David Dickinson

District Court Judge David Linwood Dickinson passed away Friday, September 8, 2017, in Durango due to complications from ALS Disease. He was 71 years old.

David was born October 14, 1945, to Walter H. and Marilyn Gene (Wyncoop) Dickinson at the Naval Hospital in San Diego, CA. He grew up and graduated high school in Bartlesville, OK and was an Eagle Scout. He attended Colorado School of Mines and obtained a degree in Metallurgical Engineering. He was active in Sigma Nu Fraternity, played the baritone in the marching band, played piano, and sang in the choir. David worked for P & G in Kansas City, MO. It was there that he met Janet Van Sickle. They were married August 30, 1969. David then attended Denver University Law School, while working in the personnel department in Denver City and County and raising his family. He graduated in 1976 and began as a assistant district attorney in Denver. The family moved to Durango in 1981 and David accepted a position as the La Plata County Attorney. In 1985 he entered in to private law practice. His appointment to the 6th Judicial District Court was in 1998 where he proudly served until his retirement in 2013.

Awards and honors received include a peer selection for the "Professionalism Award (dedication to ethics and civility)", he was a Founding Father of the Southwest Bar Volunteer Legal Aid among many others. He was extremely active in the Kiwanis Club of Durango, and held all offices (including commodore) of the San Juan Sailing Club.

David's true passions were sailing, family, and model railroading.

He is survived by his wife: Janet and they recently celebrated 48 years of marriage; children: Shari (Robert) McDonald and Scott (Kimberly) Dickinson; granddaughters: Alexis (Cash Ross) Green and Victoria Paige McDonald; great-grandsons: Ryland and Robert Ross; siblings: Barbara (Bill) Chaple and Keith (Sharon) Dickinson; and many extended family and close friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents.

A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, September 30, 2017, at 3:00 p.m. with a reception to follow until 7 pm, at BPO Elks Lodge #507. Please wear bright colored clothing or your favorite Hawaiian shirt.

Giving back was important to David as he donated his tissues through Donor Alliance. Memorial contributions may be sent to The Rocky Mountain ALS Chapter at webco.alsa.org or any ALS organization.