Richard M. Dixon

Richard M. Dixon was born in Mobile, Alabama, on August 17, 1943 to Walter P. Dixon and Sue (McVoy) Dixon. Richard had one older brother and two older sisters. He went to military schools in Alabama and Mississippi from age 7 to age 15. In 1958, his mom and dad had an opportunity to move to Hawaii or Alaska with the Corp of Engineers. Richard was told he could choose. He chose Alaska. The first time he went to a public school was in Anchorage, Alaska; he was a junior and attended West High School. He was there during the time that Alaska became the 49th state.

Richard then attended Alaska Methodist University, acquiring many friends and becoming involved with stage theater. He went to Eugene, Oregon, for one post graduate semester studying literature and creative writing, but returned to Anchorage. There he worked in credit collection. He also met Donna Stuart, an RN new to Alaska. They did not let grass grow under their feet and were married March 22, 1968.

Richard went back to school and received his teaching certificate. He taught two years at West High School. Their daughter, Erin, was born in 1972 at Anchorage Community Hospital. They moved to Homer, and Richard bought a 20-foot double ender boat and commercially fished for halibut during the summer. When Richard sold his boat, they traveled to Japan, Hong Kong, and Guam, and met his parents in Hawaii.

Richard and Donna also lived in China Poot Bay and were lodge managers for Mike McBride. Richard then taught at Homer High School for 3 years; and his son, Jed was born February 4, 1976, at the rural six bed Homer Hospital. The Homer High School principal drove him wild, so they moved to Kenai and Richard began working in the insurance business. They stayed there for 5 years, then moved to Anchorage, and continued in the insurance business. Richard received a free trip to the North Slope during his time working in insurance. The family saw Mt. McKinley, Brooks Range, tundra, and stood on the edge of the Arctic Ocean.

After completing his work with insurance, Richard did contract work with the same company and flew to many of the Arctic villages, meeting with school boards which were insured by the company. Richard loved that. Before leaving Alaska, Jed was married to Katie. Because his children had completed high school and Donna’s mother in Montana needed help, Richard and Donna moved to Missoula and later found out that their first grandchild had been born back in Anchorage.

Richard started an Allstate Insurance Agency there, but this did not survive, and Richard became the manager of the Eastgate Mall in Missoula. When her mother passed away, Richard asked Donna where she wanted to live. She chose Denver as both children lived there, so Englewood it was. They lived there for 3 years. After they arrived, Jed went through a divorce and remarriage. Jed and Stephanie’s daughter, Olivia was born in 2007. Erin had Isabella Paige six months later, and lived with Richard and Donna until Isabella was 4 1/2.

Richard worked with several insurance agencies, then DTC security. At the age of 62, he had had enough of work and retired. Later, when Donna retired, they knew they could not afford to live in Denver. After looking around, they found a place in Deer Trail that they could buy outright. Richard often longed to return to Alaska, but it had changed and so had he. Richard and Donna made three wonderful trips to New Mexico to meet with Alaska friends.

Richard and Donna began attending church in Agate, Colorado, making their relationship with God and Jesus stronger and making marvelous friends. Richard had a rough time the last seven years. Memory loss became more severe, and confusion, anger and frustration were very hard. He was aware of what was happening to his mind. He was ready to shake the dust from his sandals and move on. He passed away on August 15, 2025 at Highland Park, Aurora.

Richard is survived by his wife, Donna of 57 years; his son, Jed (Stephanie); his grandchildren, Emma Dixon, “Katt” Olivia, “Isa” Isabella, and Jaxon Dixon; two great grandchildren; and his sister-in-law, Julia Dixon.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Sue Dixon; his daughter, Erin; his two sisters and one brother.

A Memorial Service will be held in September at Agate Community Church. Memorial contributions can be made to Agate Community Church, 41078 1st Ave., Agate, Colorado, 80101.