RICHARD E. "DICK" DUTTON

MAY 28, 1942 - FEBRUARY 15, 2012

Long-time Historical Society member and former Trustee, Richard E. “Dick” Dutton passed away on February 15, 2012 after a lengthy hospitalization resulting from a fall at home.

Dick was widely recognized across Western New York for his fire service activities, but his efforts as a volunteer on behalf of the Historical Society of the Tonawandas were equally significant.

His work cataloging collections inventory at the Museum and organizing off-site collection material at Central School will benefit the Society for many years to come. He set up and maintained the museum computer, providing digital print services to patrons, and Dick was instrumental in the digital preservation of the Fred Hamp Sr. movies of the Tonawandas from the first half of the 20th Century.

Dick also produced close to a dozen presentations featuring the Historical Society’s collections. One of the most popular was the “Urban Renewal” program, which brought a huge crowd to the Riviera Theater. As the society’s unofficial photographer, he took photos at community, society, and museum events.

An early advocate for the restoration of the society’s fire pumper, several recent donations to this important project have been gratefully accepted in Dick’s memory.

The Historical Society of the Tonawandas has lost a good friend but, through his volunteer efforts, Dick Dutton has left a legacy for the Twin Cities community to enjoy for many years to come

jts

Appropriately, Dick's legacy will be that of citizen who didn't just care about the Tonawandas, did something to add to its value. I will still expect to see you at the table when I drop in.