Dale Leslie Davidson

Dale Leslie Davidson, 85, of Lopez Island, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on November 7th, 2024. Dale was born on January 12th, 1939, in Seattle, Washington. He was the beloved son of Vernon and Jeanett Davidson of Carnation, Washington. Dale grew up on a small farm South of Carnation and graduated from Tolt High School in 1957. He was married to Arlene Minshull on May 16th, 1958. Dale and Arlene had four children: Duane (Kathy), Diana (Les), Darryl (Lynn), and Doug (Shanon).

After graduating from Tolt, Dale left for the Army in 1957, stationed in Fort Ord. After serving in the Army and briefly working for Boeing, Dale worked as a lineman with Cascade Telephone Company. Later being promoted to lead switchman. Following the phone company, Dale helped his brothers open and operate Davidson Sawmill. Dale and Debra married on February 7th, 1988. When Dale and Debra married, he became the father of April and Jamie (Ken). At this point Lopez Island became his home and was a place he truly loved.

Everything Dale did in life, he did with a passion, from his bird aviary to steelhead fishing and boating. Dale was an author, most noted for “Dead Man’s Clothes: The Bum Camp of Tolt, Washington”, a collection of short stories about growing up near an alcohol rehabilitation facility. Dale was very proud of his decades of sobriety and shared these experiences with others.

He is survived by Debra, his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, his sisters (Donna, Marcia, and Nancy), and brothers (Larry, Wayne, Joe, and Steve). His parents preceded him in death.

A memorial service for Dale will be held on Saturday, January 11, 2025 at 2PM at Camp Don Bosco, 1401 327th Ave. NE, Carnation, WA 98014.