Dale L. White

Mr. White served with the 9th Infantry Division in the armed conflict against insurgent forces in the Republic of Vietnam. He was a Field Artillery Crewman on a barge on the Meh Kong River. He received certifications in NCO Leadership Course, Combat Service and the Army Commendation Medal for outstanding achievement (in connection with) military operations against a hostile force. Through his outstanding professional competence and devotion to duty, he obtained superior results. Working long and arduous hours, he set an example that inspired his associates to strive for maximum achievement. The loyalty, initiative and will to succeed that he demonstrated (at all times) materially contributed to the successful accomplishment of the mission of the command. His performance was in the best traditions of the United States Army and reflected great credit upon himself and the military service. Mr. White was honorably discharged in January 1971.

He worked for the former Al Tech Specialty Steel in Dunkirk for 23 years until his accident there. Mr. White was instrumental in saving an electrocuted electrician's life by promptly performing CPR. He also worked for the NYSDOT in Fredonia for five years.

Mr. White was a lifetime member of the Sheridan VFW Memorial Post #6390, a member of the South Dayton American Legion Post #1593, the American Rifle Association and the Chautauqua County Antique Equipment Association in Stockton. He was a hard worker and a wonderful provider for his families.

Mr. White was a lover and a friend to all animals. He rescued many dogs, cats and also had a pot belly pig “Ruby Begonia” that he enjoyed for many years. Mr. White would take daily walks with his cats gaily at his heels. His dogs, "Casey" and "Oliver" and cats, "Alys" (Alley Cat), "Girly" and "Snickers" were not just his pets, but his little friends. Mr. White saw many pets pass through his lifetime. In his younger years, he enjoyed hot rods and beer which made for a wild combination at times. He and his brother were often referred to as the "Arkwright Hillbillies." He loved conversation, forestry and wildlife. Mr. White learned much of his conservation knowledge from his late cousin, Earl Cardot of Arkwright. His yard was always filled with a variety of birds that he fed and enjoyed watching daily, especially at the end when he was so ill. Mr. White enjoyed woodcutting, spending time at his cabin, campsite and his neighbor’s wetlands next to his home, where he enjoyed pond fishing. He was responsible for obtaining the beaver to form the wetlands many years ago.

Mr. White was a perfectionist in gardening, canning and loved to cook and bake. He enjoyed spending time in his workshop on carpentry projects, rifles and target shooting/hunting. Mr. White collected and restored farm tractors for many years, where he received several show awards. He enjoyed watching sports, was a devoted NASCAR fan and won a Dale Earnhardt "lookalike" contest at one of the local car dealers. Mr. White enjoyed his Corvette and Z28 Camaro, taking Betty for many long enjoyable rides through the countryside. Mr. White was an excellent storyteller and jokester, which is something he inherited from his father. He enjoyed helping others and those he loved. Whether you were a friend, neighbor or relative, he was always generous and giving to all.

Mr. White regretted never graduating from Forestville Central School. He only went as far as the 9th grade, as he had much difficulty learning. Mr. White was always proud of a young neighbor, friend or relative that accomplished their High School education and made sure they received a generous gift. He wasn't perfect, but he had a huge heart.

Mr. White always attended the annual Town of Arkwright Picnic. It was his pleasure to bring large trays of shrimp for everyone to enjoy. He will be sadly missed there. Every day, Mr. White and his companion Betty would spend hours playing games, Yahtzee was his favorite. They enjoyed those special times together very much.

Mr. White overcame many health issues and disabilities in his lifetime and was always a tough fighter and survivor. He enjoyed a long and colorful life and will be missed by all his friends, neighbors and family including his critters, who all loved him very much. Mr. White was tough, brave and strong. He made a bold decision to not have any treatments for his pancreatic cancer, but chose to be at home for two years before he passed away, with the wonderful assistance of Chautauqua County Hospice. He died with his self-respect and dignity.

Survivors include his companion of 15 years, Betty Crowell of Brocton; a daughter, Connie White of South Dayton; two stepdaughters, Kathy (John) Taylor of Derby and Roxanne Crowell of Orchard Park; a stepson, Edward McCarrick of Portland; two sisters, Beverly Smith of Dunkirk and Cora Closson of Staunton, VA; and a brother, Jack (Bev) White of Springville. Also surviving are three granddaughters, Chandra Nagel of South Dayton, Chanel Eddy of Evans and Chantel Eddy of Salamanca; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Besides his parents, he was predeceased by two brothers, Perry White, who died in a tragic car accident when Dale was seven years old, and Bruce "Joe" White; brother-in-law, Carl Smith; nephew, Chad Smith; and niece, Lynda (Smith) Pleszewski.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the South Dayton Fire Hall on Sunday, July 15 at 12:30 p.m. Interment will be at the convenience of the family in Burnham Hollow Cemetery, Town of Arkwright.

The family suggests memorials may be made either to Chautauqua Hospice & Palliative Care, 20 W. Fairmount Avenue, Lakewood, NY 14750 or to a local animal shelter.

Arrangements are by the Riles & Woolley Funeral Home, Forestville. To post condolences, go to www.rilesandwoolleyfuneralhome.com.

By the Observer