OLIVER ALVIN DALTON

Oliver Alvin Dalton, a.k.a. Tiny the Barber of Clovis, died peacefully in Fresno on Wednesday evening, February 23, 2011, from complications related to congestive heart failure. Born in Fresno, March 5, 1921, to Berry amd Mary Dalton, "Dutch", as he was known to family and many friends, spent most of his 90 years in greater Central California. Dutch was a graduate of Edison High School in 1939. As an Edison Tiger, he enjoyed competitive sports, particularly football. At 270 pounds and quick as a cat, he was a formidable blocking back in Edison's single-wing attack. Dutch attended Fresno State College briefly before World War II. His brother, Emery, enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard, but Dutch opted for the U.S. Army. After basic training, Dutch recieved Medical Corps training in Memphis, Tennessee. Because he met and fell in love with Marjorie Bell Boyd in Memphis, he declined additional Army training as an anesthesiologist, as it would have required him to leave Margie for another city. They were married in Crittenden County, Arkansas, on December 12, 1943. Dutch's training as an operating room scrub nurse would be needed during the invasion in Europe. He landed in France on D-Day, Plus Six. Shortly thereafter, he injured his back and was mustered back to Memphis. Honorably discharged, Dutch convalesced for a lengthy period before confronting the need to provide for his wife and future family. He became a barber and ultimately opened a shop in Clovis, California, where he became known as, "Tiny the Barber". Tiny developed a loyal clientele over the years that came to his shop for two reasons -- either to get a haircut or to sling the bull. It was not common for his shop to be full of people who did not need a haircut. They were simply there for stimulating conversations about sports and politics. A devoted father, Dutch welcomed his son, Gary, into the world in 1948, followed by daughter, Kim Ann, in 1955. Of limited means but spoiling for adventure, Dutch and Margie moved the family to Meadow Lakes near Auberry in 1960. Margie was the homemaker while Dutch wore out four or five VW Bugs over the years commuting 45 miles each way to work. Some of the commutes commenced early in the morning to meet faithful customers that came to his shop as early as 6:00 a.m. After back surgery in the early 1950's, his doctors had warned him not to lift anything heavier than his barber tools. Although in constant pain, Dutch ignored that advice and repeatedly challenged his limitations. Living in the mountains meant harvesting wood to heat the home, and that meant wielding a chain saw, swinging an ax, and stacking logs. He did it all -- whether he felt like it or not. He was also a member of the local volunteer fire department for several years. By 1978, heart problems caught up with him, and he could no longer work. Without a surgical option to improve his condition, he survived on nitroglycerin and various blood pressure medications for the next eight years. He stayed busy on woodworking projects, creating beautiful oak burl clocks and hanging planters. Finally, in 1986, a serious heart attack landed him in the hospital where a by-pass gave him a new lease on life. After that, he and Margie traveled the Southwest extensively. Ten years later, he endured another open-heart surgery and a subsequent stroke. Always a fighter, he battled back to live a relatively normal life which included driving his cherished Ford Mustang. After residing in San Juan Bautista and Santa Nella for a number of years, Dutch and Margie moved to Madera to live out their days. In failing health, Margie entered a rest home in 2006. Devoted Dutch visited her every day until she died in August, 2008. Dutch is survived by his son, Gary, of Mountain View, California and his daughter, Kimmy Peck of Meadow Lakes, California. Dutch was also very proud of his four grandchildren, Kori Tumlinson, Holly Dalton, and Amy and Sam Peck. Visitation will be held at Boice Funeral Home on Tuesday, March 1, 2011, from 2:00 - 7:00 p.m. A Graveside Funeral Service will be held at Tollhouse Cemetery in Tollhouse, Ca on Wednedsay, March 2, 2011, at 11:00 a.m. Dutch was not big on formality. It would be his wish that friends and family attended services dress casually and comfortably -- preferably in bright colors -- weather permitting. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations in Dutch's name be made to Hinds Hospice, 1416 W. Twain, Fresno, Ca. 93711. BOICE FUNERAL HOME 308 Pollasky Avenue Clovis, California (559)299-4372 boicefuneralhome.com