Dean Carson

Dean Carson, born on March 20, 1927, passed away on February 2, 2019, at the age of 91. He was born in McPherson, Kansas and passed away at home, in Golden, Colorado, surrounded by his loving family.

Dean led a long, full, and happy life. His early years were centered in the small Kansas town of McPherson, where he had so many life building experiences. He was the youngest of 3 boys, born to parents, George and Lola Carson. He attended McPherson schools, through his junior year of high school. He was an excellent student, involved in football and basketball, and at several points during this time, he and his brother Bob, were on the teams together. Both were excellent athletes and made many contributions. Throughout his school years, he had one special friend, Gene Nelson. Until Dean’s death, he and Gene remained friends and visited frequently. Their friendship started at an early age and lasted for 87 years.

He spoke frequently of his aunt and uncle, Annie and Fred Reed. They lived on a farm, about five miles outside of town. Dean and his 2 older brothers spent many hours at the farm, helping Fred in the fields, milking cows and harvesting the wheat crops. At a very early age, Dean learned the importance of a good work ethic. Throughout his life, he always worked incredibly hard and didn’t quit until a job was done.

He and his family had visited the mountains of Colorado several times, during the 1930’s. During these visits, the family would drive from Kansas and spend approximately one week in Colorado. Grand Lake and Mt Princeton were two of the places they visited. After Dean’s junior year of high school, he and his parents moved to Denver. He attended Wheat Ridge High School for his senior year and again was involved in football and basketball. His teams went to All-State tournaments. Dean graduated in 1945 and was drafted into the Army, straight out of high school. He was initially sent to Wichita Falls, Texas and subsequently went to California. At the point he was drafted, the war was over, so he never went overseas.

When he returned from service, he attended Denver University, where he studied for a degree in Civil Engineering. During his early years of college, he met the love of his life, Betty Carmichael. After a long courtship, they became engaged in 1949. Following his graduation from Denver University, in June 1950, he accepted a position with the Soil Conservation Service. He moved to Simla, Colorado at that time. He and Betty were married in September 1950 – he and his bride resided in Simla, making trips back to Denver to visit both sets of parents. In approximately 1952, Dean accepted a position with the Army Corps of Engineers and was transferred to Albuquerque, New Mexico. In 1954, their first daughter, Jill, was born. The family continued to reside in New Mexico, until they returned to Denver in the spring-summer of 1955. At that time, Dean accepted a civil engineering position with Sterns-Rogers. In September 1958, their second daughter, Terri, was born. Approximately, during this time, he began a job, working with his older brother, Lee. In 1972, he began working for Public Service Company (Xcel Energy). He retired in 1992, from Public Service.

His work didn’t end at this point. For several years, he continued to consult with a couple of companies. He and his wife enjoyed their retirement, planning a few trips, working on home projects together, purchasing 3 homes and completing projects to enhance each home.

In 1984, his younger daughter married Tony Lopez. They started their family and in 1986, Dean and Betty’s first grandchild was born. A baby boy, named after his grandfather – Dean. In 1988, baby girl Jenna was born and in 1992, baby boy John was born.

Throughout Dean’s life, his family was most important. He provided ongoing support to each member and through his gentle ways and his love of story telling, each member of the family gained a glimpse into Dean’s past and continued to learn more and more about the father/grandfather they dearly loved. Dean was a simple man, who was so genuine. Through his later years, he continued to read and gain knowledge about his interests. Sports (primarily football) continued to be important. His team of choice was the Denver Broncos. Their 3 Superbowl wins were exciting for Dean. In 1960, he and his father attended the very first Bronco game. There wasn’t a stadium for the team, so their first game was held at Denver University’s field. Dean was hooked and continued to follow the team for many, many years.

In September 2000, Dean and Betty celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. Truly, this was the strongest example of his devotion and commitment. This was evident throughout his life. The family comment was “if you belonged to Dean, you belonged forever”. He always supported his family and added so much to each life. He was a soft spoken man and a man of few words. However, when he offered advice or commented on a situation, his words had a great impact and provoked many thoughts.

Betty, his wife of almost 58 years, passed away in 2008. He missed her so much and reflected on their life together, often. His family was there to help him, offering their support, as he had always done. During the last 11 years of his life, he continued to read, follow his interests, watch his football games and most of all, be involved with his family.

He was truly a great man and will be missed so very much. His legacy is reflected in the way his family loved him. The family knows that he is with his beloved wife again, which gives everyone the peace and joy to help in healing, following the loss of our wonderful father/grandfather.