Lieutenant Commander Glen Ross “Dusty” Millar, a friend to everyone, died on October 2nd, 2024, at the age of 74.
Dusty served in the Royal New Zealand Navy from 1967 to 1987. In 1985 he achieved the rank of Lieutenant Commander. In Queen Elizabeth II’s birthday honors he was recognized and awarded as “Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (M.B.E.)” for his work as editor of the RNZN Navy News. During his 20 years of service, Lieutenant Commander Millar earned a reputation as a professional engineer, skilled administrator and sympathetic personnel manager.
Dusty married Judith Wigzell and they had two children together, Terri Antionette and Vikki Lorraine.
In 1980, while on a tour of duty aboard the frigate Otago, he met Hazel Whiteoak. They lived together in Devonport, New Zealand, and were married at a private ceremony in San Francisco, California, in 1985.
After the completion of his military service, Dusty managed the Karori Golf Club in Wellington, New Zealand. In 1990, he and his wife, Hazel, relocated to the United States to be closer to his American family. Dusty was the manager of the Wild Oak Saddle club in Santa Rosa.
Dusty became an American citizen in 2013. He was a voracious reader and an ardent student of American politics and enjoyed all of the leading biographies of the U.S. presidents. He chose to become a U.S. citizen to switch from being an observer to an active participant.
He and Hazel retired to Vashon Island in Washington State in 2020 at his daughter Zoe’s farm. Dusty supported his newfound community delivering meals to homebound seniors as well as driving them to medical appointments. He also found renewed success playing golf at the Vashon Island Golf Club.
Dusty is survived by his wife, Hazel, sister, Wendy, and three brothers, Barry, Dan and Ray. All of his siblings and numerous relatives still live in New Zealand. He had four daughters, one son, ten grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. All of them mourn his loss and treasure his memory.
There will be a gathering to remember Dusty at the Vashon Senior Center on October 20th. Please contact them for more information.
Donations in Dusty’s honor can be made to either the Vashon Senior Center or VIPP.
Vashon-Maury Senior Center
• Address: 10004 SW Bank Rd, Vashon, WA 98070
• Phone: (206) 463-5173
VIPP -Vashon Island Pet Protectors
• Address: 12200 SW 243rd St, Vashon, WA 98070
• Phone: (206) 389-1085
Please check on Sunday, October 20, for a link to a live feed of the gathering at the Vashon Senior Center.
