By Richard Shank
Classy, elegant, fun and creative were a few words spoken Monday to describe Hutchinson Icon Carolyn Dillon, who passed away Sunday in her Hutchinson home. In 1952, Carolyn married Richard (Dick) Dillon, starting a 73-year residency in the Salt City.
Long-time Hutchinson attorney and lifelong Hutchonian Jim Gilliland described Carolyn as a classy lady, witty, and elegant.
“Carolyn did everything with style, whether it was working with 4-H students to working with the arts,” Gilliland said. “I fondly remember attending everything from birthday parties to housewarmings when Carolyn would play the piano and sing songs that had been written by Peter Macdonald (President of Harris Enterprises),” Gilliland said. “Also, Carolyn was an avid tennis player and did much to establish the Dillon Nature Center and Dillon Lecture Series.”
Susan Buttram, whose father, Mert Sellers, is a long-time friend of the Dillon family, has fond memories working with Carolyn on pottery projects.
“Carolyn was one of the most creative and fun people I have ever known,” Buttram said. “She was an accomplished potter, and I have very fun memories of helping Carolyn fire Raku pottery as well as helping her set up and sell her pots at the Hutchinson Art Fair.”
Dan Deming, whose career spanned 50 years as General Manager of KWBW Radio, followed by two terms as a Reno County Commissioner, remembers Carolyn and her husband for their long-time service to Hutchinson.
“I can’t think of a couple that has had more positive impact on Hutchinson in my lifetime than Dick and Carolyn Dillon,” Deming said. “Also, they produced children who have carried on the family tradition in Hutchinson.”
Dr. Tricia Paramore, president of Hutchinson Community College, has special memories of Carolyn.
“I am grateful to Carol Berger and Cindy Keast for introducing me to Carolyn last summer,” Paramore said. “During our most recent visit this spring, Carolyn was a gracious host to give me a tour of her beautiful home and tell me the stories of different pieces she had acquired on her travels with her late husband and highlighted the ceramic class she took at Hutchinson Community College years ago, which sparked a lifelong passion for pottery making. And, the stories she told about the early days of The Dillon Lecture Series, I could have listened to for hours.”
“She appeared to really enjoy life and everything it had to offer,” Paramore continued. “She was engaging, charismatic and generous.”
Molly McVicker, who served for many years on the Dillon Lecture Series Committee, has many fond memories of Carolyn.
“Carolyn Dillon supported many projects in Hutchinson,” McVicker said. “I worked with her on the Dillon Lecture Series and admired her knowledge and ability to bring interesting speakers to the community. The Dillon family does much to make Hutchinson a great community. We will miss Carolyn’s leadership and are thankful that her family continues to follow in her footsteps.”
Tony Finlay, executive director for the Hutchinson Recreation Commission, began his current position in 2012, and for the past 13 years has worked closely with Carolyn regarding the Dillon Nature Center.
“Carolyn had a passion for the Dillon Nature Center and asked the staff to do everything they could to expose youth to natural resources,” Finlay said. “Also, she insisted the center remain free for Hutchinson Residents that visited. Carolyn never said no if we told her of something the center needed,” Finlay said.
This past April, I drove to the Dillon home in east Hutchinson to chat with Carolyn regarding a feature story in the Tribune. To no surprise, she was relaxed and animated and soon let it be known her favorite topics were the Ray and Stella Dillon Lecture Series, Dillon Nature Center and world travels with her family.
“I’ve had a ball meeting speakers,” Carolyn said.
Over dinner at the Hutchinson Town Club in 2003, Carolyn found herself face to face with Ben Bradlee, retired Executive Editor of the Washington Post. Bradlee, known as a great storyteller, seemed puzzled Carolyn knew so much about him. Finally, Bradlee asked, “How do you know so much about this subject?” Carolyn quickly responded, “I read your book.” Then, the entire table laughed.
Still, some of Carolyn’s interests stretch far beyond Hutchinson and even the United States. Working on behalf of the Kansas Arts Association and Mid-America Arts Association, Carolyn found herself in Budapest, Hungary, talking to a Hungarian dance team, and successfully asked them to make a stop in Kansas during a forthcoming visit to the United States.
One of Carolyn’s proudest achievements was her part in establishing the Dillon Nature Center, a 100-acre wildlife sanctuary in the northeastern part of Hutchinson. The center has 200 species of birds among 300 species of woody plants, and three miles of recreational trails available for visitors. Soon after its opening, the Nature Center was selected as one of the top 10 tourist stops in Kansas.
On a beautiful spring morning, I drove to the Dillon home in east Hutchinson to visit with Carolyn. Carolyn seemed nostalgic as she recounted a long life well-lived.
“Patty Carey did a wonderful job establishing the Cosmosphere, and we were happy to be a part of establishing another attraction in Hutchinson,” Carolyn said.
As the clock approached noon, Carolyn’s driver arrived ready to take his passenger out for lunch. Her parting comments were fitting: “I’ve had a great life and have had the opportunity to travel the world,” Carolyn said. “If I were more mobile, I would still be traveling.”
Memorial services for Carolyn Dillon are scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Thursday July 24 at the First Presbyterian Church, 201 East Sherman Street, Hutchinson with the Reverend Christine Kass officiating. Friends may sign her book Tuesday and Wednesday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Elliott Mortuary. Memorials can be sent to the Dillon Lecture Series or the Dillon Nature Center, both in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 North Main Street, Hutchinson 67501.