Vernon Dean Dilley, 85, longtime Brush area resident, passed away Saturday, April 11, 2015, at his home surrounded by his loving family. Vern was born May 24, 1929, in Sterling, Colorado to James Otto and Bessie Helen (VeVerka) Dilley. Vern graduated from high school in Sterling in 1947. He served in the US Army during the Korean Conflict and received his honorable discharge in 1953. When he returned home, Vern moved to Brush to start his business, Dilley's Sand and Gravel. In 1954 he met, and married, Gwendolyn Gail Hall. Vern & Gwen continued to grow Dilley's Sand & Gravel and in 1973 developed Dilley's Mobile Premix Concrete, both of which continue to be operational in Brush today. Vern & Gwen bought the "Old Brush Golf Course" in 1972, where they built their home and raised their two children, Jim and Lynn Dilley. It was here that Vern started another business raising Registered Paint and Quarter Horses. Many of the horses raised by Vern were successful racing, roping, cutting, and show horses. For Vern, this life of family, horses, and a country life out of a picture book, was his passion. Happily, Vern continued to enjoy this life in the paradise that he created for his family. It was in this picture perfect paradise that he called home, that he passed away. Survivors of Vern include his wife of 60 years, Gwen; son Jim and daughter Lynn Dilley all of Brush; and a sister Dorothy Wade of Westminster, Colorado. He was preceded in death by his sister Margaret McIntire of Sterling, and his parents. At Vernon's request, there will be no formal funeral service. Memorial gifts may be given to the charity of your choice. The Heer Mortuary was entrusted with the final arrangements.