Astanding-room-only crowd gathered July 10 at Fellowship Denver Church North Metro to remember Dominick Breton, the beloved community leader known to many as “Mr. Wheat Ridge.”
Breton, who was born with liver and kidney disease, died June 18 at age 41 while awaiting another transplant. Pastor and friend Rich Dugan led the service, where Breton’s sister, Janelle Breton, cousin Arianne Tasker-Wellington and lifelong best friend Joe Garcia remembered a man who moved through life with compassion for others and never complained.
“Dom lived more in 41 years than most of us will in a life twice as long,” Garcia said.
Tadd Overstreet, owner of Stylus & Crate, recalled how Breton welcomed the business as soon as it opened and became one of its earliest champions.
“Dom made people feel like they were better for being a part of the community,” Overstreet said.
Following the service, hundreds gathered at The Green on 38th at 7101 W. 38th Avenue, a fitting place to honor someone who spent so much of his life walking the corridor, supporting its businesses and bringing people together. Hunter Owen, membership chair of the Wheat Ridge Chamber of Commerce, recognized Breton’s longtime involvement with the chamber and served as master of ceremonies.
Wheat Ridge Business District President Joe DeMott drew a connection between Breton’s name and St. Dominic’s example of service. Breton, he said, carried that mission into nearly every corner of Wheat Ridge, making each person he encountered feel like the most important person in the world.
“The future will not know Dominick personally, but they will know of Dominick Breton’s contributions forever,” DeMott said.
Mayor Korey Stites recognized Breton’s warmth, kindness and genuine desire to make Wheat Ridge better. Breton was selected as the first recipient of the Mayor’s Community Champion Award but died before it could be presented. The honor will now be known as the Dominick Breton Community Champion Award, ensuring that future acts of service will carry his name.
Scoutmaster Zach Urban of Troop 240 led a scouting tribute. Breton became an Eagle Scout in 2003. After reciting the 12 points of the Scout Law which are to be “trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean and reverent,” he added a 13th, which is to be Dominick Breton as he fully represented boy scout honor.
Kathy Williams, immediate past governor of the Kiwanis Rocky Mountain District, led the civic and service tribute. She introduced Kiwanis International President-elect Hope Markes, who traveled from Jamaica to attend. Speakers also remembered Breton’s involvement in Key Club at Wheat Ridge High School, his volunteer work in local schools and his participation in the Feed the Future program.
The Wheat Ridge Grange opened afterward for a reception catered by Rolling Smoke BBQ and Pietra’s. Businesses along the corridor, including Clancy’s Irish Pub, also hosted gatherings in his honor.
Organ donation gave Breton more years with the community he loved. Those closest to him are encouraging individuals to become organ donors to extend the lives of others.
