Dale Sutton Will

Dale was born on Friday, August 13, 1926 in Denver, Colorado. His parents were James Wesley Will, born in Surprise, Nebraska as Wesley James Will, and Shirley Edrie Fern Sutton Will, born in Wakita, Oklahoma. He was the oldest of four children – two boys and two girls.

Many of his childhood years were spent in Denver and he often traveled all over the city by tramway since his uncle worked for the company. Dale attended Denver public schools and would have graduated from West High School, but due to financial hardship, his family moved to the family farm in Adams, Kansas.

While on the farm, Dale learned about hard work, resourcefulness, creativity, responsibility, and problem-solving – traits that remained true to his character throughout the remainder of his life. Most importantly, though, was the family bond and love for one another that was instilled and cultivated in that rural setting.

Dale graduated in a class of seven from Adams High School in Kingman County, Kansas in 1944. At the age of 17 and with his mother’s written permission, he volunteered for the United States Navy and actively served as a Motor Machinist Mate on the USS Ostara in the Pacific Theater during WWII. Dale was on board the Occupation Fleet during the signing of the Japanese surrender in Tokyo Bay, bringing an end to WWII. He later served in the Navy Reserves until 1951.

After the war, Dale returned to Kansas and worked with his father delivering butane. Planning to attend CU, he eventually moved back to Denver and worked for Tramway. It was at this time that he also joined a social club where he met the love of his life – Jane Elizabeth DeGroot. One evening, Dale picked Jane up for a square dance date on his Harley-Davidson. Soon thereafter she said, “It’s me or the motorcycle!” Thankfully, Dale chose Jane, also a Denver native who was born on Valentine’s Day, February 14, 1919.

They were united in marriage on August 6, 1950 at Trinity United Methodist Church in Denver, where Jane sang in the choir. They became parents of two adventuresome, mischievous, loving boys – Bruce and Bryant. Their parenting always reflected a commitment to and love for family.

Dale encountered a near-fatal exposure to carbon monoxide while working as a diesel mechanic for Pacific Intermountain Express and was forced to change careers. He transitioned to Public Service Company of Colorado, working there for 33 years. Dale began as a machinist; he was eventually promoted to Supervisor of Plant Maintenance, where he was fondly and respectfully referred to as “Doc.” Dale was recognized as an expert in hydroelectric generation maintenance and travelled throughout Colorado to various power plants.

Dale took pleasure in sharing his love and appreciation for his Irish ancestry. With his wry leprechaun-like grin, he was well known for breaking into an Irish brogue and saying, “Top o’ the mornin’ to ye, and the rest of the day to meself.” For Dale, his true “pot o’ gold” was his family’s love, but he was always searching for a pot of cookies as well. Being a proud American patriot, he was very careful to daily fly his US Stars and Stripes with proper flag etiquette.

Upon the passing of his beloved Janie in March 1994, his grandchildren became more central to his life. Despite becoming legally blind and losing much of his hearing, Dale continued to be resourceful and active, living independently in his home for 62 years. Being an Irishman, he also remained ornery and stubborn.

Later in life, Dale filled his days with talking books, naps, gardening, naps, phone calls to loved ones, naps, walks (oft times beyond family-established boundaries . . . especially if there were cookies at the end of the trail), naps, befriending neighborhood children, naps, countless hours of sitting in his swings or by his backyard pond, and naps. He also enjoyed visits from the family pets of his two sons – Boo, the basset hound, and Cubbie, the terrier mix.

For the last few years of his life, Dale courageously and valiantly battled cancer. During this time, his caregivers often remarked of his kind and selfless nature, frequently inquiring about their lives rather than complaining about his condition and pain. Most importantly, as the cancer progressed, his relationship with the Lord became more precious – he found greater comfort in both prayer and having Scriptures read to him by family, friends, and caregivers.

Dale was preceded in death by his wife of 44 years, Jane; his younger sister, Mary Evelyn Meyers; and his younger brother William Neil Will. The legacy of his love continues to live on through his younger sister, Patricia Sue Anderson; his older son Bruce (Linda Kay) and their children, Aaron (Katie), Jonathan (Diane), Christine, and Anna; and his younger son Bryant (Linda Sue).

Dale will be missed more than words can express. However, we are comforted in knowing that at 4:20 a.m. on July 9, 2015 he went to his eternal home in Heaven with the Lord and that we will see him again. “Jesus said to her (Martha), ‘I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live.’” John 11:25

The family would like to honor Dale by inviting those who'd wish to donate to the following charities:

The Admiral Nimitz Foundation (The National Museum of The Pacific War) Checks may be mailed to: 328 East Main Street. Fredericksburg, TX 78624

You can contact them at the following number: 1-830-997-8600

Friends of Colorado Talking Book Library (TIN# 98-05024 / EIN # 23-7243950) 180 Sheridan Blvd., Denver, CO 80226 www.friendsofctbl.org