Dan Allen Dickinson of Colstrip passed away July 15, 2015 at St. Vincent’s Hospital in Billings, MT surrounded by his family. Dan, 57, fought a courageous battle with liver cancer since his diagnosis in April 2013.
The second of five children, Dan was born in Billings January 9, 1958 to Jim and Donna Dickinson. A 1976 graduate of Billings Senior High School, Dan had a long career with Western Energy, retiring after 32 years, during which time he served as a steering committee member of the Safety and Training programs.
Dan met his wife of 34 years, Bonnie Jean Ballinger, at Pierce Packing in Billings. He was often heard saying, “Bonnie was the most beautiful woman I have ever seen.” His love and devotion to Bonnie has given them years of traveling and entertaining adventures.
Dan’s love for the great outdoors began as a young child. When he wasn’t taking care of the milk cows, chickens, pigs and other animals, he spent his days exploring the Yellowstone River behind the family home with friends and siblings. Cloud, the family horse, was his trusted steed that joined him in his mischief.
Dan was an avid hunter, fisherman, poker player, and outdoorsman who made sure to include his family into everything he was involved in. He had the unique ability to find the best hunting spots, catch a fish in a mud hole, and steal the pot with a terrible hand.
He was a pillar of his community and impacted the lives of many through his various activities, helpfulness, and sense of humor. He was the facilitator of the Ed Snider Scholarship Fund and a member of the International Operating Engineers Local 400. He could often be found around town “BS’ing” the locals and his fellow Rusty Zipper members.
Dan fought cancer on his own terms and was involved in numerous cancer studies, including one with the National Institute of Health that will surely benefit ongoing cancer research.
Dan is survived by his wife, Bonnie; daughter Rachel (Daniel) Saguanpong; granddaughter Montana; son, Ben; his mother, Donna; one brother, Scott (Polly); three sisters, Kim, Vicki, and Brenda; and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members and friends. His father, Jim, preceded him in death.
The family would like to thank all who cared for and supported Dan throughout his lifetime. Services are planned for Saturday, July 25 at 11:00 a.m. in the Colstrip High School Auditorium, 5000 Pine Butte Drive, with Pastor David Morales officiating. Interment will follow at the Colstrip Cemetery with a reception afterwards at the Moose Lodge, 6111 Homestead Blvd. Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home of Forsyth is assisting the family. Condolences may be sent by visiting www.stevensonandsons.com.
If anyone wishes to give to the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation in Dan’s honor, a memorial has been established in his name. (1-800-225-5355), 5705 Grant Creek Road, Missoula, MT 59808.
Service Schedule
Visitation
9:00 AM to 11:00AM
Saturday July 25, 2015
Colstrip High School Auditorium
5000 Pinebutte Dr
Colstrip, MT 59323
Funeral Service
11:00:AM
Saturday July 25, 2015
Colstrip High School Auditorium
5000 Pinebutte Dr
Colstrip, MT 59323
Graveside Service
12:00 PM
Saturday July 25, 2015
Colstrip Cemetery
Cemetery Road
Colstrip, MT 59323
Luncheon
12:30 PM
Saturday July 25, 2015
Colstrip Moose Lodge
6111 Homestead Blvd
Colstrip , MT 59323
Service Schedule
Visitation
9:00 AM to 11:00AM
Saturday July 25, 2015
Colstrip High School Auditorium
5000 Pinebutte Dr
Colstrip, MT 59323
Funeral Service
11:00:AM
Saturday July 25, 2015
Colstrip High School Auditorium
5000 Pinebutte Dr
Colstrip, MT 59323
Graveside Service
12:00 PM
Saturday July 25, 2015
Colstrip Cemetery
Cemetery Road
Colstrip, MT 59323
Luncheon
12:30 PM
Saturday July 25, 2015
Colstrip Moose Lodge
6111 Homestead Blvd
Colstrip , MT 59323
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pat & george riedel says
Bonnie and Family,
so sorry to hear about Dan’s passing. he was a funny and caring person. he will be missed
Gene & Kelly Harrington says
Bonnie & Kids:
We are so very sorry for your loss and I hope you know that if you need anything
Gene & Kelly Harrington
Julie LaBree Stephens says
We were shocked to see this. Our hearts are broken for you! He gave it all just to stay another day with the family he loved so much. May all those memories get you through this. Thinking of you all.
George and Julie
John and Wendy Smith says
So sorry Bonnie for your loss. My family will be praying for you and your family.
Tom and Lenora Queen says
So sorry for your loss may the memories ease your pain. He put up a very couragose
fight. Prayers go to you and your family. He will be missed by so many. Let us know if we
can do anything.
Tom and Lenora
Ken Stokes says
Bonnie and family I’m so sorry to hear about your loss. You all are in my thoughts and prayers.
