BOULDER — Court Dixon tailored a reputation for excellence, professionalism and class during his nearly 40-year history as a Boulder apparel retailer, business owner and community activist, leaving behind a legacy unmatched in his field.

Dixon began as a salesman at Kinsley and Co. decades ago. The iconic, independent clothing store outfitted men and women interested in looking their best. Dixon worked his way from trusted employee to owner of the premier high-end Boulder clothing store.

“It’s the classic story of a young person ... continuing the legacy of an old company and carrying it forward into a new era,” said Richard Foy, longtime friend and customer at Kinsley and Co., which shuttered its doors in 2009.

A deep belief that looking one’s best takes no more effort than looking one’s worst yet pays dividends in self-confidence, others’ perceptions and respect. Dixon culled apparel selections from across the globe for Kinsley and Co., based on quality and classic style rather than transient trends, he said.

Described by friends and customers as affable, energetic, trustworthy and living a highly principled life, Dixon said outward appearances reflect an inner love for self. He took time to listen to customers rather than shoot for a quick sale.

“I’d rather ... have that customer for life,” Dixon said. It’s a philosophy that engendered trust and often led to friendship, said Henry Beer, customer and friend of Dixon’s.

Along with dedication to quality retail sales and service, Dixon is an avid outdoorsman, earning not only the friendship and respect of many clients, but also their admiration in the field while hunting and fishing, Beer said.

“He put his money and energy where his heart was,” Beer said, and gave countless amounts of time, money and energy to community activism. Highlights include unifying various improvement organizations on The Hill into the University Hill Alliance, which merged the interests of merchants, students and neighbors to improve safety and appearance of the shopping and entertainment district. He spoke at university and business functions about the link between attire and success. Dixon shaped the character of Boulder Creek, advocating for a natural flow rather than a concrete culvert as once proposed. He was instrumental in the creation of the nationally known Boulder Creek Fish Observatory.

Dixon generously contributed to countless silent auctions and fundraisers for organizations throughout the city and revamped the Trout Unlimited National Banquet from a fundraiser focused only on anglers to a family-friendly event showcasing the importance of watershed conservation across interest groups.

Dixon’s zest for life draws people to him, Beer said, but his legacy extends beyond that.

“All that focused through the lens of community impact, both through charitable contributions and through entrepreneurial skills, it’s left an indelible mark on Boulder.”