Dale and I were together for over 8 years. We met in the early 90s through a mutual friend and reconnected at the end of 2007 after running into each other at a local grocery store. We picked up right where we left off and over time our friendship grew. We were engaged in 2013 however due to the effects of him having cancer the 2nd time, we postponed things to concentrate on his treatment and illness. This past year he was diagnosed with cancer of the larynx and his voicebox and vocal cords were removed during an extensive surgery. This past fall he began a very aggressive chemo to try and control the cancer so it would not grow or spread. We found out that the chemo he was receiving was unsuccessful. Dale passed away on New Year’s Eve, Dec. 31, 2016.

Dale loved country music, particularly the older country songs and artists. He was a walking encyclopedia of what artist did what song and could tell a person the year it was recorded and the record label it was on. He had a very extensive collection of records … well over 1,000, and had a ‘radio room’ full of memorabilia of his favorite artists. Before his surgery, he loved to do mock radio shows by spinning records and doing his own chit chat between songs as if he was really on the air. He had a true radio voice. He also loved WWE wrestling, listening to WSM radio out of Nashville (through the internet) and watching Smokey and the Bandit — just to name a few.

I admire his strength and courage throughout this entire ordeal. He faced horrific circumstances. Our relationship stood the trials of 3 rounds of cancer and the uncertainty of the future. Our faith in God got us through. Before Dale passed away, we prayed not just for a miracle but for peace with God’s decision. That was enough for us.