Stanley Dial 1928-2015
Stanley H. Dial of Centennial, Colo., died in hospice care on Sunday, June 7, 2015, at Someren Glen Retirement Community, following a short illness. He was 86.
Stanley was born on June 22, 1928, to John Dial and Hazel Fairbank Dial in Miami, Fla. He was raised in Holton and graduated from Holton High School. After high school he served two years in the U.S. Navy as an aircraft controller, receiving a World War II Victory Medal.
He earned political science and history degrees from Baker University in Baldwin and graduated from the University of Kansas with a Master of Arts in Public Administration.
He married Sally Woosley on Dec. 22, 1949. They had five children together.
Stanley was hired as city manager in Englewood, Colo., in 1962, after serving as city manager in El Dorado. During his 11-year tenure in Englewood, he was involved in the acquisition and construction of seven parks, the joint Littleton-Englewood wastewater treatment plant, an extensive storm drainage program, and the development of the 1,350,000 square foot Cinderella City shopping center, which opened in 1968. He directed emergency action and restoration work following the 1965 flood, which caused extensive damage to municipal facilities. Stanley was a principal in the development of Englewood’s green and white logo, which was adopted in 1971.
In 1966 he received the United States Junior Chamber (Jaycees) Boss of the Year award, and twice during his career was named the Jaycees’ Young Man of the Year.
He later established Dial Associates, a consulting company specializing in property negotiation and right-of-way acquisition for Colorado governments.
Stan loved Colorado and was an avid sportsman who fished, hunted and four-wheeled throughout the state. He served as chairman and board member of the Colorado Rifle Club and loved shooting sporting clays. He enjoyed classical music, literature and the arts, and was involved in Methodist and Episcopal churches throughout his life. His family and friends will miss his great sense of humor and playful spirit and will savor a lifetime’s memories of Stan.
He is survived by his daughter, Stephanie Dial of Durango, Colo.; son Dwight Dial of Anchorage, Alaska (daughter-in-law Kim Dial); daughter Mary Gayle White (son-in-law Don White) of Littleton, Colo.; and son George Dial (daughter-in-law Tamara Dial) of Fort Collins, Colo.; stepdaughter Jeanice Caporaso Smith of Chadron, Neb. (husband Tom); Jody Caporaso O’Rourke (husband Mike) of Denver, Colo.; nephew Bob Dial (wife Joanne Dial); niece Sharon Kolberg; nine grandchildren; a great-granddaughter; and ex-wives Sally Thompson and Jean Mellin. Preceding him in death were his mother and father; brother, Steve Dial; sister, Ann Dial; and his son, Paul Dial.
A private memorial service will be held at a later date.
