Ernest "Dale" Harrell

With much sadness, the family and friends of Dale Harrell say goodbye to the man they loved so much, with the comfort that one day we will visit and laugh with him again in heaven. Ernest “Dale” Harrell, age 79, passed away April 24, 2016, in Yakima.

Dale was all about family, friends and fishing — not necessarily in that order! But the love of his life was his wife, Pat — they were high school sweethearts who married just out of high school and spent a wonderful 59 years sharing the joys and sorrows that life brings, and their life together was filled with much joy. They raised three children, Douglas, Lynne (Heim) and Lori (Carlson). They had six grandchildren and two stepgrandchildren and several great-grandchildren.

Dale was born in Nampa, Idaho, in 1937, the only child of Frank and Peggy Harrell. After Dale and Pat were married, they lived in the Boise Valley and then Hermiston, Ore., before moving to Selah in 1972. Dale served as a meat cutter for most of his career, and eventually he supervised the meat departments in several grocery stores in the Yakima Valley and surrounding areas.

Friendly and outgoing, Dale delighted in telling stories… and we delighted in hearing them. He’d hook you with an opening line — “We used to line those pretty little rainbow trout up on the bench, dozens at a time.” He loved to camp, and all anybody had to say was “Hey, we’re planning a trip to Indian Crossing,” and Dale readied his motorhome faster than a fish swimming toward chum. Even last summer, when his knees ached and he had trouble walking, you could find Dale and Pat at Kaner Flat along the Little Naches River, sitting around a campfire, surrounded by family.

Six months ago, Dale suffered a stroke. But he never lost his sense of humor, and he’d chat happily with his many visitors. Despite the stroke, he enjoyed several dinners out with his wife and family, and he was able to join the family to celebrate holidays.

The family invites his friends to join them to celebrate his life on Friday, April 29, 2016, from noon to 3 p.m. A brief ceremony and open reception (lunch provided) will be held at Rainier Memorial Center, 2807 Terrace Heights Drive. His military service will be recognized by an official burial flag.

In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for donations to be made to the American Stroke Association in care of Keith & Keith Funeral Home.