Darwin Allen Dalzell

Darwin Allen Dalzell of Cañon City, Colorado passed away Thursday, March 16, 2017 at Skyline Ridge Nursing Home, where he had resided for three years while under care for Alzheimer's Disease. Darwin was born April 22, 1930 in Denver, Colorado to Arthur and Isabel (nee Black) Dalzell.

Darwin attended school in North Denver. He was Head Boy at Skinner Junior High and President of his class for 3 years at North High. He earned money as a paper boy, tossing the paper expertly from his bike. Darwin was on the high school and college swim teams. He continued to enjoy swimming throughout his life.

This led to meeting his future "beautiful bride" Helen, who was a lifeguard at Berkeley Lake in Denver. They were married July 29, 1950. Darwin and Helen have two children, Mike (Cathie) and Suzie (Earl Pembleton); five grandchildren Jake (Tiffany), Katy, Gretchen (Aaron Cole), Grace (Austin Roberts) and Graig (Lucy); and four great-grandchildren. Throughout the years they had numerous pets including their most recent cat, Shadow.

Darwin graduated from Colorado State College of Education (now UNC) with a BA in Chemistry where he was mentored by Dr. John A. Beel. Darwin worked in the gel coatings and resins industry along with developing fiberglass for boats.

As a dedicated AA member since 1984, Darwin helped many others to achieve sobriety. He served on the Cañon City Parks and Recreation board helping to develop the Pathfinder and Arkansas Riverwalk Dog Parks. Collecting kerosene lamps, photography, woodworking, playing Yahtzee with his grand kids, bridge, and walking his pets were just a few of Darwin's favorite past times.

At Darwin's request there will be no funeral service. Family requests that any gifts of condolence be sent to the Dr. John A. Beel Scholarship (University of Northern Colorado Foundation, Campus Box 20 Greeley, CO 80639, www.uncfoundation.org) or the Alzheimer's Association of Colorado (455 Sherman St, Suite 500, Denver, CO 80203, www.act.alz.org).

A special thanks to the wonderful staff at Skyline Ridge Nursing Home for their love and dedication in caring for Darwin and his family.

Darwin will be greatly missed by his friends and family.