Bonnie Dahl Murphy says
Dear Bonnie & Family,
I am so very sorry and shocked to hear of Dan’s passing. What a wonderful human being.
I hope he and Jim are together again catching up on “old times” My love and prayers to you
and kids.
Don and Leigh Karpack says
To Bonnie and family, Please accept our deepest sympathy for Dan’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and beside you.
Dale Cheri DeCock says
Bonnie, Rachel & Ben,
Our hearts are aching for you all as we read this very sad news. Dan was a great man, who loved his family very much. He put a tough battle and now is at peace. Sending our thoughts and prayers. We will miss you Dan…Rest in Paradise!
Willowa Hepner and boys says
Boonie Rachel and Ben and resto of the family so sorry to hear of Dans passing. He was a great person and so caring and thoughtful. You all are in our hearts during this difficult time may the Lord lift you and embrace during this diffcult time and the hard days ahead. Here if you need anything
Willowa Hepner and boys says
Boonie Rachel and Ben and resto of the family so sorry to hear of Dans passing. He was a great person and so caring and thoughtful. You all are in our hearts during this difficult time may the Lord lift you and embrace during this diffcult time and the hard days ahead. Here if you need anything
Willowa Hepner and boys says
Bonnie Rachel and Ben and rest of the family so sorry to hear of Dans passing. He was a great person and so caring and thoughtful. You all are in our hearts during this difficult time may the Lord lift you and embrace during this diffcult time and the hard days ahead. Here if you need anything
Laurence & Sidney Pitt says
Dear Bonnie, Rachel & Ben~
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. We had 25 great years with you as our neighbors. We remember you were always there for us!! Even this last winter, when Dan was home, he would plow out our driveway, walk etc. Dan will be greatly missed by all! We ever pray for your peace and comfort from our Father in Heaven. All our Love Laurence & Sidney
Kash an family says
To Bonnie an family sorry to hear of your lose .he was one of a kind.R.I.P. THUNDER
Doug Skiles says
Our thoughts and prayers are forever with you, Bonnie.
val lind says
So sorry about Danny’s passing Dickinson family….Love and Light to all of you
Doug Oxford says
I am so sorry to hear about Dan passing away. He was a good friend and I always looked forward to seeing him and visiting. He always had a good sense of humor and a positive outlook on life. Bonnie, Rachel and Ben you will always have many wonderful memories!
Chris Negethon and family says
Bonnie and family, words can’t replace Dan. You and your family are in our prayers, God Bless….
Mike and Paula Childers says
We are so sad to hear of Dan’s passing. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
James and Nikki Donahue says
Ben and family,
We are so sorry for your loss. Colstrip was lucky to have a man like Dan as a part of the community. May God be with you and bring you comfort. Keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers.
Donna Smith (Hall) says
Bonnie and family:
It’s been many many years but I remember when I was married to Tom Hall and him and Dan were the biggest pranksters! I’m very sorry you’ve lost such an awesome guy. Would love to see you. Praying for you all….
Love, Donna and kids
John Groom says
Bonnie and Family
So Sorry to hear of Dan’s passing. God be You and all of the family.
John
Erica Littlewolf says
Rachel, Bonnie and Ben,
I will remember your father fondly. May you find rest amid your grief and energy for your journey ahead. Know that I am thinking and praying for you and grieving along side you.
Terry and Joyce Angell says
We are so sorry for the news of Dan’s passing. We pray that Dan’s courageous participation in Clinical trials will bring others hope and success. Prayers for Bon and their great Kids.
Sharon & Del Dinstel says
Bonnie, Ben and Rachel,
We are so sorry to hear of Dan’s passing. Dan had a kind spirit, a very big heart, and always greeted us with a smile. Del always enjoyed working and visiting with him. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Duane and Sue Allred says
Dickinson family,
We are sorry to hear of Dan’s passing. After working with him for many years I considered him a good friend and will miss his greeting of, “how the heck are ya”. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Bob and Linda Miars says
Bonnie and family
We are so very sorry to hear of Dans passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this very difficult time.
Georgie Moore says
Dear Bonnie and family I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I didnt know Dan, but everyone says he was very special. My thoughts are with you as I know this was a great loss.
Georgie Moore says
Dear Bonnie and family I am so sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts are with you. I did not know Dan but every one says what a great guy he was. Just know that you are not alone.
Phyllis Lundvall says
Dear Bonnie and family, I did not know Dan, but from the long list of friends who responded to his death, I learned what a wonderful man he was. May beautiful memories give you strength in these difficult hours.
Marilyn Watson & Lyle Dorn says
Prayers of peace for the entire Dickinson family.
Les and Nancy Brennan says
Bonnie, We are so sorry for your loss. We really liked Dan. Hopefully you can find some comfort in the outpouring of love from family and friends.
Tracy Wilson Heberle says
Thoughts and prayers to the Dickinson family.
