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Kenneth Dalton Obituary

Kenneth William Dalton

Aug. 1, 1946

Jan. 3, 2013

Kenneth William Dalton, 66, passed away from lung cancer on January 3, 2013, at his home surrounded by his family. He was born in Sioux City, Iowa, to Donald and Norma Dalton, but grew up in northern California.

He was a four-sport athlete at Orland High School and went on to play football and run track at Cal Poly - San Luis Obispo. He met his wife, Patty, at Avila Beach and was married in the San Luis Mission on December 21, 1968.

Ken spent his career as a high school teacher and a football coach. He began his influential work at Archbishop Mitty High School in the Bay Area, and then started the football program at North Tahoe High School. When McQueen High School was built in 1982, Ken became McQueen's first Head Football Coach.

Coach Dalton was focused on excellence and devoted himself to helping his students, players and coaches maximize their potential. He held all around him to a high standard and was a role model for hard work and attention to detail. He loved his family and community as the father that so many will remember him to be.

Ken amassed more than 300 wins during his coaching career, but will be most remembered for his commitment and inspiration. Ken's keys to success were: 1) You have to compete (not win) with everything you do in life; 2) How you interact with people is a key to success; 3) Be kind; 4) RMA. Right. Mental. Attitude. and 5) Communicate. Smile always! His legacy will be in how LANCER PRIDE and RMA live on in all he left behind.

Coach will be greatly missed by his extended family, friends, former players, students and colleagues. He leaves behind his wife of 44 years, Patty ; daughter Jennifer (and her husband Eric) Sees and their daughters Emma and Samantha; daughter Amy (and her husband Cale) Carter and their sons Dalton and Cooper; son Matt (and his wife Tawney) Dalton; and sister Marilyn Utterback.

A Memorial Service will be held on Sunday, January 13th at 1:00 pm at the McQueen High School Gym.

The family invites you to share a memory or condolence message in the Book of Memories at the website www.waltonsfuneralhomes.com.

Published by The Reno Gazette Journal and Lyon County News Leader from Jan. 5 to Jan. 6, 2013.
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Memories and Condolences
for Kenneth Dalton

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Dalton Family,

I had the privilege to have been coached, taught, and disciplined by coach Dalton. As a young Tongan who had a lot of negative energy he brought out the positive characteristics in me. For that I am eternally grateful. The 4 "F's" is something I will live throughout my life. As a current high school coach in Oro Valley, AZ I was fortunate to share R.M.A with a youth group grades 7th/8th. The lesson during the season was priceless and the knowledge gained is tremendous. As a former player who participated in 2 state titles in 1990/1992 our Lancer Pride was unmatched on/off the field. R.M.A was solid and our class of 1993 bonded in a way that means so much for me. I am a proud person who cherishes his marriage, fatherhood, and community. These are core values taught by coach Dalton from 1989 to 1993. My parents and sister Ana Paelata Helu brother Viliami Solopani Helu, and myself Soma Osaka Helu will remember the luau's and the football games forever. Having the privilege of being around Jennifer, Amy at McQ high school and having Matt as our ball boy during my years are memories that shaped me, coach you demonstrated what a father should be to his family and how you treat your wife, those are the best lessons not the ones on the field that count for me. Thank you for touching my life!

Soma Helu

January 15, 2013

whow what a wonderful service yesterday i know couch would have loved it god bless you all i loved working with him at mcqueen thanks for the memories S M Freeman

January 14, 2013

Patti....I am saddened to hear about Coach's passing. What a great friend and inspiration he was in our yoga classes. He will be missed by so many in all walks of life. I will keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers. Carolyn Fricke

Carolyn Fricke

January 13, 2013

Coach was one of the best teachers I have every had, and I will always remember him telling our class to take a date to Costco for the free food!(: One of the best people I have ever met, Coach will be truly missed.

Hannah Campbell

January 11, 2013

To Patty and family,
The Heavens have received a Bright New Blue and Gray STAR! and an Amazing Coach to whip those Angels into shape! Lancer Pride has been a part of our lives since 1995. Words cannot express the sadness we feel in losing Our Friend, Coach, Teacher and Mentor. Craig and I have 8 McQueen Lancers between us.(First one graduated 1997 and the last will in 2014.) Each one has been touched by Coach D , instilling Lancer Pride Inside and RMA in their daily lives! We have so many wonderful memories of Coach and are proud to have been his friends. We know he fought hard and BELIEVED! Thank you Coach for being such an Amazing ,Loving Man and for giving so much of yourself to all you knew. We will always remember "Do you Believe?". We will miss you for Always and you will live on in Our Hearts and Our Lancer Pride.
We love you Patty and send you and the family comfort and hugs.
With much love, Jamie Johnson, (Nicholl, James, Christopher, Breanna, Jared) and Craig Downie ( Zach, Spenser and Scott)

Jamie Johnson

January 10, 2013

I am sending prayers and a smile of the fun memories I shared with Ken. Sorry for your loss,, God Bless, Lew Myer Class of 1961

Lew Myer

January 9, 2013

Ken, Jim and I went through school together. He always had the biggest smile and so cute! Very popular with the girls! We know he fought long and hard. Our thoughts are with your family at this time of your loss.

