universities should be run. Thank you Sherm. You will be dearly missed. – Eric Holsapple, Colorado State University Real Estate Council Twenty years ago, Sherman was my manager at CBRE before I left to start my real estate investment company. Although we only kept in touch every other year or so, we enjoyed each other’s company; at least I enjoyed his company like an old friend where there is immediate warmth of trust when reconnecting again. Many years ago, I was having some business troubles and Sherman heard about it. Although we had not spoken for years, he invited me to lunch and gave me a pep talk. It meant a lot to me at the time. Sherm did things like that. I will miss him. – Stuart Ogilvie, Ogilvie Properties Sherm defined and cultivated generations in Colorado real estate. I am grateful and honored to have been in his world. – Susan Stanton, The Stanton Solution I did not know Mr. Miller well but I am really sad to hear about his passing. I remember him as being very friendly to everyone. He moved fast and always had a smile on his face. The Denver real estate community will miss him. – Cindy T. Carvalho, Trans Lending Corporation Sherman always impressed me with his seemingly unending energy and positive attitude. – Geoff M. Baukol, CBRE Sherm was a pleasure to know, visit with, compare notes with and engage in conversations about life. Sherm and I discussed the personal side – family, his illness, friendship and more. And, we talked about Sherm considering taking over the leadership at the CU Real Estate Program. After all, our Burns School honored Sherm as our Honorary Dean of Real Estate & Construction Management. I encouraged Sherm to use his expertise, wit, personality and abilities to engage and further the CU program. And that is exactly what Sherm did – with huge success! To say that “Sherm will be missed” is an enormous understatement. – Mark Levine, Burns School, Daniels College, University of Denver May Sherman Miller’s legacy of progressive optimism and an eternal sense of purpose continue to inspire all of us in the commercial real estate business. We will miss you Sherm. – Brad Calbert, Colliers International Having known and worked with Sherman for over 30 years, no one had a finer reputation in the real estate community. Our condolences to Mary and the family for their loss of a great man. – Bo Millice and the Millice family, Millice Group Sherm Miller was a mentor, a leader and my friend. He had a tremendous impact in shaping my career and the formation of the office we now have in Colorado Springs. His fingerprints will remain as a legacy on the office we have created, and he is sorely missed. – Peter M. Scoville, Cushman & Wakefield Sherman will be missed not just by the real estate community, but also the community as a whole. His support of many causes and giving of his time to education will be remembered for generations to come. – Rick Wagner, Eide Bailly When I was a freshman at the University of Colorado, just before summer break, I obtained the Denver Business Journal’s Book of Lists and started cold calling the top commercial brokerages in Denver for a summer internship. I think the third call was directly to Sherm. I told him I was interested in learning about commercial real estate. He said to come in and interview with two groups and see who you want to work for. I did, and had a great summer internship with a tenant rep broker. Thirteen years later, I am now on the investment/development side of the business and can truly attest the launch of my career to Sherm. He gave me a shot when I had zero experience in the industry and I will forever be grateful for that opportunity. He will be greatly missed. – Ross Holbrook, Crestone Capital Advisors I just saw Sherm a month or two ago, for the first time in at least 10 years. He remembered me, remembered what I do and even had a story or two to share. When I first started my business 23-plus years ago, he was one of the real estate professionals who was willing to meet with me, share some good advice and even send a few leads my way. He will be missed. – Paul Suter, Suter Media Relations Sherm Miller always had a smile on his face and he was always genuinely glad to see you. He was a positive force in our community for decades, and he will be missed. – Cole Finegan, Hogan Lovells US My deepest sympathy to Sherm’s family. He was a recognized leader whose work in commercial real estate made a significant difference to countless people and companies during his career. We can all learn from his example and commitment to give back to the community. – Lisa B. Henry, Greenway Group I am saddened to learn of Sherm’s passing. I first met him in my early years of involvement in NAIOP. He seemed to have a force about him. As I got to know him a little, I understood it better. He was a happy warrior and his enthusiasm for real estate and the community was his force. I will miss him and the community will miss him. – Steve Johnson, ADI Workplace Acoustics I loved Sherm, everybody did. He was an inspiration and a joy to all he touched. He has trained, mentored, motivated, and led many of the best brokers in our business from his days at Cushman & Wakefield and CBRE. His legacy will live on in our industry, but he will be sorely missed. – Matt Smith, Vector Property Services Sherman Miller was a gentle and patient man, but he cast a large shadow. He was quick with a smile and always treated others with respect. He had the inherent gift to make you feel like you were the most important person to him at that moment. We were blessed to have him in our lives, and our fond and loving memories of him will not fade with time. – Richard B. Morgan, Mutual of Omaha Bank Sherm’s passion for his family, students and Colorado’s real estate community was unmatched. He simply was one of our best. I miss him already. – Jeffrey S. Robinson, Hampton Partners Sherm Miller