Renee Dutton, a wonderful woman, passed away Monday June 2, 2014.
Renee's husband, Oliver, was an officer in the United States Air Force and they lived in many places while raising her family but she settled in Lovell in the early 1970's. She made a big impact on the town, not only as a business owner (Kezar Lake Handcrafters and Dutton Real Estate) but devoted much time and energy to the Lovell Historical Society, the Charlotte Hobbs Memorial Library and the Lovell United Church of Christ.
I started my Lovell real estate career when Renee no longer owned the business but she was still actively selling. She was in the office just about every day and always with a smile, an encouraging word and an inquiry on my latest listing or transaction. In a short period of time,I learned quite a bit from Renee and she never hesitated to look at a house or walk up steep hills on a lot with me. In a business where bringing adversarial sides together is not always easy, Renee flourished. It was clear that she enjoyed working with people. As technology was changing our world, Renee always reminded us that our business will always be about people working together.
It is true to this day that every time I show a house, I am reminded of Renee. One of my first lessons from her was that it is best to leave the key in the door lock so you won't be looking for it as you are trying to leave and talk with your clients. I am always proud to tell people that Kezar Realty is part of the Dutton Real Estate lineage.