MEEKER | The appeal of a small town and the availability of outdoor activities played a major role in Dale and Jill Dunbar’s decision to set up home in Meeker.
Fifty years ago, Dale, who was born in Durango, Colo., moved to Meeker. Jill was born in Tustin, Calif. They will be celebrating the 29th anniversary of when they were married at Sunlight Ski Area outside of Glenwood Springs on July 6.
The Dunbars have two children.
Oldest son Kevin, 28, lives in Cedaredge, Colo., with his wife, Heather, and their son, Jackson, who is 1-1/2. Kevin is a high school science teacher as well as head basketball coach. Younger son Kurtis, 24, lives in Brea, Calif., where he works for Morovek Biochemical Co.
Dale is assistant general manager for White River Electric Association in Meeker while Jill is office manager for local dentist Dr. Charles Vandiver.
Both have also been very active in community service.
Dale has been a member of the board of the Rio Blanco Golf Association, the Meeker Sportsmen’s Club and the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation. He has also served as a member of the committee for the Ducks Unlimited local chapter as well as committee chairman.
Jill has served as a committee member for the local Rocky Mountain Elks Foundation and Ducks Unlimited chapters as well as served as a 4-H leader.
Dale’s interests away from work include hiking, camping, fishing and hunting while Jill also enjoys cooking, baking cupcakes and playing with her grandson.
“One of the highlights of my life was a four-day 27-mile hike of the Grand Canyon,” Dale said.
“I truly like the small town and the people,” Dale said of what he likes best about living in Meeker. “I love the availability to the outdoors and being able to experience almost any day the things that folks who live in the city don’t get to experience.
“I also really enjoy the friendliness and small-town atmosphere as well as the people of Meeker,” he said. “You can’t go anywhere in town without seeing at least a couple of friends.”