Our world lost a whole constellation, not just a star, when Dale Jenkerson passed on Monday, July 25, 2016, because he meant a lot to so many people. Dale’s last inspiring accomplishment was his five-year valiant battle with ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. Dale never let ALS destroy his strong spirit. Refusing to complain or be a “patient”, he did things his own way until the end.
Dale was born in Crawford County, MO to George and Alice (Coffman) Jenkerson, January 10, 1939. They moved to the Pacific Northwest in the late 1940’s. He graduated from Jefferson High School in Portland, OR in 1957. Dale proudly served in the United States Marine Corps Reserves – Semper Fi!! He retired as a mail carrier from the United States Postal Service after 33 years of service. Following retirement, Dale took delight in delivering flowers for Nancy’s Floral in Gresham, OR. There wasn’t any place he couldn’t find on the map and he was delighted in working with his flower family for 20 years.
Often referred to as “Mr. Guitar Man,” Dale was a musician from the inside out. Influenced by his dad, he started playing guitar when he was very young. Many people credit Dale with their interest and ability in playing music. He could play any stringed instrument and he enjoyed the recording process, sometimes playing all the “back up” instruments himself as the tracks were laid down. Dale’s love for sharing music with his friends was a big part of his life until the end. Though his voice was taken early from ALS and he could barely hold his guitar, he showed a friend how to play a special song on the guitar just hours before his passing.
Always up for adventure, Dale loved visiting historic sites and traveling the back roads. He had an unquenchable thirst for history and spent hours studying historical details. Family and friends loved camping and hunting with him – two of Dale’s most favorite pastimes. He knew how to do it right! Fast cars and racing were in his southern blood and the family tradition continues. The Jenkerson Racing Team includes his son, Ric, who races Dale’s ‘62 Dodge, while his other two sons, DeWayne and Ron, act as support.
Throughout his life, Dale’s generous spirit and kindness never wavered. He helped and encouraged each person he met, leaving every place he went better than how he found it.
Dale is survived by the love of his life, wife Betty, son DeWayne Lee and wife Sandy of Culver, son Ronald Dale and wife Shayne of Cornelius, son Richard Norman (Chico) and wife Julie of Portland, and daughter Jeanne Monzon of Gresham. Grandchildren include Jo-Al, James, Nick, Kaitlyn, McKenzie, Wyatt, Jacob and Rachel. Also surviving is brother Norman and wife Mary, loving sisters and brothers-in-law, and beloved nieces and nephews. In addition, favorite cousins in Missouri and many much-loved and cherished friends will miss him deeply.
Please join us as we celebrate Dale’s incredible life on Saturday, September 10, 2016 at 2 P.M., at Rock Creek Community Hall, 13301 S.E. 172nd (Sunnyside Road), Happy Valley, OR, 97015.
In lieu of flowers, contributions to help find a cure for ALS through the HYPERLINK “http://www.alsa.org/”ALS Association are greatly appreciated.
If you would like to order flowers, please contact Nancy’s Floral in Gresham (503) 661-0911.