Christy Gerrits says
Alexis, my thoughts are with you and Dan’s family. So sorry for your loss.
Jason Standing Elk says
Thoughts and prayers, Bonnie and family. So sorry for your loss.
DIane Rapos says
Bonnie
I am so very sorry to hear about Dan. Please accept my sympathy for you and your children.
Love
Diane
Jim and Karen Shroyer says
Bonnie and family, we are broken hearted for all of you. Sending you prayers for God to comfort you. Dan was a wonderful man and he did his utmost to stay with you as long as he could. Heaven got a new angel. If there is anything we can do to help just let us know.
Hugs,
Jim & Karen
Mindy Hubbard says
My heart goes out to you and your family. Your husband was a joy to be around and to care for. It was a blessing to have gotten to know you over the past few years. Bless you all.
MENCELLA (MINCEMEAT) says
I WAS SO SORRY TO HEAR OF DAN’S PASSING. MY DEEPEST SYMPATHY GOES OUT TO ALL OF HIS FAMILY.
Nanci Stevenson Holloway says
Bonnie, I am so sorry for your loss. I know you and Dan made wonderful memories in your 34 years of marriage. I hope you can cope with his passing through your loving family and friends. My blessings and love to you and your family. Dan’s pain is over. May he rest in peace.
Diane Brabec George says
So sorry for your loss Bonnie and family. Holding you in my heart and many prayers for you all.
Jim and Betty (Reamy) Sweet says
That Dan thought of others by using his cancer as research for the future is just one small indication of how caring this man who had the biggest heart ever could be. I think of Dan as a gentle giant who seemed larger than life, gave the best hugs and really listened when you talked with him. He loved his family and friends so much – the best part of his life began when he met Bonnie. With Rachel and Ben – he had it all. He will truly be missed.
Jackie Vermillion says
My thoughts & prayers are with all of the family. Dan was a wonderful and fun person! I’ll always remember the good times had. Rest in peace Dan, where there is no more pain! Love to all of you Jackie
Gayle Kallevig says
I am so sorry for the loss of Dan. May he rest in peace free of all pain and suffering. My thoughts and prayers are with you now and always.
Sue & Keith Mestad says
Bonnie and family ~
We are so sorry to learn of Dan’s passing. Our hearts go out to all of you.
Kathy (McCormack) Hamilton says
So sorry to hear this, Bonnie! Sending love and prayers to you and rest of the family.
Sheila (Loran) Lipps says
Oh Bonnie, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I wish I could make it up there for you. Please know that you and the kids are in my thought & prayers. A thousand hugs being sent your way as well. I know that in God’s plan you two will be together again without the physical pain that we experiance as mortals. I hope that is at least a little comfort for you for now.
your friend always,
Sheila
Daniel & Lillian Big Man says
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family Bonnie. Dan was a great man and was always willing to help out wherever he could. Please let us know if there is anything that you need.
Terri Ballinger-May says
Bonnie and Family,
My thoughts are with you. May you find comfort in your memories.
Wesley Barrett says
Bonnie, Rachel, and Ben,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Dan was a great guy. Always a pleasure to be around. He will be dearly missed.
Donnie and Paula Peplow says
Bonnie and Family,
May your memories of time spent together warm your heart. Didn’t see Dan when he wasn’t smiling when he said hello.
Leo and Kathy Doran says
Bonnie, Rachel, and Ben,
There are no words to express our sorrow for your loss. You are in our prayers for your healing and peace. God be with you and bless you always.
Glenn Logan says
Dan was a huge part of our Western Energy family for over three decades at the Rosebud Mine. He was a great friend and co-worker to all and will be sorely missed by those of us here at the mine and within the Colstrip community. His passing is a loss for all of us !
Our condolences to Bonnie and his family.
Ilona McDill says
So sorry Bonnie and family. I’ve thought of you often over the last couple of years, and have inquired about you through Sally. I’ve always appreciated the kindness you and Dan have shown towards Steele. Thank you. Take care…. and know that others will continue to wish you peace and comfort in the coming days, months, and years. Ilona McDill
Buggs and Loni Hartman says
May God bless you all through this horrible time in your lives. He was an amazing man with a huge HEART. We will miss his living funny sense of humor and Buggs will so miss their poker playing together a and I am going to miss those huge HUGS.
Dave and Vickie Gunderson says
Our sincerest sympathies to Dan’s family during this very difficult time..God bless all of you.
Doug and Lori Goodheart says
Bonnie,
We were so sorry to hear about Dan. The conversations we had last year regarding the battles and strength and courage he shared were an added strength for us. Our prayers are with you and the kids.
Dave Malloy says
So sorry to hear about Dan’s passing. My years spent in Colstrip, getting to know Dan and Bonnie, and coaching Rachel were among the happiest moments of my life. Dan was a fine man and my love and prayers go to all family members.
Marsha Cox says
I am so sorry for your loss. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.