Dale Leroy Hartman

Dale Hartman was born 03/21/1946 in Des Moines, Iowa. He joined the Navy at the early age of 16 years old. During his military career he was stationed first in San Diego and later transferred to San Francisco. He proudly served a tour in Viet Nam performing duties as an Aviation Boatswains Mate fueling planes on the aircraft carrier USS Hancock.

Dale and Terri met while both were working at Kaiser Hospital in 1977. Over their two year courtship their fellow staff workers often commented that their relationship was like a couple in a soap opera. They traveled to Des Moines, Iowa and married in October, 1979 and were married for 44 years.

Dale was an individual who had diverse interests in all aspects of his life. He would say “I am covered in all areas of religion: I am Baptist, Christian, and Catholic” but always considered himself Catholic first. His education included High School, some college and trade school for Mechanical Engineer. His work experiences were varied and he approached each job with a hardworking and committed attitude. He often said “I am a handyman and master of none.” His jobs included: Paramedic for Aaron Ambulance,

Medical Assistant II for 11 years at Kaiser Hospital, Chauffeur, Machinist for Rohr,

Entrepreneur selling toys and various miscellaneous items at Swap meets, Antique Shop Sales Supervisor, Insurance Salesman, Union Mediator/Steward for Kaiser Hospital, Certified Notary Public, Certified Housekeeper, and Contributor on study for legislation revisions to Federal Government Worker's Compensation with Councilman of San Diego. In 1997 Dale retired from his civil service position as an Aircraft Fuel Division Inspector at Naval Air Station, Miramar. After retirement, he started working as a Fuel Maintenance Inspector, performing inspections at various independent gas stations throughout San Diego county.

Dale enjoyed many hobbies and had many talents, which included: coin collection,

photography, 50's music collection, bowling, family ancestry genealogy, certified dancer through Arthur Murray Studios, and was a volunteer for several National City Old Town Reunions. In his younger years, he enjoyed restoring and collecting antique cars. Seeing antique cars on the road always brought him fond memories of those days. For many years he was a member of the Motorcycle Goldwing Touring Association Club. Over the years Dale and Terri enjoyed many travels with the group which took them throughout California, Nevada, Utah, and Arizona. Traveling throughout Colorado and Iowa were some of the more memorable trips enjoyed by Dale and Terri.

Dale loved his family and friends. He was a kind, compassionate person who was willing to help Terri’s family or anyone who was in need of help. He also loved to dream of sailing and due to a carryover from his Navy days, fondly loved the ocean. He so loved his pets, both dogs and cats, even though he was allergic to cats...

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Although Dale wasn’t a big man he enjoyed eating like a big man! His favorite foods included: Chile Colorado with flour tortillas and salsa, pot roast with potatoes and gravy, plain cheeseburgers, fries or chips and salsa (almost everything had to have salsa). He loved his sweets and desserts, like Reese's candy, chocolate shakes, and chocolate cake.

Dale had the extraordinary good fortune in surviving Stage 3 small cell lung cancer on three separate occasions, 2007, 2019 and 2021. Coinciding with those periods he also coped with COPD. In May 2022, he was hospitalized at Kaiser Hospital for 10 days with a left collapsed lung. This hospital stay proved beneficial in that he was prompted to stop his 60 year smoking habit. It was shortly thereafter that he began showing signs of dementia and eventually Alzheimer’s was diagnosed. He struggled with this debilitating disease over the last two years. His wife, Terri, was his loving and diligent caregiver; ensuring that all possible medical care and home care was provided to him. Daily life was an unexpected and challenging experience for both of them. One thing Dale enjoyed was going out to eat, even if a doctor’s appointment was required first before going to his favorite place, Denny’s. During the many ups and downs encountered during this long journey, there were times when Terri would see the loving husband she once knew. They would talk and share stories and hold hands. They would listen to "Oldies But Goodies" and from time to time, dance to the music, including to their favorite song, Sincerely. They also enjoyed taking walks at Rhor Park. It was during those times that Terri felt gratitude when God revealed the husband she had longed to see and know again.

Dale cherished his family. He is survived by a brother, two sisters, two sons and one daughter and many grandchildren and great grandchildren.

From time to time, Dale was fortunate to have the kind, loving and attentive care from nieces, Antoinette Sandoval, Lorena Mendez and Vanessa Mendez, nephew, Louie Mendez and daughter-in-law, Andrea Hartman. He had a special bond with his young godson, Liam Mendez, and was especially fond of his visits with him. Through the VA Right at Home program, Jeremy Jones was assigned to be his caregiver. He was an exceptional caregiver who provided professional and efficient care services. More importantly, Jeremy treated Dale with kindness and allowed him to retain his dignity. Jeremy unfailingly provided friendship and comforting support to both Dale and Terri. Terri will forever be grateful to all the family and friends who provided their love, prayers and support over Dale’s long journey.

Dale will be truly missed by many friends and family. May God give Dale rest in eternal peace.