Dwight Archie Sells

We are sad to announce the passing of Dwight (Dick) Archie Sells at his home in St. George, Utah, on November 24, 2024. He was 96. Until last year, he had been a resident of Grand Junction, Colorado, for over 35 years. Dick was born April 29, 1928, to Archie and Elvira Sells in Jordan, Minnesota. He was raised on a farm and was always with members of his large extended family who lived nearby. With permission from his parents, he left high school at age 17 to join the United States Marines Corps. He was stationed at Camp Pendleton and Camp Lejeune before going overseas. During his time in the VMFA-211 he worked on Corsair fighters and helicopters as Crew Chief. He wa later called back into the service during the Korean War. While in the Marines he met and married his wife, Lorraine. They raised three daughters in a small town near Minneapolis. In the mid-fifties, Dick began working for the US Post Office. The fam remained in Minnesota until 1962 when he accepted an opportunity to transfer to Boulder, Colorado. Dick was always an avid outdoorsman and Colorado gave him a new landscape to explore with his family. Dick had many hobbies including skiing, archery, golf, hiking, camping, and fishing. He was a great gardener and enjoyed canning and cooking what he grew. He an Lorraine also enjoyed all types of dancing, so much so, that they built a dance floor in thei home where they often entertained. In 1985 Dick retired from the Post Office after 27 years of service. In 1988 he and Lorrain moved to Grand Junction where they continued expanding their outdoor activities to include cycling. Dick was proudest of his accomplishment of completing six of the “Ride the Rockies,” events; a multi-day bike ride that covers several hundred miles of the beautiful Colorado Rockies. His inaugural ride was at age 62! Dick also took up the craft of wood turning and created many beautiful bowls. For several years Dick was also a volunteer at the Colorado National Monument in Grand Junction. In 2023, he moved to St. George to be nearer to his family. Dick always put his family first and was a dedicated father and husband. He was a strong kind, loving and supportive father. His knowledge and guidance was the foundation of his family. Above all, Dick’s wit, humor and colorful stories were always enjoyed and appreciated by everyone! Dick is preceded in death by daughter, Jody; grandson, Justin Manzonie; and his wife, Lorraine. He leaves behind Chris (John) Manzonie, Roni (John) Thomas, and great granddaughters Kylie and Alyssa Manzonie. His remains will be interned at the Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Grand Junction. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Semper Fi & Americas Fund or any animal charity o your choosing. The family of Dick Sells wishes to extend their sincere thanks to the nurses, care givers, and staff at Spring Gardens Senior Living and Renew Health & Hospice.