Dale Edward Reid
May 30, 1952 - April 3, 2012
Obituary
Dale Edward Reid was born May 30, 1952, in Pueblo, Colo. to Eddie and Pearl Reid. He died April 3, 2012, in Burien, Wash., more than 20 years after being diagnosed with brain cancer thatwas expected to take his life in a matter of months. Buoyed by his spirit, friends and family adopted the motto “I expect a miracle” and for several years custom-made bumper stickers with that phrase could be spotted around the SeaTac area where he lived, a testament to both to the strength of his faith and the widespread affection he inspired.
Dale was a naturally gifted athlete who shared his love of sports and competitive nature with his children and the many other youngsters he coached on various teams. Even as a child, he used his size and strength as a protector for those smaller than he. As an adult he continued to constantly step in and speak up for anyone he saw being picked on or treated unfairly. The world always seemed a little bit safer when Dale was around.
As a high school student in Idaho Falls, Idaho, he met the love of his life, Kathy Fillmore. They were married for 34 years and raised four children together. Although their marriage ended several years ago, the love, affection and respect they shared remained and Kathy was a steady presence in his life. Likewise, Dale remained a beloved brother and uncle in the Fillmore family and cherished those relationships.
Dale’s enthusiasm for new experiences was infectious. He viewed life as an adventure and was equally comfortable hiking in the mountains or driving through midtown Manhattan at rush hour. He loved to ski, raft, scuba dive, travel and play practical jokes. But more than anything, he loved sharing those pursuits with his adored family.
Dale was preceded in death by his beloved oldest sister, Carolyn Fisher, in 1981 and by his father and greatest hero, Eddie Reid, in 1996. Survivors include his children, Delsa Dislers Stockman and her husband Neil, Dale Reid Jr. and his wife Tonya, Jill Reid and Clark Reid and his wife Tildy; seven grandchildren, his former wife, mother, three sisters and an extensive extended family.
In his last years Dale received compassionate and loving care from many doctors, nurses and caregivers. Among them, Benjamin Nganga Njenga, became particularly close and devoted to Dale and provided comfort and friendship. The family suggests memorial donations to a fund they have established to help Ben reunite with his own family. For information on how to donate email dalescaregiverfund@gmail.com.
Please sign the online memorial guest book at www.bonneywatson.com.
Dale truly was one of a kind. He was a fabulous human being, son, brother, husband, father and friend to so many. May he now Rest-In-Peace and have fun with his loved ones and friends on the other side. Dale, you are and will be missed greatly. I will always love you and your family.
wow what a great man he was he will be missed by all that he touched in this life , god bless you all i know how hard this is for all of you to except . psalm 23 reminds us that , the lord is very close to us ,
Dale, you were my favorite brother. And I was your favorite baby sister. OK, so we may not have had a lot of (or any) competition, but still.
Missing you is something we’ve all grown slowly accustomed to over the past 20 years. Now I can’t help but be sad that I won’t see you here on earth again. But I am rejoicing for you knowing that you’ve been freed from the prison your body had become. Godspeed, Big Brother. Say hi to Carol and Dad.
RIP old friend. I’ll always remember the good times..and there were many!
As my neighbor and friend, when I think of you I remember what an amazing dad you were, not only to your kids but to mine as well. You’re the kind of man the world was extremly lucky to have, you will be greatly missed but forever remembered for being such a fun,loving, special person that this world was blessed with. They say the good die young, well heaven is getting one of the best.
I worked in Activities at Stafford Healthcare where Dale resided for a period of time. He was truly one of my favorites. He was sweet, kind, and his since of humor and up beat attitude most of the time I could see what a wonderful person he was. I truly was fond of him! He wanted myself and my friend Donna to take a trip with him to New York in the fall to see the changing colors of the trees he talked about that almost everyday for a couple of months streight. He called Donna and I his girlfriends …. I will always remember him and his so sweet mother Pearl. God Bless All The Family and Im so truly sorry for your lose. Love you Dale.. may you rest in peice.
My Heart and Prayers to all.
I was deeply saddened to hear of your loss. My thoughts are with each and everyone.
Dale was a wonderful Father, Grandpa and Friend, I enjoyed talking and laughing with Dale when I came to the family gatherings.
Sorry my last meaage did not come out on here, I was trying to add a beautiful poem.
We were saddened to read in the newspaper of Dale’s passing. We had the opportunity of working with him in Renton, Wa at The Salvation Army. He was a great guy. One of our parisheners brought the newspapaer in to us and asked if we knew Dale. We had forgotten that his parents Eddie and Pearl had served here once. Pearl we love you and want you to know that you and your family are in our prayers. Lester Miller wanted us to send you his condolences as well. Love you lots
I would like to express my deepest sympathy for the loss of your loved one. Death is one of the most difficult things we face in life but may it comfort you to know that others care. I have found great encouragement when reading the beautiful words penned in the Bible at Isaiah 25:8 “He will swallow up death forever, and the Sovereign Lord Jehovah will certainly wipe the tears from all faces.” May this promise bring your family comfort in this difficult time.
Although it’s been 10 + years since my dear Uncle Dale’s passing, I think of him often. It’s a special treat to drift back in time, and recall the life and times of a stellar Uncle. Uncle Dale was unlike anyone I’ve ever known. When he told you he loved you there was no doubt he did. Dale made sure that everyone knew they were special to him. He never faltered when expressing his love for others. I will always be honored to be a part of my Uncle Dale’s family tree. A true hero to so many, including his family. Thank you Uncle. You’ve inspired this niece to walk the line, and love thy neighbor…