Rodney Dean Dahlin

Rodney was born on January 25, 1963, in Cheyenne, Wyoming, where he spent his childhood. Growing up, he developed a lifelong love of sports, especially baseball and football. After graduating from high school, he proudly served his country in the United States Navy before receiving an honorable discharge.

After returning home, Rodney began working for UPS, where he met Kathy Van Ess. They married and welcomed their daughter, Breanna, and for several years also raised Zachery Hannan, who became a cherished part of their family. Throughout the years, life took Rodney and his family from Cheyenne to Las Vegas, Green Bay, and ultimately Northern Colorado, where they put down roots. Rodney spent more than a decade working at Colorado State University.

In 2008, Rodney's life changed when he was diagnosed with cancer. He endured an incredibly difficult course of treatment and, through remarkable determination, beat the disease. While cancer was defeated, the lasting effects of treatment remained with him for the rest of his life. Even so, Rodney continued to face each challenge with a resilience that amazed those who knew him. He seemed to have the proverbial nine lives and never stopped fighting.

Rodney truly was one of a kind. A proud, Wyoming native with a personality all his own, he saw the world a little differently than most. Those closest to him knew that beneath his unique quirks was a man with a generous heart who would do anything for the people he loved.

Sports weren't just a hobby for Rodney; they were woven into nearly every part of his life. He loved playing sports in his youth, watching games, reading sports news, making predictions, collecting sports memorabilia, talking sports with anyone who would listen, and for a time even owned and operated a sports collectibles store in Wyoming. He faithfully cheered for the Denver Broncos and Green Bay Packers and could always be counted on to have an opinion about the latest game.

Rodney also found joy in the simple things. He loved rock and roll, long drives, his Toyota Tacomas over the years, watching summer thunderstorms roll across the plains, spending time with his beloved dog, Bandit, and dreaming of his next visit to his favorite place on earth, Jackson Hole, Wyoming and Grand Teton National Park.

Above all else, Rodney loved his family. His greatest pride was his daughter, Breanna, and later his grandson, Adrian "AJ" Encinia. He loved them fiercely, spoke of them often, and found immeasurable joy in watching them both grow.

Rodney was preceded in death by his parents, Roger Dahlin and Marilou Arnold, and his sister, Cindy Karen.

He is survived by his former wife and lifelong friend, Kathy Dahlin (Van Ess); his daughter, Breanna Encinia; his grandson, Adrian "AJ" Encinia; his brother, Richard Dahlin; and Zachery Hannan, whom Rodney loved as a son, along with many extended family members and friends who will miss him dearly.

Though Rodney's journey was not always easy, his strength, humor, loyalty, and love for his family left a lasting mark on everyone who was fortunate enough to know him. He will be remembered every time a football game is turned on, a classic rock song fills the air, a summer storm rolls in, or the Tetons come into view.

Rodney's story is made up of countless moments with family, friends, coworkers, and neighbors. If you have a favorite memory, photograph, or story you'd like to share, we would be honored to receive it at [email protected].