A VETERAN police detective who helped put the county's most notorious killer behind bars has died after a long battle with cancer.
Renowned for his wacky array of bow ties, Bob "Dusty" Miller played a vital role in securing the conviction of Tolleshunt D'Arcy serial killer Jeremy Bamber who murdered his parents, sister and nephews in 1985.
Bob, a community stalwart who led a very active life outside of the force, died on August 16.
The 66-year-old was president of the Chelmsford Amateur Boxing Club and numerous other societies and had a particular penchant for bow ties, so much so that he founded the Bow Tie Club with his friend, Howard Bills, who used to run Keens Men's Outfitters, in New London Road, Chelmsford.
Bob leaves behind wife Maureen, 63, daughters Claudia-Jane, 37, and Candice, 35, plus two granddaughters.
Chairman of Chelmsford ABC, Mick Hull, said: "He loved boxing and being in and around the club and so much is owed to Bob, without him the club might not even exist.
"He was involved with the club until the end and we will be forever grateful."
When the club ran into financial difficulties 32 years ago, Bob brought together some generous businessman to save it by keeping the property they use in the club's name. Bob was also instrumental in bringing offenders from HMP Chelmsford to help refurbish the premises at Harway House on Rectory Lane.
Mick added: "He played a huge part in creating the high standards of discipline, respect, and sportsmanship at the club.
"As an organiser, Bob was a perfectionist who was a stickler for detail, and would never consider cutting corners. He was a proud man, always immaculately turned out.
"Bob adored his family and generally loved people, which was reciprocated by so many. His enthusiasm for everything that he did was infectious."
Bob Miller was born in Fanshawe Crescent, Dagenham in 1947 and attended what is now the Sydney Russell School. He was a keen supporter of Dagenham and Redbridge FC, and still attended matches regularly.
A talented sportsman, Bob boxed with Graham Moughton, who represented Great Britain at the 1972 Munich Olympics, and played football. As a youngster he had expressed an interest in being an actor because his English teacher thought he had a "good, booming voice".
When he was 14 he was put forward for an audition for the National Youth Theatre and received a letter of acceptance only to be told by his dad that he could not attend stating that "there was no way you're going to hang out with a 'load of poofs'."
He later found out that the intake that year included Helen Mirren, Ian McShane and Stephanie Beacham.
In 2013 Bob appeared in a documentary about the Bamber murders called "Slaughter at the Farm" which was aired on Channel 5.
His funeral will be on Monday, September 15 at 1pm at Chelmsford Cathedral.
