Letter to the Editor: Remembering Dick Bratton

I grew up in Denver, but I’ve come to realize that I was raised on Firebrand and friendships in Gunnison. Among those cherished friendships was Dick Bratton—a man who, while not always universally understood or agreed with, had his own brand of love and vision for the valley.

It saddened me to hear of his passing, knowing we wouldn’t get to share one last laugh about the first time we met. I was a young woman, fresh out of college and working for the Gunnison Country Times. The newspaper was a mess back then, and after putting the paper to bed each week, a drink was often in order. That’s when I met Dick—sitting alone at the bar of The Brick Cellar. I took a seat beside him, and when he introduced himself, I immediately blurted out, “Oh! You’re Dick Bratton. This town has a love-hate relationship with you!”

And we both laughed.

Dick loved to retell that moment anytime we were together. In fact, the last time we saw each other, we drove up to Crested Butte to support our mutual friend Phil Weiser, who was then running for Colorado Attorney General. It was a proud moment—Dick, a Republican; Phil, a Democrat; and me, Unaffiliated—standing side by side. It’s a memory I hold close, a reminder of what’s possible when we show up as humans first.

In his memory, I recognize that Dick taught me something invaluable about community: we don’t have to believe the same things to participate with love and respect. And it’s okay if people disagree with you.

Gunnison raised me to understand the deep meaning of community, and Dick was one of many teachers.

And as I always said to Dick, every time he brought it up (which was every time!), “This town may have a love-hate relationship with you, but I’m more love than hate—I love you.”

Peace to you, my friend. And peace to all of you, my friends—I miss so many of you now that I hail from the shores of Northern Michigan.

Delaney Keating