Gethin E. Dalton, 76, of Redding, died on Monday, December 4, 2023 at Regional Hospice of Western CT, Danbury.
On December 4, 2023 the world lost a larger-than-life character, both literally and figuratively. He left us to reunite with his late wife Julie and to be with his former family and friends for eternity. A bold and eccentric fellow he enjoyed nothing better than planning a dress up, or devising a prank, for parties or celebrations regardless of where they were in the world, or how formal they were. He embraced everyone, was the first to crack a joke, bellow with laughter and have everyone in the room in hysterics.
Gethin E. Dalton, “Longfellow”, began his journey of life on January 11, 1947 in Uxbridge, England. He and younger brother Howie were raised by their father, William Arthur Dalton, a member of the Royal Air Force. Gethin spent his early years living between England and South Africa and attended schools in both countries.
He pursued a career in the International Moving and Relocation Industry starting as a packer and eventually opening his own company, which quickly became highly respected and regarded in South Africa and worldwide. He was a superb businessman who prided himself on the highest level of service at all times.
In September 1973, Gethin married the love of his life, Julie, whom he affectionately called “Winky.” Julie was a saint as she patiently embraced his eccentricities and antics. She grounded him and he always maintained that she was the best thing that ever happened to him, and vice versa. They were soulmates. Together, they thoroughly enjoyed raising three daughters in Johannesburg until 1987. His time spent there with family, friends, braais and African wildlife were some of Gethin’s fondest memories.
They started a new life in Ridgefield, CT in 1987. Gethin’s resilience and remarkable work ethic carried his family through the tragedy of losing Julie in 1990. As a single parent, Gethin devoted his life to raising his three girls with a “village” of friends who were, and continue to be, pillars of strength.
Longfellow was one of a kind and he is imprinted in the memory of many, many friends and colleagues around the world who loved him not just because of his outrageousness, but also because of his generosity of spirit, his endless curiosity, his compassion, and the fact that he wore his heart on his sleeve. He bore the tragedies that came his way with enormous stoicism.
He was predeceased by his wife Julie; his parents William and Helen; brother Howard; niece Tiffany; in-laws Peter and Peggy Scott, and aunt Molly and uncle Derek Von Bethman Hollweg.
Gethin is survived by his 3 daughters and 2 sons in law: Joanne Doherty (Kevin), Lauren Bailey (Carl) and Nicola Broughton and granddaughter Evelyn Rose Doherty. In England he is survived by his brother and sister-in-law, Peter and Diane Scott, nephews Alex, John and Tom Scott, and in South Africa his sister-in-law Alison Lowry and niece Roxanne Dalton along with many cousins around the world.
Calling hours will be held on Saturday, December 9, 2023 from 2:00-5:00 pm at the Kane Funeral Home, 25 Catoonah Street, Ridgefield CT, 06877
A celebration of life is to be determined.
In lieu of flowers please make a donation in Gethin’s memory to: Regional Hospice of Western CT, 30 Milestone Rd., Danbury, CT 06810. in Danbury, CT https://regionalhospicect.org/