was one of Denver’s best! With his endless energy, and his contagious smile, he was always willing to lend a hand to those in need. Sherm helped lead dozens of commercial brokers and others, regardless of which company they worked for, into the life of sobriety, which I am proud to say I am a part of. We will miss you Sherm! – Phillip J. Ruschmeyer Jr., Ruschmeyer Corporation I thought highly of Sherm and almost went to work for him on several occasions while he was at Cushman & Wakefield. When I learned about his new role at my alma mater, University of Colorado, I reached out to see if there was anything that I could do to help with the program, which would be a privilege. He was known by almost everyone in the industry and no one ever had a negative thing to say about him, which is an obvious attribute of his amazing standup character. What sad news this is. – John Egan, Highland Commercial Sherman was the face of the commercial real estate industry in Colorado. He was truly a class act. – Barry Higgins, National Retail Group It is rare in life to come across an individual who has touched and improved the lives of so many through genuinely caring about the success and well-being of others. – John Jugl, HFF Sherm’s legacy within Denver’s commercial real estate community and within the University of Colorado Real Estate Center will forever have a great impact! His legacy as a man was even greater. – Leon McBroom, HFF Sherman was an honorable man and a straight shooter. He was always a pleasure to work with over the years. – Neil Oberfeld , Greenberg Traurig I met Sherm Miller in 1980 when I joined Coldwell Banker in Denver. What I soon discovered was a mutual love for the game of baseball. This led to the formation of a group of guys that played a fantasy baseball game called Strato-O-Matic, a complex statistical adaptation of the prior season for hundreds of major league players. Teams were drafted and a 60-game schedule was played along with playoffs. Sherm's team was called the Denver Dodgers and he was anointed the commissioner of our league for many years. The Dodgers once won the Strato World Series and his name was engraved on the trophy. Sherm and I also shared season tickets for the Colorado Rockies and I recall sitting with him and the other ticket partners for the first game at Mile High Stadium in 1993. We all lost a great friend last week and I'm sure that Sherm is now playing in his field of dreams. – Steve Bye, NorthMarq Capital Sherm was a great friend, a wonderful family man and a brilliant businessman. He will be missed! – Jimmy and friends, Miller Global Properties Back in the early ‘90s when Sherm was running CB and had almost celebrity-type status, I remember as a young broker he said to me once, “Hey buddy” and I thought, “Sherm Miller said that to me? Hey, I’m Sherm’s buddy.” He had that kind of impact and I still remember this from almost 25 years ago. (Needless to said he didn't know my name and therefore the buddy reference, but I was proud I was recognized by Sherm.) This past winter Sherm called me to try to get us to buy a table at the upcoming CU event. I gave him four or five good reasons why I couldn’t, including, “We just sold the company again and I would probably get fired if I bought a table, Sherm.” A few minutes later, I bought a table. Sherm was tenacious and I love a good salesman. No one did not like Sherm Miller, he was one of the special ones. – Greg Morris, DTZ There are some people who, in everything they do, embody the spirit of our great community and that is certainly true of Sherm Miller. For all of us who had the opportunity to know Sherm, we mourn a great leader and champion within the real estate community here in Colorado. I admired Sherm greatly and will miss him as a professional colleague, an adviser and friend. His legacy will live on through his family, friends and by all of us who had the chance to have our lives touched by this very special man. – Riki Hashimoto , NGKF Capital Markets Sherm Miller was a leader in the truest sense; a man so committed to higher goals that the challenges of life seemed to just fall in line behind him, to be overcome in spite of them. In the dictionary under “role model” there’s a picture of Sherm, smiling, of course. Always smiling. May he rest forever in the peace of Christ. – Paul J. Ruff, Triumph Real Estate Corporation Sherm was the first person I interviewed with after I got my real estate license. I didn’t end up working with him, but do know that his kind and generous nature helped me along my path. He will be missed. – Cherie Kirschbaum, City Projects I considered Sherm Miller a mentor, manager and friend. I decided to interview with three of the top real estate firms in 1988. My first two interviews were very normal with the usual questions about my resume and the capabilities of the company. Then I showed up to my interview at Coldwell Banker Commercial (now CBRE). My interview was with Sherm Miller. I had never met a guy with more energy and enthusiasm. It didn’t matter that CB had not sold an apartment building in two years; I wanted to work for Sherm and his team. My best memory of Shem was that after he hired me, he gently informed me that the full beard had to go and with regard to the full suit I was wearing, “No one wears vests anymore, Jeff !” Over the years we have laughed about that conversation. I have never met anyone more genuinely excited about other people achieving success than Sherm. I was lucky to have worked with Shem and Mary during my career. Both are very special people. – Jeff Hawks, ARA/Newmark From our very first dealings to our very last, two of Sherm’s many admirable qualities impressed me. First was his sincere dedication to the welfare and advancement of others, whether colleagues or students. Second was his estimation of effort over accomplishment (which he appreciated also) and his belief that