Dale Ivan Patchen

Dale Ivan Patchen was born on December 3, 1937 to Guy W. and Alta M. Patchen, and passed away in his home on September 30, 2017, where he had lived for 30 years. He was preceded in death by his parents and his loving and devoted wife of more than 51 years, Rosella L. (Saunders) Patchen. He is survived by his three daughters Cindy (husband James) Robertson, Susan Patchen, and Leslie Patchen; his granddaughters Jaimi and Lindsay; his siblings Guy L. (wife Faye) Patchen, and Ida Mae Cooper; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. Dale grew up in Northern Idaho and graduated from Bonners Ferry High School. After graduation, Dale enlisted in the US Army Reserve in November 1956. In 1959, Dale met his best friend, Rose, and they were married in December that year. In January 1961, Dale enlisted in the Regular US Army, and faithfully served for more than 22 years. During Dale’s career, he and Rose traveled the world while raising three daughters. He served in Pleiku, Vietnam; Camp Hovey, South Korea; Sinop, Turkey; Schneeberg, Germany; Fort Huachuca, AZ; Fort Lewis, WA; Fort Devens, MA; Atsugi, Japan; and Taegu, South Korea, from which he retired in August 1978 as a First Sergeant (E8). After retiring from the US Army, Dale worked for a countertop manufacturer in Tacoma, WA before moving back to Bonners Ferry, ID in 1979 where he owned and operated the fence post peeler for the Post Company. He also managed the bowling alley with Rose until 1983, when the family moved to Oregon City, OR to manage an apartment complex. In 1984, Dale and Rose moved to Airway Heights, WA to manage another bowling alley, which was their passion and hobby during their active years. In 1986, Dale trained for and became a long-haul truck driver owner/operator. In 1987, Dale and Rose purchased what would be their forever home, and their home base during Dale’s career as a truck driver. In 1988, Dale took a short break from driving truck and moved to Kodiak, AK, where he managed a US Coast Guard Motor Pool. Rose was able to accompany him for most of that time; however, with Leslie still in high school, she split her time between Kodiak and Airway Heights. In 1990, Dale completed his contract in Kodiak, moved back to Airway Heights, and resumed his truck driving career. While driving truck, Rose happily accompanied him, traveling to all the lower 48 states, Canada, and to Alaska and back, twice, and logged more than 2 million accident-free miles, of which he was very proud! Dale retired from driving in December 2006. He and Rose spent the next five years together, going on frequent outings to the Coeur d’ Alene Casino, and spending time with family and friends, but mostly spending time with each other until Rose passed away in July 2011. After losing Rose, Dale continued the trips to the casino, playing all the games that he and Rose enjoyed, until it became too difficult for him to make the 40 plus mile one-way trip. At one point, Dale very briefly considered moving into an assisted living community. That thought quickly passed as Dale expressed that he wanted to pass away in the same home as his wife had, their forever home. While he was only with Horizon Hospice for five days, he was never bedridden, never without his faculties, and maintained his dignity and independence until his wish was granted, and Dale went to be with our Lord and Rose in his home in the early morning hours of September 30, 2017. Dale and Rose are Together Forever in Heaven, and their ashes are interred at the Washington State Veterans Cemetery in Medical Lake, WA. A Celebration of his life will be held on November 25, 2017 at the Hayford Community Church, 5306 S Hayford Road, Spokane, WA 99224 at 1:00 P.M. The family respectfully requests that no flowers be sent to the family or the Celebration due to severe allergies of both family members and friends. Donations to the Army Emergency Relief Fund or the Mann-Grandstaff VA Medical Center in Spokane in Dale’s name would be greatly appreciated. Army Emergency Relief, 2530 Crystal Drive, Suite 13161, 13th Floor, Arlington, VA 22202 866.878.6378 www.aerhq.org Mann-Grandstaff VA Medical Center, 509.434.7503, 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM www.spokane.va.gov