Later years

After Dale and mother, Joyce and Sherry moved back to PA I did not have contact with them till the 80's. I saw Dale at some of the family gatherings and visited with him and Debbie at their house several times. The highlight of his last years was when Sherry arranged for Claire, Bruce, Dale and I to have a reunion at Taryn and Joe's wedding. That was so great because we all had a chance to talk to each other and mend all fences we had prior to that. Dale and I found out we were not the problem. We talked at length about this. My only regret is that it did not happen sooner. Dale is now with the Lord and is no longer in pain and that gives me peace. I pray that all of us can find peace in that. As it says in Psalm 23:4 "Even when I walk through the dark valley of death, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me" I am sure that was the case with Dale.
I will miss you Dale and always remember you with lots of love and tenderness as you always showed to me.

Sherry's "Dale" Story

Memories are fond recollections of special occasions and everyday things. Let our heart start on it's journey to healing by feeling the comfort of remembering Dale.

Biologically I was Dale's niece but, grew up with him more like a big brother (only 5 years apart). I entered his life at my age of 6/7 on a permanent basis. I quickly became his little pain in the A** (oops I meant to say his sweet, adorable and cute) niece!!

I remember sitting on Aunt Judy's bed, listening to her "Rock n Roll" records (yes vinyls) when, Dale (age 11?) bounds in, Judy screaming "GET OUT". He wanted me to play baseball with him. Let's see - listening to records with my Cool, Cute, teenage aunt or playing baseball with a BOY - what's a girly, girl to do?? Listen to records, of course.

My next adventure begins my first day of school and the bus driver leaving me off at the WRONG stop. I didn't know where I was so, I just sat on the curb and waited when who did I see - my HERO Dale.

A few months later, Dale had a cold and was using a vaporizer as he laid on the sofa watching TV. I, being the wonderful, helpful nurse Sherry decided he needed more help and moved the vaporizer closer (well maybe a little too close). I proceeded to DUMP the hot water all over him (I told you I was his pain in the ***).

Well, payback was his. "Dale was helping Grandpap putting up the outside Christmas decorations (which Grandpap designed and made himself) on the roof when I decided I could help too and started up the ladder. Dale didn't want my help and PUSHED the ladder over, landing on top of me on the ground. Luckily, no harm done.

Growing into his teenage years meant no more spinning the poor cat in the swivel chair only to watch him stagger (funny to us at the time) or, going to Las Vegas with Dale and I sitting in the lobby of the casino (too young to do anything else at the time).

We were in charge of selling poodle puppies that Grammy raised. These years saw Dale play baseball (Bruce coaching other teams I think?), playing football (he was a star to me at the time - I used to brag about him in school). We never missed a game he played (something I took with me when I had kids, never missed an event all 3 were in).

Soon, Judy married Jim. We got to see all the TURKEYS that attended her wedding (no not the people, just the turkey farm we went to see and Grandpap double exposing it over her wedding pictures). Judy has a little boy (Doug) and I remember watching Dale trying to change a diaper (hopeless, Dale pinned himself!!!!!).

Years pass and Bruce marries Frankie. Life during Dale's school years had their ups and downs. It certainly wasn't hugs and kisses in the family. I remember the temper Dale had - like when he punched a hole in the wall or throwing a tire iron at the garage door. Life wasn't happy then and, Dale decides after graduation to spread his wings and move to Hawaii. That didn't work out and he was back in 6 months.

Family became divided and estranged (non of our doing). Dale didn't have a relationship with his dad or Judy. That was made worse by me trying my wings and leaving to live with my dad (whom I hadn't see or talked to since moving to California). But, with the help of Aunt Judy/Jim (to which I owe a million thanks for that experience) off I went with no one knowing (except the school assistant principal). However, I too only lasted 6 months.

Years later Dale would tell me he wished he had my courage and strength. By now, Grammy, Dale, my mom (who was mentally ill) and I were off to Pennsylvania to live (my senior year in high school which, at the time I HATED but, it would become the best thing ).

Again, years passed and life was still difficult for all. Before we know it, Dale marries Debbie (1972) and, a few years later I too marry.

During the next 5 years (and my 3 children - Taryn, Lindsey and Brandon) Dale and I stay in touch but he hasn't see or talked to his dad, sisters or brother in all these years (again, none of his doing). I, however, become very close to all.

It was now 1982 and my third child Brandon's christening. What a perfect time to TRY and unite the family. Everyone was ready, willing and able. So, with bated breath I had Grandpap and Judy meet Dale at the party. The first time in nearly 15 years, Dale, his dad and Judy reunite. Hugs and tears by all - a success (years later Dale tells me it was the best thing anyone had ever done for him, seeing his dad ). Several years later, we lose Grandpap but Dale said he will always treasure those memories.

The years go on with Dale and I staying in touch with a phone call here and there. We make a few visits to his home in Somerset and, him to ours. My family moves to Florida and the years FLY by and, my 3 BABIES well 2 for now) are getting married. He misses Lindsey's wedding (which Judy (Jim had passed), Bruce/Frankie, Claire/George and their families attend - THANK YOU ALL).

