Obituary: Gethin E. Dalton, 76, Of Redding

Information and Photo Courtesy Jowdy-Kane Funeral Home

REDDING, CT — 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, who 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 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.

Gethin was a voracious reader, avid photographer, writer of countless odes, loyal supporter of the Bokkes and English football, and loved nothing more than stimulating conversation or a vigorous political debate. He was a worldwide traveler who explored almost 100 countries and a master of dramatic entrances to any party or gathering he attended. What he loved most was being with his three daughters, and he rarely missed any family event, either minor or significant, and he was always their number one fan. In more recent years, he couldn’t have been more proud of being "Oupa" to his special granddaughter, Evy.

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 three daughters and two 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.

The family would like to thank the entire staff and volunteers at the Regional Hospice center who showered him with love, smiles, hugs, extraordinary care that went beyond the call of duty.

Calling hours will be held on Saturday, Dec, 9, 2023 from 2:00-5:00 p.m. at the Kane Funeral Home, 25 Catoonah Street, Ridgefield CT, 06877

A celebration of life is to be determined.

In the lieu of flowers please make a donation in Gethin’s memory to: Regional Hospice of Western CT, 30 Milestone Rd., Danbury, CT 06810.