Mark Alan Dale

Mark Alan Dale, a resident of Leander, Texas, passed away at the age of 65 on May 7, 2024. He was born in Los Angeles, California on September 13, 1958, to Bonnie Ekenstam and Robert Dale. He continued living in the Los Angeles area until he joined the navy in 1975. While stationed in Groton, Connecticut, he met his future wife, Joyce McCurdy; they married on August 27, 1977.

In 1979, Mark and Joyce moved to her hometown of Dufur, Oregon. Here their family grew, and on August 27, 1980, they welcomed their favorite (and only) child, Tarsah.

In 1986, Mark and his family relocated to The Dalles. An avid tennis player since high school, Mark and his family became members of The Dalles Fitness and Court Club, where he introduced his daughter to the sport as well. For several years they could regularly be found playing tennis at the club most days of the week. A highlight for both was teaming up to win the 4.0 May Fest Mixed Doubles Open in 1994.

Mark loved the Pacific Ocean and fishing. Despite being the only member of the family who got seasick, he happily celebrated his birthday for many years by going on an annual deep sea fishing trip in Garibaldi, Oregon with his wife and daughter.

Mark was also a lifelong lover of music, particularly progressive rock. Once Tarsah left home for college, he and Joyce began frequently attending concerts throughout the Pacific Northwest, including such favorites as Peter Gabriel, Rush, Jeff Beck, Jethro Tull, Meatloaf, and George Thorogood.

After 20 years of service, Mark retired from the Salvation Army in 2014. A year later, he and Joyce relocated to the suburbs of Austin, Texas to be closer to their daughter. Although no longer able to play tennis, he enjoyed watching his wife and daughter play pickle ball. In 2021, his childhood best friend, Perry Rose, also moved to the area. Finally able to resume their friendship in person, they regularly enjoyed fishing, frequenting the local shooting range, and having meals together with Joyce.

Mark is survived by his wife, Joyce Dale; his daughter Tarsah and son-in-law, Greg; his father Robert Dale; his half-sisters Cheri Marshall, Robin Crawley, April Eblen, Dawn Butler, and Justine Embry; and his half-brother Nathan Dale.

Mark was preceded in death by his mother, Bonnie Ekenstam, half-brothers Paul Hair and Justin Dale, and half-sister Sherry Stoddard.

Joyce and Tarsah plan to hold a private memorial and ash scattering with Dockside Charters along the Depoe Bay coastline on Friday, September 13, 2024.