Now, it's 2006 and my oldest Taryn is getting married - what a joyous occasion. But, to add to the very special day was having ALL my family together - yes Dale, Judy, Bruce and Claire ( Dale hadn't seen Claire and Bruce in over 30 years). I remember seeing Dale then and admiring his tremendous weight loss. We had EVERYONE at our house and what a sight seeing the Daub siblings bonding again after all these years. That weekend was too short for all of us but, Dale and Debbie stay on a few days. He was so excited about the thought of being back in Florida and seriously wanted to retire near us. Wow, I thought, FINALLY I would actually have family close by - a first for me!! We took days driving around only to find a home he loved nearby. That time together was something I will never forget, still that older brother and his little pain in the A**!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We would sit in our kitchen and on our lani, looking out into the water, watching the boats and Dale saying, this is what he wanted, his idea of pleasure. But, time to go back to reality and his work.

We would stay in touch, Dale even using his work computer (didn't have a personal one) to explore housing in Florida for his retirement. He was coming even if Debbie wasn't.

We managed to see Dale one more time in October, 2007, on our way back from a West Virginia trip. It was only to meet for lunch but he was excitedly talking about this home he found in Florida, reminiscing about the first time he saw Lindsey (age 2) drinking all the adult drinks at Brandon's christening and laughing at her tipsiness but now, she was 7 months pregnant. He commented how could he be a Great, Great Uncle already. Anyway, we had weekly emails after that and a few phone calls. Little did we know that would be the last time we would see him.

Suddenly, I got a call from Debbie telling us he had a freak falling accident and was paralyzed. Daily phone calls to Deb, I was keeping everyone else informed - time was spinning with worry and concern. Then the last call with his death - no words, the loss is felt by all with a little guilt of not keeping in touch with FAMILY but knowing we ALL have our MEMORIES.

As we age, I think we realize more and more how important FAMILY is. Dale always wanted a family and didn't realize he always had one right at his finger tips. Circumstances never really allowed him to fully feel the FAMILY love and bond but, it was there for him ALWAYS. We were all not very good at expressing our feelings but,with Dale's passing he is able to feel the love in heaven. I don't want time to pass without saying THANK YOU to ALL my FAMILY. To Aunt Claire/George for being like a mother/father to me which I never really had and grandparents to my children. To Uncle Bruce/Frankie for showing me there can be a calm before the storm, optimism and stability. To Aunt Judy/( and the late Jim) for being my strength, support system, mother, sister and friend. And, to Dale for being the best big brother a girl could ever have - protector, pal and strength during adversity. I LOVE YOU ALL, more than words can express.

Memories are signs that Dale remains near in spirit long after he is gone. Tender, surprising, heartwarming proof of the promise that love will live on. Memories of yesterday, comfort for today and hope for tomorrow.

We Miss You Dale.

BACK TO CALIFORNIA

in 1959 we all headed back to Calif living in Downey for a couple of weeks(all 5 of us). Then we moved to Whittier. There Joyce and Sherry moved in with us and Dale and Sherry hung out some. I had started college by then. We then moved again. This time to Anaheim and shortly there after I got married and Bruce was off to camp Thousand Pines to work. The new Angles stadium was built and Dale loved baseball and had played in Florida as well as Anaheim. Ma and Dad bought season tickets and they all went to the home games. When Dale got into High School he was on the football team. He loved to play with the dogs that Ma was raising by this time, and I remember him loving to swim in the family pool. He would stay under water for very long periods of time. One time my husband and I moved to a new place and Dale came to help and moved most of the stuff himself. We just helped him. He was always so much fun.

Florida

In 1956 we moved to Coco Beach in Florida as our dad got a better job. We lived at the beach for a little bit. That was lots of fun because we could go swimming every day. Then we moved to Melbourn. Bruce was a senior in High School and I was in my 2nd year Dale was in grade school. Dale made lots of friends of his own by this time. We lived there for about a year and dad's job was gone and we moved to Auberndale next to a lake. Bruce went off to college and only came home once in a while. He now lived with Joyce. Dale loved that because he would go out on the lake in a boat and fish with dad. I went with them one time but got sick and fed the fish according to dad. We played lots of yard games next to the lake. Then the next year we moved to Orlando. While living in this house Joyce and Sherry came to visit us one Easter and Ma bought Dale and Sherry chicks. Well Sherry's truned out to be a mallard duck and we kept it as a pet until we moved again. I was now a senior in High School and not home much. Dale was very busy with other kids in the neighborhood. Then Disney came along and bought our house for Disney world so we moved to the north end of town and Dale became friends with a boy down the street that was the nephew of a man on a tv show called Our Miss Brooks. He was so excited when he found out who he was friends with. After I graduated from High School we had to move again as dad had gotten another job in Calif. So back we went. What a trip with all 5 of us a dog and cat. The car developed a problem in Ariz. I think. But we did get to Calif. and lived in a motel for 2 weeks.

