Richard "Dick" Lee Dalton

Richard Lee "Dick” Dalton’s life was characterized by striving to make things better. Beginning with the farm and feedlot northwest of Eaton where he was raised, he looked to make the operation the best it could be. This led him to a degree in Farm and Ranch Management from CSU and a lifelong role as manager of the family properties. Richard’s desire to improve things extended to changing lives through Christian Education. In pursuit of this desire, he earned a master's degree from Denver Seminary and served in four churches: First Baptist of Eaton; First Baptist of Golden; First Baptist of West Los Angeles (where he also served as principal the inaugural year of WLAB High School); and Grace Church in Greeley. His bipolar disorder was no exception in Richard’s striving to improve his life and the lives of others. His personal studies of strategies to overcome the disease enabled him to live a healthy life and counsel others living with depression and bipolar disorder, but his studies didn’t end there. He ultimately earned a master's degree in Community Counseling from UNC and became a licensed therapist. He served as Treasurer for Colorado Counseling Association and gave many hours to helping those with mental illness through his private practice. Richard was born to LeRoy and Shirley (Miller) Dalton on April 28, 1947 at Weld County Hospital and passed into glory on May 19, 2016 at his home. He attended Eaton schools from Kindergarten through High School. He was a FFA State Farmer, the Student Body President, and a member of Honor Society. He was also a member of band and this early exposure to music brought to light a passion for music that enriched his connection with the world. Richard’s formal education continued at Colorado State University, Denver Seminary, and the University of Northern Colorado. However, his real education came from his own reading and research. He was so well read that he could carry on a conversation with anyone on almost any subject. On August 17, 1968 Richard married Gail Elizabeth Tanner and together they had two children: Darin Lee and Debra Elizabeth. Together they weathered the ups and downs of life and his family was a source of great pride. He fought valiantly against lung cancer for 4 years and when his body was devastated after each round of treatment, he found new vitality with the help of the trainers at UNC Cancer Rehabilitation Institute. When he found out that the cancer would eventually win, he decided that he would do his best to finish well. This desire compelled him to seek to live in the present moment, spend intentional time with family and friends, and learn acceptance. However, he also knew that no amount of striving would get him through this challenge. Instead, he practiced being in the presence of Jesus. Preceded in death by his parents, aunts, and uncles. Survived by his wife Gail, son Darin (Kristi), daughter Debra, grandchildren Mackenna Elizabeth and Jack Tanner, brother Jim of Eaton, nephew David (Kriska) of Denver and niece Sara of Los Angeles. Services will be held at 4 p.m. Wednesday, May 25, 2016 at Journey Church with a reception to follow. Private inurnment at the Eaton Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to UNC Foundation designation of UNC Cancer Rehabilitation Institute or G.R.A.C.E. (A Godly Response to Abuse in the Christian Environment) in care of Adamson Funeral & Cremation, 2000 47th Ave., Greeley, CO 80634. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.adamsonchapels.com.