Eleanor "Dusty" Miller

Eleanor Joan Miller Dusty Miller August 3, 1929 - February 14, 2012 Dusty was born and raised in Fort William. She was the eldest of the seven children of William and Katherine Faircloth. She is survived by her sister Marilyn Pylypiw (Jim) and brothers Robert (Jean) Faircloth, Gerald (Marlene) Faircloth and Ken (Naida) Faircloth. She is also survived by a sister-in-law Ruth Lamphier (Don) and numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband Thomas B. Miller (1996), her sister Barbara Sinclair (2005) and a brother Donald Faircloth (2003). Dusty received her teaching certificate from Peterborough Normal School and taught for two years in Port Hope, Ontario. After her marriage to Tom Miller in 1949 she moved to England where her husband completed his doctorate in History at the London School of Economics. Dusty taught in private schools before accepting a position as receptionist at Canada House. During her five years in England Dusty's passion for theatre and arts evolved. The Millers returned to Canada and Thunder Bay in 1954 and at that time Dusty pursued her interest in drama. She directed 26 plays and musicals in her nine years as Artistic Director of Cambrian Players. In 1966, Dusty began a five year stint teaching high school courses in Theatre and Television Arts. She served as Manager of Magnus Theatre during its inaugural season (1972 - 1973). She designed and co-directed the drama program for the Fine Arts Division at Lakehead University and taught in the Confederation College Performing Arts Management Program. During the 60's Dusty and her husband Tom worked tirelessly with the group responsible for advocating that a full-degree university be established. Lakehead Technical School became Lakehead University and Dusty became a student. In 1969, Dusty graduated with the Chancellor's Medal for the highest standing attained by a part time student. Dusty was first elected to City Council in 1974. In 1978, she became the first female mayor of Thunder Bay and served in that position until 1980. Dusty then left politics until 1985 when she returned as a City Councillor and served the city until 1991. As Mayor, Dusty was a member of all Council Standing Committees, the Hydro Commission and chaired the Police Commission. She was twice elected to the Board of Governors of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities of Ontario AMO. She was Housing Chair for AMO in 1980. As councillor, Dusty chaired the City's Community Services Committee for six years and the Planning Committee for one term. She had been Thunder Bay's representative on numerous Boards, some of which included the Thunder Bay Non-Profit Housing Corporation, the Children's Aid Society, the Library Board, Lakehead Planning Board, the Social Planning Council, the Municipal Advisory Committee on Planning for Northwestern Ontario, Magnus Theatre, the Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra, Thunder Bay Art Gallery, Community Auditorium, Theatre Ontario of which she is a founding member and for eleven years on Lakehead University Board of Governors. In 1991, Dusty chaired Arts and Heritage Thunder Bay and was also chair of the Grant Review Team for Northwestern Ontario for the Trillium Foundation. During her career, Dusty received many awards. Some of them include the Northern Ontario Business Award for Influential Women, the Maggie Bassett Award presented by Theatre Ontario in recognition for her outstanding contribution to theatre in Ontario, the Thunder Bay Community Auditorium President's Award, the Alumni Association of Lakehead University Alumni Honour Award, Canadian 125 Medal, the Order of Ontario and most recently she was appointed Fellow of Lakehead University in recognition of long and distinguished service to the University and the Community. Dusty loved the community of Thunder Bay and fondly remembered the successes such as the creation of the Community Auditorium, the Neebing - McIntyre Floodway and the first stages of waterfront beautification. These successes she attributed to the hard work of dedicated volunteers and was always humbled by their energy, drive and determination. The family wishes to thank the daughter of Lyn and Jim, Jocelyn Brady for the tireless hours she spent co-ordinating Dusty's care for the past few months. In lieu of flowers, donations may be directed to any of Dusty's favourite charities, the Symphony, the Art Gallery, The Museum, Magnus Theatre or TBRHSC. The Memorial Service celebrating the life of Dusty Miller is now taking place at the Thunder Bay Community Auditorium on Friday, February 24, at 2 pm. On-line condolences may be made through www.nwfainc.com"