February 9, 2007

Villages resident Pat Dutton dies at age 80

Dedication hike to be held in November for longtime member of Sierra Singleaires

By means of small gestures over time, some of the most meaningful traditions of our lives can be established. The conservation efforts of the Sierra Singleaires, a chapter of the Sierra Club for single people over age 40, are an example of such progression. According to member Judy Pugh, the group has raised $10,000 by means of “little dinners and parties” given over many years and attended mostly by the members themselves.

Every year, the group decides where to send their donations toward environmental concerns, but a mainstay of their preservation efforts is Friendship Grove, deep within Big Basin State Park. Over time, Friendship Grove has become symbolic to the group of the significance of their works both for themselves and for those who come after them. That understanding is underscored as the Singleaires dedicate a tree from the grove each year to the memory of a group member who has died in that year.

This year’s dedication will be made to Warren Alvin “Pat” Dutton, a 15-year resident of the Villages community of San Jose and longtime member and hike leader of the group. Dutton died on Jan. 22, having been able to celebrate his 80th birthday last November in Eureka, California, with all of his children.

Pat Dutton (left) and fellow Singleaire hiker Ruth Eastlack.

He was born in Red Oak, Iowa, and was one of four brothers to attend Iowa State University and to serve in the US Navy in WWII. He had a full professional career as an engineer in Texas and then in California, raising his family in Los Altos.

In retirement Dutton enjoyed the community life of the Villages, continuing to hike, play tennis and becoming active at the nearby St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church. He is survived by brothers Dean and Paul; daughters Susanne Dutton and Jane Dutton Tasker; sons Jim and Paul; five grandchildren and by Thomasene Griffin Dutton, with whom he raised his family.

The dedication hike, to be held in November this year, is an event meant for close friends and family. However, persons interested in other activities of the Singleaires, including backpacking, camping and cycling, as well as conservation efforts, may contact them through the Sierra Club.