Christopher Lane Dill

Christopher Lane Dill, 61, Greeley, Colo., beloved husband, brother, friend and superintendent of the city of Greeley Museums, died peacefully at home on May 22, 2009, of congestive heart failure. A memorial was held in his honor on May 28 at Union Colony Civic Center's Monfort Concert Hall, Greeley.

Chris was born April 6, 1948, in Minot, to Glenn Verner Dill Jr. and Ethel May Karpen Dill. Chris was raised in LaMoure, graduating from LHS in 1966. He followed his passion and sought a degree in archaeology, graduating from the University of Kansas with his masters degree in archeology.

Returning home to North Dakota, Chris began his 25-year archaeological career working for the State Historical Society of North Dakota. During this time, he worked as site supervisor for Fort Clark, North Dakota State Archaeologist and director for the North Dakota Heritage Center.

In 1999, Chris followed his dream to Greeley, Colo., where he managed the staff and sites of the Greeley Museum. Chris' most passionate challenge was to follow the desires of the Greeley community to build a museum to house collections and exhibits displaying the unique and fascinating stories of Greeley. His dream came true. Greeley citizens built an exquisite museum open to the public since 2005.

Chris is survived by his wife, Roiann Baird, Greeley; his sister, Martha McClary and her husband, Bill, and their children, Dan and Katie; his stepbrother, David Davenport; and his cousins, Valerie Hietala and Jeanine Koch.