Remembering Dale

Remembering Dale

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I learned today that Dale passed away with heart failure following a day on the slopes at Breckenridge. In memory of this fine man who has taken his place in heaven, I am republishing a poem I wrote about him back in September 2014 as my health will not allow me travel to his funeral at the present time. Below is the introduction and the tribute poem for Dale.

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Dale

 

Dale is one of the best friends I have ever had. This poem is a small tribute to one of the finest guys that ever lived

 

Dale


We met Dale at square dance lessons one fine day,
It was easy to see Dale was a fun guy with which to play.
We became close friends with Dale and his wife Sandy.
We could tell right away he was going to be a real dandy.

 

 

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Bill & Pam, Dale & Sandy, Joe & Mildred, and John & Sue
Had the best square in the club and we were really good too.
We kicked up our feet and yelled and had a real fun time.
As we do si doed and promenaded to the calls real fine.

 

 

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Dale was a leader and a smooth silver tongued devil for sure.
So he became our group planner and leader by force majeure.
Paul & Jean and Howard & Jane also were members of our troop.
And we all traveled together and square danced as a group.

 

 

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We became so close we named ourselves the “Mickey Mouse Gang”
Dale was our spokesman and we followed the directions he sang.
The ladies designed our outfits and Mickey Mouse shirts we wore.
Whatever we did, we had fun and were never ever bored.

 

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Dale often bought dinner for the whole group because he was nice.
Such a generous person was rarely ever seen by these mice.
We snow skied, water skied, ski dooed, picnicked, and played also.
We all became so close we were like extended family, you know.

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San Antonio, Breckenridge, Palo Duro Canyon, and Grand Lake
Are the sites for the Mickey Mouse Gang reunions we did make.
We talked about old times and made new memories to share.
Dale was there leading the group activities for those that were
there.

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Dale became close to our daughters and created an annual thing.
Each year in October they jumped in Grand Lake really shivering.
The girls loved the event and looked forward to their Dale date.
They remember this well and still keep in touch with Dale and his
mate.

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We all know by now that Dale is really a friend so true.
He still keeps track of all of the Mickey Mouse Gang too.
We still appreciate you Dale, for what you have done for us all.
We love you man, and know that you will always be standing tall.

 

 

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Dale and I on the side of a mountain enjoying the sites near Breckenridge on one of our visits.

 

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Dale with the ladies on a trip to Grand Lake near Grove, Oklahoma. Ladies left to right are Sandy, Tamara, Sue, Pam , and Kristi. I believe we were fixing to dine at Olive Garden.

 

 

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Dale with the Mickey Mouse Gang enjoying a show on the San Antonio River Walk during Fiesta San Antonio on one of our reunion trips.

 

 

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Dale at his spot at the head of the table at Bennigans in Amarillo on the Gang’s trip to Amarillo and Palo Duro Canyon.

 

 

imageThat’s me giving Dale plenty of room as I taught him use his brand new fly rod out in front of his Condo at Breckenridge . We went fly  fishing that afternoon and he caught more trout than I did.
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By Bill”

 

 

Thanks for reading Remembering Dale,
Bill