Rodney Eugene Dale, 82, born September 18, 1942, passed away on June 12, 2025.
Rod loved life. He loved his family, food and staying active. A graduate from Granite High School he received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Utah and remained a proud Ute throughout his life, holding both basketball and football season tickets for many years. He was an all-around athlete playing tennis in high school and skiing, golfing, fly-fishing, biking for as long as he was able. He was grace in motion, from his smooth beautiful turns on the slopes to his textbook golf swing achieving a 6 handicap. After he was no longer able to play himself, watching his grandkid’s sports was his greatest pleasure.
Rod was very proud of his military service and while stationed in the US Army at Fort Lewis, Washington and Fort Ord, California, he received the designations of Expert and Marksman for his shooting.
With his ease of conversation and love of people, Rod naturally became a salesman starting his career with Vicks and ending with health insurance, regardless of what he sold, he measured his success by helping people.
Nobody could grill a steak like Rod and at many a family dinner you could find him at the bbq grilling to perfection, everyone’s individual order. His catalog of recipes grew after discovering the Food Channel and cooking for family gave him joy. His Thanksgiving pomegranate sauce and stuffing are legendary followed closely by the turkey bone gumbo. Add to the cooking a love of red wine and telling stories to every captive ear.
Rod loved his family, he loved being a grandpa and his siblings remained his close friend throughout his life but above all, Rod was a loving dedicated husband. For 43 years Rod and Jane lived their life in tandem as true partners and helpmates.
In later years he fought the slow progression of IBM with determination and grace. As his muscles deteriorated, he remained active as long as possible, and it was with sheer determination that he remained walking to the end. He left us as we surrounded him with love. We weren’t ready to let our husband, father, brother, grandfather, and friend go but it was his time. He will be missed and remembered.
Rod is survived by his wife, Jane Dale, daughters, Wendy Dale and Kathryn Bosserman, sister, Sandy McLaughlin and brother, Rick Dale. Grandchildren, Hailey, Delaney, Riley, Tyler, Jake, Justin, Tanner, Taryn, Tayven, Taryk, Taytem, and Tadynce. Preceded in death by his parents, Lee and Helen Dale, son, Robert Dale, daughter, Lisa Griffin (Heyborne).
A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, June 27th, 2025 from 6:00 until 8:00 PM at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 South 900 East, Salt Lake City. Guests are encouraged to use the parking and entrance located on the north side of the building.
