Edward Joseph Dale, longtime Rosalia resident and business owner, passed away Thursday, March 8, 2018 at his home in Colfax. He was 89. Funeral Services will be Friday, March 16th at 1:00 p.m. at the Rosalia United Methodist Church with burial following in the IOOF Evergreen Cemetery. Ed was born October 2, 1928 in Molalla, Oregon to Joseph and Maude Miller Dale. When he was seven, the family moved to Rosalia and Ed went through his school years there. He was an extremely fast runner and participated in high school track. He enlisted with the U.S. Marines toward the end of World War II and was stationed at Camp Pendleton in California. He worked as a telephone lineman in the service. Following his honorable discharge from the Marines, Ed returned to Rosalia and began working at the Plaza Grange Supply as a fuel delivery driver. One day while at work, Ed spotted a young lady bringing a load of wheat to storage and inquired about her. He married Shirley Mae Sievers a short time later in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho on June 1, 1953. They made their home in Rosalia and Ed and his dad bought the lumber yard in town and began their venture together as "Dale's Building Center". Ed and Shirley raised three boys in Rosalia and during their spare time they enjoyed fishing, camping and hunting. Ed loved being in the woods or the mountains. They also liked to play cards with other couples around town. Ed was a meticulous gunsmith his entire life and was active in the Spokane Falls Muzzleloaders. He was also a lifetime member of the NRA and was a trap-shooter, often spending time at the Pine City-Malden gun club. He liked to play guitar and would sometimes play at the Assembly of God church where he was a member. He also taught Bible study there. Ed was a volunteer for the Rosalia Fire Department for over thirty years and had served as Fire Chief as well. Ed's wife Shirley died relatively young in 1995 and he missed her terribly. He was extremely proud that four generations of the Dale family had worked and helped with the Lumberyard. Following his retirement at age 71 he closed the store in 1999. Many in the community will miss Edward Dale; but especially his sons, Michael (Theresa) Dale of Thornton and Larry Dale of Colfax; his 6 grandchildren, Jen Petersen, Miah (Kristy) Dale, Amy (Blake) Jordon, Jesse (Brittni) Dale, Cody Joe (Stephanie) Dale, Nikki Dale (Lyra Reese); by 11 great-grandchildren; by his brother Bob (Darlene) Dale and his sister, Joy Buchholtz both of the Spokane Valley. He also leaves behind numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. In addition to his wife Shirley, Ed was preceded in death by his youngest son, Wayne in 2010, his parents, and by his brother-in-law, Ralph. The family suggests memorial gifts in his memory be made to the Rosalia Fire Department. On-line guest book is at www.bruningfuneralhome.com
Bruning Funeral Home of Colfax is in charge of the arrangements.