David W. Dutton, local writer                                             

Our Dad and Poppa, David W. Dutton, slipped away from those who loved him most Saturday, June 5, 2021, at the age of 73. I hope my attempt to write about my father in a way he would want to be remembered makes him smile from wherever he is now. 

Dad left behind the love of his life, Marilyn Dutton, whom he met when she moved to Milton at the age of 11. In August, these two lovebirds would have been married over 50 years, therefore these two have spent more time together than apart. As parents, they had three children, Maura Dutton, Derek Dutton (wife Jessica Dutton) and Parker Dutton. Dad took great pride in his seven grandchildren, Keegan Hunsicker, Elliet Hunsicker, Eliza Messick, Ronan Dutton, Jackson Dutton, Stella Dutton and Ava Dutton. 

Dad had a lifelong love affair with the Titanic, deviled eggs, architecture and jazz. A career as a residential designer was what paid the bills however, his true passion was writing. He had written two novels, several short stories, 11 plays, a musical comedy with Martin Dusbiber, two musical reviews for the Possum Point Players and a one-act play, “Why the Chicken Crossed the Road,” commissioned and produced by the Delmarva Chicken Festival.

In 1997, Dad was awarded a fellowship as an established writer by the Delaware Arts Council. The next year he received a first-place award for his creative nonfiction by the Delaware Literary Connection for his piece, “Who is Nahnu Dugeye?” It was subsequently published in the literary anthology, Terrains. Dad has contributed short fiction for the Devil’s Party Press anthologies “Halloween Party 2017,” “Solstice” (for which he also wrote the preface), “Equinox,” “Aurora,” “Wsofit,” “Suspicious Activity” and “Halloween Party 2019.”

In 2018, Dad’s third novel, “One of the Madding Crowd,” was published and was awarded novel of the year (adult fiction) in the 2019 Delaware Press Association Awards.

Dad had also taught English at night for a time at James H. Groves Adult High School, which provides opportunities for adults to acquire a high school education culminating in the attainment of a Groves Adult High School Diploma. He often spoke of how rewarding it was to help those who had given up at some point in life but had found the strength to try again. 

His almost 10-year battle with cancer was a testament to his own determination and love of his family. In the words of the infamous Billie Holiday and one of Dad’s all-time favorites, I will part with this message to him.

I'll be seeing you
In every lovely summer's day
In everything that's light and gay
I'll always think of you that way

I'll find you in the morning sun
And when the night is new
I'll be looking at the moon
But I'll be seeing you.