Dick T. Hyson

Durango resident Dick T. Hyson died from complications of pneumonia Thursday, Jan. 27, 2011, in Durango. He was 74.

Mr. Hyson was an only child and was born Aug. 21, 1936, to Frank Bud and Lesta Hyson in Pawhuska, Okla. He spent his young years traveling to various Indian reservations, where his mother taught elementary school and his father taught high school and coached sports.

Mr. Hyson spent his own high school years in Gallup, N.M., where he was a star athlete in track, basketball and football. His football career continued as he led the University of Colorado Buffaloes, as quarterback, to an Orange Bowl victory in 1957.

On June 11, 1960, he married RaeAnn Meinhardt in Yuma, Ariz.

After his football career, Mr. Hyson turned to his first love of cattle ranching. The Hysons started their family in Hayden, N.M., while running a cow and calf ranch on open prairie that stretched for miles.

"Dick was a cowboy to the depths of his bones and never happier than when on his horse under an open sky," his family wrote.

In 1976, they moved their family to Durango and had lived along the Florida River ever since.

Mr. Hyson was a member of the Kitkihahki Band within the Pawnee Indian Tribe of Oklahoma, a lifelong member of the National Rifle Association, an Orange Bowl championship ring bearer, and a champion Rodeo Cowboy Association bulldogger. He also was a published author, and his family said he received praise for his novel The Calling, a story similar to the life he led.

"He was a loyal friend to many, the patriarch of his family, and loved with full hearts," his family wrote.

Mr. Hyson is survived by his wife of 50 years, RaeAnn Hyson, of Durango; son, Cole Hyson, of Durango; daughters Letty Hyson Clark of Durango and Stacey Hyson Couture of Tucson, Ariz.; and 11 grandchildren.

A funeral will be held at 2 p.m. Monday, Jan. 31, 2011, at First United Methodist Church of Durango, 2917 Aspen Drive. A graveside service and reception will take place afterward.

Flowers or contributions to the charity of one's choice would be welcome.