MORE THOUGHTS

I was just sitting here thinking how as I get older my memory gets worse, but now that Dale is gone my memory of him is very sharp and I keep thinking of him and how much I miss him even though we did not see much of each other much in later years. I think that God is so great to allow us to do this.
During the years in Norwalk as Bruce said we took a trip to the East every summer. It was always by car and we took different routes. Dale, Bruce and I had pea shooters and would shoot split peas at the road signs and read the road signs out loud. Berma Shave. HA! One time we stayed in a wigwam motel. Dale put on his Roy Rogers out fit and fought the indians. He just loved that outfit and it went every place he did.

California memories

Getting settled in California with the changes into large metropolitan life, the loss of extended family (visits to Aunt Tillie's and Aunt Lee's as examples) and adjustment to our new living arrangements made the trips back to the old home area each summer special times for us as kids (even with those packed car conditions over several days). Judy and Dale are in elementary school as I enter junior high and Wayne goes through high school.
Then time flew by for me once I started high school with our move to Norwalk. My first significant memory as I started high school was the loss of Wayne in an auto accident. I think the experience of loosing my older brother made it even harder making adjustments of getting into the whole high school routine - new schedule, new friends, new setting, etc. Judy and Dale were my only siblings at home then. Our time together as siblings was even more important to us.

Norwalk

In Sept. 1953 Joyce had a baby girl Sherry. Joyce brought her to Calif. the next spring. I remember Dale saying she was as small as a doll. Joyce wanted him to hold her and he said she might brake.
2 weeks after Sherry was born Claire had a baby boy Jeff. She also came to visit with the baby. Dale thought this was great because it was a boy, and by now he thought it was fun to hold him.
In the summer of 1953 we moved to Norwalk. I started to have more friends and so did Dale and the other boys. That fall Wayne had his auto accident and passed away. Dale kept asking why.
Even though I had friends come over we included Dale in the things we did. He was old enough now to paly board games and cards, which our family did a lot. By this time we had started to watch TV most of the time at night.

California

We took the very long trip to California and lived in Inglewood for a couple of months with some friends. Then Ma and Wayne found a 2 bedroom house in Lawndale so we all moved into it for a couple of years. Dale started school there and after school he and I would feed the chickens and geese (easter chicks) then mother raised them for eggs as well as sold them to others. We also had rabbits there. Dale was always helping Da make something in the back yard. I remember the time he hit his thumb an thought he was going to loose the thumb. None of us had our own room there. Wayne, Bruce and I slept in one room and Ma, Da and Dale slept in the other room, but it was a home. Wayne worked on his cars there and Dale and I would help him when he needed something handed to him.

Moved to California

Before we moved to California Dale and I went fishing with Claire and George. Dale caught a fish and was excited but had to throw it back because it was to small, but every time I saw Dale in later years he would always talk about that fish.
In 1951 Ma, Da. Wayne, Bruce, me and Dale moved to California. Joyce was married and stayed in Pa. Claire and George were getting married and also stayed there.

Glendon fun

For the first 5 years of Dale's life we lived in Glendon, PA. We had so much fun. I remember coming home from school and Dale would be there saying can we play now. When dad and Wayne would cut the grass and rake it into piles we would roll down the hill and mess up all the piles. Bruce would also play with us some times but he did not like getting grass in his hair. Bruce and I would rollerskate on the front pourch but when we got tired Dale would pull us back and forth till he got tired. Dale and I would sit by the window and watch the coal truck pour coal down into the celler. When it showed the big kids would go up the hill and sled down to the garage I could not stop my sled so I would run into the door and Dale thought it was very funny when I fell off from the impact. We also had lots of toys to play with in the attic in the winter. Dale liked that and he also liked the closet that went all around the outer edge of the attic. He was the only one who could stand up in thoes closets.

Judy remembers riding home with her new brother, but I guess I was not to be outstaged- I broke my arm and had to be taken to the same hospital where my mother was to bring home a new brother. I don't remember much about the ride, but I do remember getting a cast on my broken arm. The excitement of the new brother came later.
Bruce

My First Memory

The first thing I remember is bringing Dale home from the hospital. I rode home on the floor of the car in the back seat.

Remembering Dale Daub

My Uncle passed away this past week.

He was only 62.
The circumstances were bizarre (A household fall resulting in paralysis & ultimately.... Heart Failure)

I have not spent years in direct relationship with Uncle Dale.
He lived in the Pittsburgh area (for the last 30+ years)... I've lived in So. Calif & now Texas.
I DID get to see him not that long ago at my cousin Taryn's Wedding. It was great to connect with him.
In fact... I'm very glad that is my last memories of him.
It was a meaningful connection and I could tell he cared very much about me and my family.

The decision has been made not to hold a memorial service for Uncle Dale.
It is our (his surviving family) hope that this blog will serve a place we can celebrate Dale Daub, share our memories, and grieve through thoughts & stories.

As we mourn the death of my Uncle.... Dale Daub I take comfort in the passage from Proverbs 14:

32 When calamity comes, the wicked are brought down,
but even in death the righteous have a refuge.

I pray that an untimely end is resulting in a eternity with God.