everyone could, and should, make an effort, but that accomplishment was often the result of good fortune and the efforts of others. His efforts and accomplishments will not soon be equaled or forgotten. – Mark Senn, Senn Visciano Canges P.C. Sherm was one of the first people I met when I entered the commercial real estate industry in Denver and I am incredibly grateful for his kindness and professionalism. He made a lasting impact on our industry in Denver and touched many people’s lives. We will all miss Sherm! – Brady Welsh, Sherpa Commercial Real Estate There is no shortage of quotes regarding the “measure of a man.” Nor are there any limits on the measures themselves: age, accomplishments, wealth, accolades, etc. There can be no argument that Sherman Miller lost his life too early. But the years that Shem spent on earth were well spent. Sherm laughed often, loved greatly, gave generously and received humbly. By any standard, he “lived.” Sherm leaves in his wake a rich legacy of family, friends, accomplishments and public service. He will be missed by so many. And as for measures, the bar has been set extremely high. – Richard M. Calhoun, RealSource Group Sherm, You were an incredible mentor and leader, and the most positive person I knew. I will always cherish our mutual love of baseball and the times we had at those Rockies games. You lived the example we all should strive for and made such a difference in so many lives, including mine. A lot of who I am today as a professional is because of you! – Mark Weston, Miller Global Properties Sherman Miller was full of enthusiasm and a strong advocate of educating today’s college students on real estate. He was a panelist in a 2013 CoreNet Global chapter learning event that brought together three Colorado universities that have real estate degree programs. Sherm was instrumental in the success of this event and for opening doors to allow his students to be mentored by professionals working in the real estate industry. He will be fondly remembered by the CoreNet Global Colorado Chapter for this contribution. On a personal note, when Sherm Miller was the managing director of CBRE, (aka CB Commercial) he hired me as a corporate services broker early in my commercial real estate career and gave me a chance to broaden my horizons. I will always be grateful to him for affording me this opportunity, for his mentorship and his kindness. Rest in peace. You will be greatly missed! – Karla Tucker-Smith, Arrow Electronics What I remember about Sherman Miller was how kind he was to respond to me when I had a question about business development. Early in my career I reached out to Sherman, knowing how successful he had been at building business and teams, and even though he did not know me, he took the time to return my phone call and share his thoughts about building new business and putting together the teams to support that business. His advice was very helpful and I appreciated that he took the time to share his experience with me. May God bless Sherman and his family. – Tom Potvien, Bridge Property Management To me, and many fathers and daughters who enjoyed float trips down the Colorado river, Sherman Miller was a pure pleasure to know. This was a time each year when you cast business aside and bonded with your daughter, her classmates and their fathers. What I learned on the first trip I practiced through the last; be in Sherman’s boat. Here’s why: There came a time on each trip when he struck, and you lived for that moment. Sherman Miller could jump into another boat, scale the bags, jump the oars and steel their water bucket quicker than anyone or anything on the planet. Disarmed. And then, an explosion of water in your favor. We lived for that moment, and Sherman never let us down. As our daughters grew we talked about a reunion trip, but it remains a great memory. My family and I are honored to have been, even for a short while, in Sherman Miller’s boat. May you rest in peace with a water bucket at your side! – John Frew, Frew Development Group Sherman was a true gentlemen and professional in every aspect of his life. – Stephen J. Miller, Unique Properties Sherm was a force in Denver’s commercial real estate community. He was special because he took the time to talk to anyone and hear others’ perspectives. He was a friend and mentor. He was a visionary. He gave back and was always trying to help others. He was a life learner and will be missed by all. – Kevin S. Chadwick, Terrix Financial Corporation My favorite stories from Sherm were about his grandmother, Nonna. She taught him character, hard work, and to treat people the way you want to be treated. He taught all of us the same! He will be greatly missed as a mentor, a friend and a truly good person. – Becky Hogan, R&R Engineers Surveyors How fortunate am I to have been touched by Sherm and his wife, the leading couple in Denver. Sherm always made me feel important and worthy of being his friend and colleague. We shared laughs in an industry where some of us take ourselves too seriously. Sherm’s influence will magnify over time, the true effect of a great leader. I miss you, Sherm. – Stew Mosko, DTZ Sherm was truly one of a kind. I had the pleasure of working closely with him through the CU Real Estate Center. He helped coach my teammates and I to second place in the 2014 USC International Real Estate Competition. The time and care he invested into helping us develop our careers expanded beyond any business path and truly helped mold us into who we are today. He was not only a professor and mentor, but also a friend, and he will be greatly missed. – Abby Vollmer, Colliers International Sherm’s impact on the Denver real estate community, University of Colorado Real Estate Center and lives of people he worked with is a wonderful legacy. He will be greatly missed. – From his friends at Otten Johnson Robinson Neff + Ragonetti PC