Dorinda and Jim Belcher

January 9, 2013

Ken was a year ahead of me in high school, but I remember his great smile and sense of fair play in sports. Rest in the arfms of the Lord. Claire Arano

January 8, 2013

So many wonderful memories with Coach, Patti and Matt. From Little League games at Hilltop,McQueen Lancer football years and the "boys" get togethers during college. Its these memories that will keep Ken alive in our thoughts and hearts. What a great life Ken had and knowing him gave us a great life also. I will look to the heavens and see his star next to the other star I smile at every night. The angels will love and protect him.

Lnda Cansler-Bustamante

January 8, 2013

Marilyn and all of the Dalton family Ken was always a joy to be around and since his parent and my dad were friends I knew the family and kids for a while. So sorry for your loss.

January 8, 2013

I remember Ken from high school. We were on the same track team when he was a senior and I was a sophomore. I remember him as a very civil, courteous, and talented young man. I am sorry for his family's loss, and I am glad to know he lived such a full and rewarding life. All my best wishes. John Nesbitt

January 8, 2013

I was in Ken's brother, Denny's, class, but remember Kenny as one of the friendliest guys in school and a great football player. I was very saddened when I saw this.

Steve Callan

January 8, 2013

Hi Marilyn, I was saddened to read about your brother. I haven't seen Kenny probably since high school. I remember him as a great football player. My brother Rick ( Shoemate )and Ken played football together. YOu,Ken's wife and families are in my thoughts and prayers.

Carlee Shannon

January 8, 2013

Marilyn I am so sorry to hear of your loss. My prayers are with you and your family. Lana Hancock Johnson

January 8, 2013

The best coach I ever had He taugh me alot about Football

Ryan Arny

January 7, 2013

Ken Dalton was an amazing man and an inspiration. I had the privilege of spending time with him and his family while I was attending USC with his son, Matt. Ken's legacy will live on through the many lives he touched and inspired. Dalton family, you are in all of my thoughts and prayers. God Bless,

Mike MacGillivray

Mike MacGillivray

January 7, 2013

My thoughts and prayers are with you. It has been along time since I was involved with McQueen Football, but I will always cherish the moments with you and Ken.

Susan Ball Rothe

January 7, 2013

Coach was a huge part of my high school experience. He was such an amazing man and will be greatly missed. Thank you for everything Dalton! Much love.

January 7, 2013

Dear Dalton Family,
I can't imagine McQueen without Ken. He will be dearly, dearly missed. His voice still resonates vividly with me; his daily rounds in the front office during 5th period prep asking me "How are you doing, Sweetie?" will always stay with me. Ken was a great leader, an extremely caring individual, and a great person. I am sorry for your loss. I will personally miss Ken very much. Take care.

Leslie Hermann

January 7, 2013

Dear Patti and children, I am so sorry for your loss. I met Kenny once some 50 odd years ago while he was visiting his family in NE. His Aunt Marge, was my mother, and his dad's sister. I see he not only has his Uncle Ken's name but also our Grampa Bill Dalton's name. I watched the video interview with Mr. Cass. He made a difference in this world. You and he were married on December 21st. I was too, only in 1974. I can also see the family resemblance. You and your children are in my prayers.
Sincerely,
Pam McCright Lathrop-North

Pamela Lathrop-North

January 7, 2013

He was such an inspiration to everyone and will be missed.
Wish his family peace, love, and blessings
Ray Edwards Family

Dede Edwards

January 6, 2013

I didn't know Ken too many months in our yoga class before he was diagnosed, but I always admired him. He was a great guy and will be missed!

Diane Williams

January 6, 2013

You will be greatly missed Coach Dalton. One of the best coaches to ever coach high school football in North Lake Tahoe and McQueen High School. God Bless you and your family, all your friends and all the students and athletes who learned so much from you, you were a fantastic person, mentor and coach.

Christie Olis

January 6, 2013

My husband and I had the pleasure to meet Coach Dalton at Donner Lake about 3 years ago along with his wife and what a pleasure it was. He had his team up there for some sort of get together before the season started and he and his wife were such kind people and talked to us about the upcoming football season. I was very impressed and could tell, right away that he loved those players and they loved and respected him. What a kind and delightful man him and his wife were to talk to. My heart goes out to his family. I knew not only was he a wonderful human being but a fantastic coach and mentor also to many of our student athletes.
Rest in Peace Coach.

Christie Olis

January 6, 2013

I COACHED AGAINST KEN AND NO HE WAS A FIGHTER, HE WILL BE MISSED BY MANY. SORRY FOR YOOUR LOSS. COACH VALLINE

January 5, 2013

I COACHED AGAINST KEN AND NO HE WAS A FIGHTER, HE WILL BE MISSED BY MANY. SORRY FOR YOOUR LOSS. COACH VALLINE

January 5, 2013

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