Russell Verle Dobson

Known by many, loved by all.

Russ spent his last few years of life on the same property that he was brought up on, the west end of Vine Street. Born into this world on the 9th of March, 1934, and leaving us on the 5th of May, 2023. 

Russell Verle was the fourth child of Albert and Edna Dobson, older only to his little sister, Carol (Larson). Before him came three brothers, Jay LeRoy, William Ralph, and Harold Blaine. A family worthy of thanks, for shaping the man we admired, loved, and respected so deeply. 

Russ began learning hard lessons at a young age; he witnessed loss and tragedy in an array of shades but it prepared him for the many years to come. His support and strength never depleted, holding steadily through to the end. 

Russell was a graduate of Tooele High and later, the University of Utah. He enlisted in the U.S. Army, and began attending quartermaster school at the base in Fort Lee, VA. A few years later, he met the woman he would love, even past death did them part. On July 2, 1961, Russell and Dollie pledged their love and were married in Elko, NV. At the time, Dollie had been employed at Dugway and Russ was a young mining engineer for the Anaconda (Copper) Co. Together they began to make their first home in Tooele, UT. As the years progressed, they traveled throughout the western states; much of their travel was owed to Russ’ dedication to his work in the geological and mining industry. He was a mining engineer and mine superintendent for Continental Lime Co. (currently, Graymont Western U.S., Inc.), in Townsend, MT. Later, Russ accepted a position at their Pilot Peak plant as plant manager then shortly after, relocated to Delta and held the title of general manager for Continental Lime Co. While in Delta, Russ was asked (and accepted) to step in as a director on the board of DACC (Delta Area Chamber of Commerce). As important as community and his career were to him, Russ prioritized family and held us above all else. Russ retired from Graymont Western where he had been promoted to U.S. Division H.Q. in Salt Lake City in charge of all U.S. mining operations.

Russ and Dollie raised three children together, John (deceased), Julianne, and Steven. His children, he loved more than life. Through him, his grandchildren were given and taught the true understanding of unconditional love. We all feel incredibly blessed to be born into the family that Russ and Dollie made. We were given a strong foundation, built on the values he instilled; whether they were shown or spoken—his virtue provided us all with a compass, to help navigate through life. 

Both Juli and Steve grew up to have children of their own; once Russ and Dollie became grandparents, their time was almost entirely preoccupied. Whether in Utah or Montana, they were rarely without a much smaller, younger shadow nearby. Their grandchildren admired and adored every minute spent with their grandparents. Russ had hunted and fished his entire life; he enjoyed shooting for sport, which brought him to his position as both President and Vice President of the Tooele Gun Club for many years. He began teaching his skills to Steve at a young age, passing down the ethical principles and importance of these abilities. As he got older, he spent more of his leisure time camping and fishing; always bringing his grandkids and making trips, to do just that. If asked their favorite memory, it was likely one made with Grandpa. We were extremely fortunate to be gifted with the experiences he provided and without him, none of us would be the people we are today. 

To say Russ was loved would be quite short of an understatement; although, the love he received was a fraction of what he gave. He had an unshakable presence and toughness greater than most, his love followed suit and he never faltered from that. A lover of all life; never without a garden, a bird dog, or family. In the end, he had exactly that and it was all he needed. In every one of us, there is a part of Russ. Although he is gone, his legacy will carry on through all of us and the pieces of him that have made us whole. Every morning spent with a cup of coffee and a piece of cake, the moments spent driving and searching for a place to set up camp, each drowned worm, and goulash dinner—there is a piece of Russ. Without him, we wouldn’t be here to know how good we have it; a bittersweet end to the most influential person in many of our lives. We were all given something to be thankful for each day, no matter what lies ahead. 

His surviving family include his children—Julianne and Steven. His grandchildren—Jennifer, Kimberlee Krista (Kameron Fisk), Martin Jon, Maggie Jo, Daniel Shane, Sierra Stevie, and many great grandchildren. His in-laws, Ramon and Ronda Jones, Don Smith, and Judee Nelson. Extended family and many friends are scattered throughout the states; his presence still connects strangers, making a big world feel awfully small.