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We are very sad to report that former Youth Team Manager, Dusty Miller passed away on Tuesday 16th February 2010 after a prolonged illness, he was 75 years old.

A funeral service for Dusty will be held at Cambridge Crematorium on Wednesday 3rd March at 11.30.

If you would like to pay a tribute or have a story to tell about Dusty please e-mail them by clicking here

I was very sad to hear that Dusty had finally lost his fight for life. The world in general and darts in particular is a sadder place today without him.

I guess I first met Dusty some 20 years ago and whilst we may not always have agreed on some things, I can't remember actually having an argument with him in all those years.

He had been involved with both the Ladies and Men's Super Leagues for most of his time within the Cambridgeshire Darts Organisation, but his true passion was to be the County youths, which he aptly named the "Fen Tigers".

He was instrumental in getting a Cambridgeshire youth team up and running and without doubt if it had not been for Dusty the team would have folded on more than one occasion.

There are many players who have a lot to thank Dusty for, he gave many of today's Super League and County players a start and it gave him great pleasure to see them competing at all levels.

At the end of the 2008-2009 season he decided to retire from the County Youths (although he still went to games whenever he could) and what a fitting way to go out as the team took the Northern Youth Eastern Division title.

The County marked this achievement with a presentation at a Senior County match by presenting everyone involved with a medal and then surprising Dusty by making him an Honorary Life Member for his services to Cambridgeshire.

It was a fitting award for Dusty and there was hardly a dry eye in the club and I know there will be many more tears shed when people hear he has left us.

So many memories of youth matches, senior county matches, weekends at Hemsby and playing in pubs and clubs. The terrifying journeys by minibus and car when we all needed a large drink after Dusty's driving to be able to hit the
board..... but always such fun and good times.

I will miss you and always remember being proud to have been one of Dusty's 'Handbags'.

Not just a friend to one but a true friend to all that knew him, God bless you Dusty.

So many fond memories and so proud to have known you. Without your encouragement and determination I would not be playing for the County now - for that I thank you. Like many others before and after me, you gave up your time for us and your Fen Tigers are a credit to you.

I am also proud to have been one of "Dusty's Handbags" - may we meet again in dart heaven to throw a few arrows.

I am also one of the proud members of Dustys Handbags!

Dusty was my partner in my very first competitive mixed pairs competition many years ago. He gave me encouragement and support. And he also made me get very drunk that night! Needless to say we both lost, but we lost in style!

I have many happy memories of darts with Dusty and I am honoured that I was able to call him a friend. Darts in Cambs just wont be the same without you Dusty. You will be missed but I know we all have some very fond memories of you!

At least we now all know you are in no more pain and at peace.

Karen
xxxx

From : Carly & Matt Chapman

Dusty was a true legend who we will never forget. Saying goodbye to such a good friend was so hard, but we are pleased that he is now finally at peace.

We will always remember the good times we shared, and endless laughs we had, such as his unique way of clearing the empties at the Dutch Open, his countless 'bingo' calls when he still needed several numbers at a weekend in Coombe Haven, and the mini bus journey on the way to Brean Sands when he intended to tap the brake while George Chapman was sipping his drink with the hope that George would spill the drink over himself, but in true Dusty style he slammed the brakes on (about 10 times harder than required!), resulting in Georges drink going all over the windscreen and half of us flying off our seats in the back!!

We would like to thank Dusty for everything he has done for us, especially Matt. Dusty played such a huge part in the success Matt achieved in Darts over the years, for which we will always be grateful. Nothing was ever too much trouble for Dusty and if ever we asked anything of him his answer was always the same ' For you Carlsberg / Sunshine I'd chase a bull up the stairs'

Dusty was such a huge darts fan, and was involved in darts at all levels. Although he appreciated good standard darts, and would soon let you know if he didn't think you had played well enough, what he really appreciated was watching you play the game with passion and determination and as long as you tried your best that is all he ever asked.

May you Rest in Peace Dusty

Love Always,

Matt and Carly Chapman

(Proud ex - Fen Tigers and a Dusty's Handbag)

From : Louise & Ian Walpole

Dusty, it was an honour and a privilege to know you, you gave everything to darts and we thank you for that. Your words of encouragement will always ring in our ears. Things will not be the same without you.

God Bless, Sweet Dreams

Love Louise & Ian Walpole and family xxxxxx

From : Nadine & Geoff Bentley & Stephanie

Dearest Dusty, so sad to hear you have gone after a fight so bravely borne. Our deepest sympathy to his family.

I have also known Dusty for about 20 years both as a player for Cambridgeshire Darts and also as a fellow committee member. About 15 years ago my daughter, Stephanie, played for the Fen Tigers under Dusty's regime and he always encouraged and praised her during the time she played as he also did for me at senior level.

A true friend that will be sadly missed. May you rest in peace Dusty and farewell.

Nadine and Geoff Bentley and Stephanie (Ex-Fen Tiger)

It was a privilege to play under you during my time at Cambridgeshire County Youth, and a real honour to know you as a person. Your gave so much to darts at various levels but the youth team was youre Baby. You spend so much time organising and sorting everyone elses problems for the good of the team and youth darts, I for one thank you for that. Your words of encouragement were always positive and so many people respected you through out the darting community, they will always be so grateful.

I will always remember you, one of a kind and "The Real Fen Tiger"

Rest in Peace Mate

Tommie Coleman

(Ex,Cambridgeshire Youth Player)