Hayden resident, Benjamin Loren Dunning, died Dec. 11, 2003, at Yampa Valley Medical Center. He was 57.

Dunning was born March 1, 1946, in Scottsbluff, Neb., to Benjamin H. and Ruth (Zook) Dunning.

Dunning moved with his family at an early age to the Denver area, where he attended school. At the age of 17, he joined the U.S. Marines and served for four years during the Viet Nam Conflict and was a truck driver in the motorpool division.

Following his discharge, Dunning worked in the concrete construction business. He married Margaret E. Eggart on May 24, 1968, in Englewood, Colo. Dunning and his family moved to the Hayden area 28 years ago, and he went to work for Yampa Valley Electric as a lineman and later as a dispatcher in the Craig office, a position he held until his death.

Dunning enjoyed his work, woodworking and was active with the Boy Scouts when his boys were involved.

Some years ago, he was a member of the Hayden Lions Club.

Dunning is survived by his wife, Margaret E. Dunning, of Hayden; sons John H. (Shona) Dunning, of Powell, Wyo., and Daniel R. (Kari) Dunning, of Craig; grandchildren Andy Mumm, Trista, and Taren Farquharson; sisters Judy (Jack) Ross, of Torrington, Veronica (Morey) Manuel, of Garden Grove Calif., and Vera Baca, of Denver; a brother, David Dunning, of Denver; sisters-in-law Jeri Dunning and Sharry Dunning; and by several nieces and nephews.

Dunning was preceded in death by his parents and brothers Larry and Michael.

A celebration of Dunning’s life will be held from 2-4p.m., Saturday, Dec. 20, at Legion Hut in Hayden.

Memorial contributions may be made to Routt County Council on Aging or Advocates Against Battering and Abuse, both in care of Grant Mortuary.