William Dean Singleton was lauded Thursday night during the Mizel Museum’s Community Cultural Enrichment Award dinner for the many hats he wears in supporting his community, but friends say his favorite hat is of the cowboy variety.
Mayor John Hickenlooper and Gov. Bill Ritter, the masters of ceremony, gave The Denver Post’s owner and publisher a good-natured ribbing.
Ritter called Singleton “the man who beats the crap out of me every day in his newspaper.”
But, as the governor listed the honoree’s many accomplishments, he added, “You may not know Dean is a man who loves and respects his governor,” to the laughter of the audience of more than 1,800 at the $10,000-a-table charity fete at the Wings Over the Rockies Air and Space Museum.
The award honors those who have contributed to the arts in Colorado, and past winners have included Hickenlooper, former Gov. Bill Owens and first lady Frances Owens, former Gov. Roy Romer and brewing magnate Pete Coors.
Speakers read letters from President Barack Obama, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar.
“This prestigious honor is richly deserved,” the governor read from Obama’s letter.
Hickenlooper said Singleton’s passion reminded the mayor of how his grandfather said to “always live life large.”
“Dean embodies that as much as anyone I’ve known,” Hickenlooper said.
Singleton listed the accomplishments of Denver during his time as The Post’s owner. He recalled the campaign pledge of former Mayor Federico Peña.
“Imagine a great city? You’re damn right,” the Texas native said of his adopted hometown.
He added, “I’m humbled this dynamic city and state allowed a poor country kid from Texas to come along for the ride.”
Singleton, 57, publisher of The Denver Post and dozens of other publications in 13 states, is the chairman of the Associated Press board of directors.
Speakers lauded Singleton’s support of youth livestock competitions and many charities.
Singer and fellow Texan Michael Martin Murphey called his longtime friend “just a good old boy from Texas.”
Martin sang his 1975 hit “Wildfire” and another song Singleton called his favorite tune, “You Were Born to Be a Cowboy.”
Martin recalled something Singleton once told him.
“Murph, when I’m out here working on the ranch, looking out over the cattle and wildlife, I’m at the end of my rainbow.”
Joey Bunch: 303-954-1174 or jbunch@denverpost.com
