Robert Dale Austin, age 82, of LaSalle, died peacefully in his sleep on August 21, 2016, in Greeley, Colorado.

Dale, one of four children, was born November 28, 1933 to Arden and Helen (Forrest) Austin in Greeley, Colorado, who both preceded him in death.

Dale is survived by his wife of 61 years, Jean Marie Austin, of LaSalle, Colorado; his daughter, Debra Lynn Boettcher and her husband William, of Iliff, Colorado; and his son, Robert Dale “Butch” Austin, Jr and his wife Laura of Ridge Farm, Illinois. He has four grandchildren, including Sarah Isenegger and husband Reto and great-grandchild Jack, of Stansstad, Switzerland; William Boettcher III of Lone Tree, Colorado; Zachary Boettcher and wife Nicole and great-grandchildren Oliver and James of Milliken, Colorado; and Eric Austin of Ridge Farm, Illinois. He is also survived by his three sisters; Shirley Nock and husband Walter of Centennial, Colorado; Judy Shute and husband Steve of Lafayette, Colorado; and Barbara Austin and partner Dale McCallum, of Loveland, Colorado; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

He graduated from Eaton High School 1951 and attended CSU (then Colorado A & M) for a short time. He soon left to pursue his dream of driving a truck, which is what he really wanted to do. He continued driving countless miles until his retirement, enjoying the countryside and scenery throughout much of the U.S. He married Jean Schnepf of Ault, Colorado on May 17, 1955. They lived in Colorado their whole lives, raising their two children Debra and Butch, and spent the last 37 years living in LaSalle.

Dale loved Colorado and the Rocky Mountains. For many years he lived for their camping and fishing trips to the Laramie River, and watching the moose and deer roam the campsite. When grandchildren came along, he had another generation to teach how to fish and enjoy the mountains. Sitting around the campfire at night, he told them stories and they told him stories, each delighting in the other.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 25, 2016 at the Moser Funeral Service Chapel. Reception to follow. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Dale’s life.

Memorial gifts may be made to the Dale Austin Memorial Fund to be used for his great grandchildren’s education c/o Moser Funeral Service, 3501 S. 11th Avenue, Evans, Colorado 80620.