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'He loved people and people loved him': WWII vet Dusty Miller dies at 99

NNSL Media
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One of the oldest living veterans in the NWT, Dusty Miller, is dead at the age of 99 after battling dementia for years. Miller leaves behind four children, six grandchildren and four great-children.

One of NWT’s oldest military veterans, Dusty Miller passed away on Monday.

He was 99.

Retired veteran Dusty Miller passed away Monday at the age of 99.
In this photo, Miller is shown cutting the ribbon to the new Royal Canadian Legion Branch 164 location in May. NNSL file photos

Miller was surrounded by his children at Stanton Territorial Hospital. Miller is remembered for his love of the North. and for being an adventurer.

“It’s been a long time coming,” said his son Doug on on Wednesday morning. “He was very sick.”

Dusty Miller moved to Aklavik from Chatham, Ont., in the 1950s. He was adept in the trades.

So much so, that his family says he was known as one of the founding fathers of Inuvik.

A construction worker by trade, he helped build the community when it was first built in 1953. He also helped build RCMP posts in Fort Simpson and Rae (now Behchoko).

“It was an accomplishment he held dear to his heart,” said Doug. “He loved people, and people loved him.”

During his down time, Miller enjoyed being outdoors. He was also known for never to raising his voice.

One of the oldest living veterans in the NWT, Dusty Miller, is dead at the age of 99 after battling dementia for years. Miller leaves behind four children, six grandchildren and four great-children.

“He was always, always busy,” said Dawn Miller, his daughter. “I remember Ski-Doo trips in the (Mackenzie) Delta. He spent a lot of time in Inuvik so we did a lot of winter camping ... lighting fires and cooking marshmallows.”

He was last seen in public as an honored guest at the opening of the new Royal Canadian Legion Branch 164 location on May 4, cutting the ceremonial red ribbon.

Miller served in the Second World War as an aircraft mechanic.

Dawn, said he never openly talked about his time in the military, but was proud to serve.

“My father would always say ‘it was an honour to serve, I’m proud to have served,'” said Dawn.

Former legion president Blain Kelly said it was a “sad day” when he heard about Dusty's death.

“He's always been the hand that shook the world,” said Kelly. “He was a wonderful man. Always upbeat and caring ... you never saw Dusty without a smile on his face.”

Kelly said what the legion will miss most about Dusty is his presence.

“He will be sorely missed,” he said.

Dusty’s death comes after 30 years of living with dementia and Alzheimer’s. He leaves behind four children, six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

“He loved the North,” said his family.