Dale Lee Dodge, 50, of Oak Harbor, a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend, went to start a new chapter of his life with the Lord Nov. 4, 2004. Dale was born in Rockford, Ill., April 19, 1954, and was adopted by Lyle Everett Dodge and Francis Mae (Klopien) Dodge in 1959. After graduating from Conant High School in 1972, Dale joined the United States Navy, where he learned to tie all manner of knots and was able to exhibit patriotism and love for his country. He became a boatswains mate, serving from June 27, 1972, to Sept. 30, 1992.

Dale served on board the USS Roanoke, the USS Constellation, the USS Berkeley, and the USS White Plains. He also served as Special Service and Security at NAS Bermuda, Drill Instructor and Company Commander at San Diego and SIMA in San Diego, where he retired. Upon his duty assignment to Alameda, Calif., he met and married Linda Crawford. Dale and Linda then had their first child, Jerusha, in 1975, while in Oakland, Calif. Their second child, Caleb, was born in 1977 while they were in Hamilton, Bermuda.

Dale met his best friend, Richard Voit, in 1992, after Dale had retired from the Navy and had moved to Port Orchard. Dale and Richard were as close as brothers, and enjoyed fishing, camping, sprint car races, and attending Seahawks football games together. In the spring of 1997, Dale moved to Whidbey Island to be closer to his friend. It was here that he met Lorraine Berleen in October 1997. They married in Reno Dec. 27, 2000. Dale traveled to several places with Lorraine, such as Reno, Cannon Beach, fishing on the Rogue River, and even went to the Grammy’s in 2002. The trips were great opportunities for Dale to indulge in his love of photography.

Dale was preceded in death by his parents, Lyle and Francis, mother-in-law Eva McManus; father-in-law Joe McManus; and brother-in-law Thomas McManus. Dale left behind his wife Lorraine and step-daughter Jessica Berleen at the family home in Oak Harbor; his daughter Jerusha and husband Richard Wiggins of Kings Bay, Ga.; his son Caleb Dodge of Colorado Springs, Colo.; his brothers and sisters, Larry Dodge and family of Cary, Ill., Barbara Smart Bakkum and family of Silverdale, Sally Ann Lambert and family of Tahuya and Ray Evans and family of Ohio; his stepson Joe Caines of Olympia; his grandchildren, Aubree and Isaiah Wiggins of Kings Bay, Ga., Kaitlynn Dodge of Colorado Springs, Colo., and Lea and Ashley Caines of Olympia. Dale also left behind Jake and Zack Prasser, who were like sons to him, and his best friend and extended family in the whole wide world, the Voits: Richard, Lenore and Stephanie, who coined the title, “Mr. Dale.”

Dale had a big green thumb, and could turn a sad plant happy. He had a love of animals and was enthralled by eagles, as he would watch them soar to greater heights. Dale was fascinated by gadgets, and would like to acquire any new ones as soon as possible. He also enjoyed camping, fishing, and playing pinochle and cribbage.

Dale, you were always there for us, and you were the wind beneath our wings. We loved you so much and wanted to let it be known that you will be missed to the highest degree.

Visitation will be from 2 to 4 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 10, at Burley Funeral Chapel. A memorial gathering will be at the family home on Thursday, Nov. 11, at 3:30 p.m. Memorials may be made to the Disabled American Veterans, Whidbey Island Chapter #47, NAS Whidbey Island, Oak Harbor, WA 98277.