Dale Denson

A Celebration of Dale Denson's Life will be held on Sunday, July 23, 2017 ~ 4:00 p.m. at the Denson Ranch in Halfway, Oregon. Friends are invited to join the family to share stories of Dale, enjoy BBQ, refreshments and for those who wish, may bring a favorite dessert.

Dale was born to Walter and Bernice Denson on September 4, 1934 in Meacham, Oregon. While living in Meacham, he spent summers working on his Uncle Mart’s ranch in Pilot Rock.  In 1945 Dale moved from Meacham to Seneca, Oregon where he attended high school in John Day until he graduated. Dale worked his way through college and was vice president of his fraternity, Delta Tau Delta.  Dale graduated from the University of Oregon in 1956.

Following college, Dale joined the Navy and was selected for Officer’s Training School at the rank of, Naval Navigator.  During active duty, he was stationed in Japan and Alaska. Dale joined the Naval Reserves and was stationed at the Moffitt Naval Base in Sunnyvale, CA, Alameda Naval Base in Oakland, CA. Dale also did two reserve tours in Vietnam. Dale retired from the Naval Reserves in 1978, holding the rank of Commander.

After active duty, Dale moved to California where he worked briefly in the electronics industry before working as a real estate salesman. In 1965, he purchased Dalton Realty beginning is career as a Real Estate Broker. Dale moved from real estate sales to investment real estate in 1972 and was recognized as an expert in apartment acquisition, finance, and sales. He was one of the first outside investors to see the potential of the Portland Real Estate market.

Dale’s true love, besides his wife Nancy, was his ranch in Halfway, Oregon. He purchased his property on West Dry Creek Road in 1979 and added other small ranches. Dale divided his time between California and Oregon before finally moving to Oregon full time so he could devote his time to his family and ranching operation. Dale was very active in the Halfway Lions Club and Fair Board. He will be remembered as someone who would drop anything to help someone in need.

Dale passed away July 8, 2017 with his family by his side. He had battled hard against pancreatic cancer for over 18 months. This battle was a great gift to all who watched this fight.

He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Nancy Denson; sister Irene Graven; sons Brad and Jeff, daughter Whitney and six grandchildren.

For those who would like to make a memorial donation in memory of Dale, the family suggests either the Pine Valley Fair Exhibit Hall or the Halfway Lions Club through Tami's Pine Valley Funeral Home  P.O. Box 543 Halfway, Oregon 97834. On line condolences may be shared at www.tamispinevalleyfuneralhome.com

 Service Information