Orris Kay Dalton

On August 22, 2022, the world lost an amazing man and legendary football coach O. Kay Dalton. Born May 4, 1932 in Moab, Utah, Coach Dalton’s football passion began. During college in the early 1950s, Coach Dalton was an All-American tight end, earning academic honors. He had a passion for football and education, which resulted in him earning his Masters's degree from Colorado State University (CSU) in 1958. Coach Dalton then began an illustrious 60-year football coaching career.

Coach Dalton’s collegiate coaching career includes Trinidad State Junior College, Western State College, University of Colorado University, CSU, and University of Northern Colorado (UNC). He was inducted into the Hall of Fame at Western State, CSU, and UNC.

Coach Dalton’s professional coaching comprised of positions in both the CFL and NFL with the Montreal Alouettes, BC Lions, Denver Broncos, Buffalo Bills, Kansas City Chiefs, and the Houston Oilers.

He coached many elite football players the likes of Warren Moon, Bill Kenney, Jim Kelly, John Elway, Gary Kubiak, Vincent Jackson, and many more.

Coach Dalton was a hero to many and his personal commitment to cultivate leadership and character both personally and professionally will be a legacy that will carry on in his family and friends. He was loved and respected by all that knew him.

Coach Dalton is survived by his wife June Dalton, children Mary Lou Furness, Sharon Sessions, Keith Dalton, Meredith Crouse, and stepchildren Scott Thomas, Todd Thomas, Jill King, and Chip Lanners, 8 grandchildren, and 3 great-grandchildren.

A Celebration of Life will be held on September 23, 2022, from 2-5 p.m., at the University of Northern Colorado Campus Commons, 1051 22nd Street, Greeley, Colorado 80631.

“If you are early, you are on time. If you are on time, you are late, If you are late, you are forgotten."

- Coach Kay Dalton