Dusty was born on the 8th March 1946 to Thomas and Winifred Miller, in Spring Valley, Pulrose, Douglas and had 2 older brothers, Derek and Tommy. At the age of 8 he moved to Hyde in Greater Manchester with his parents. During his time in Hyde he attended ‘Greenfield Boys School’ where he excelled as a young amateur boxer, winning a county Championship Boxing title at the age of 12. He and his parents moved back to the Isle of Man when Dusty was 14. When he left High School he trained in ‘car body repairs’ at Mylchreests in Douglas. Now in his early 20’s he moved to Toronto, Canada with 2 friends to work there for the winter season as Tin Miners, but coming home to the Isle of Man to drive coaches during the busy summer tourist season. He did this for 2 years before returning to the island for good. He often told fond stories from those days. His 2 close friends still live in Canada to this day.