Jerry "Dale” Morey, 72

Jerry “Dale” Morey, of Hayden, Idaho, passed away July 1, 2014.

Dale was born in Glasgow, Mont., on March 6, 1942, to Don and Anne Morey. As the son of a Depot Agent on the Great Northern Railroad, Dale developed a love of railroading early on.

As a young teenager, Dale worked as a section hand laying track and later became a telegrapher and relief Depot Agent during his summers. He attended high school in Culbertson, Mont., and then in Great Falls, graduating in 1960. Dale went on to attend Montana State in Bozeman, Mont., graduating in 1964 with a degree in Industrial Design and a desire to design cars. Dale's drawings show his wonderful talent.

After graduation, Dale joined the Navy and entered flight school at Pensacola, Fla. He was commissioned as an Ensign on 26 March 1965. Dale served as Captain of the P2V7 Aircraft assigned to Carrier Protection during two tours of Vietnam. After receiving several decorations and commendations, Dale was honorably discharged on 27 August 1969.

On November 11, 1969, Dale became a pilot for United Airlines, based in San Francisco and Denver. Dale’s interests in railroading and cars never waned, though. During his career with United, Dale was also a model railroader and Classic Car enthusiast, building and restoring several hot rods, including a 1950 Ford Business coupe that he painted Porche Guards Red with black and white scallops.

Dale retired from United in April of 2001, and moved his family to Idaho. He enjoyed his retirement by boating on Lake Coeur d’Alene, cruising in his hot rods and convertibles, wintering in Yuma, Ariz., in his motorhome, and riding his ATV’s.

Dale was preceded in death by his parents, Anne and Don Morey. He is survived by his son, Mitch (Julie) ,of Helena, Mont., and daughter, Katie (Chris), of Denver, Colo., two sisters, Dianne (Scott), of Tempe, Ariz., and Donna, of Hayden, Idaho; two nephews, Stuart and Brian, and their families. He was loved by three women in his life: Judy Johnston Simpson, Lynne Pewtherer Aaro, and Irene Olson.

Dale was a good man, admired and loved by family and friends. He touched us all with his kindness and humor, living his life to the fullest and on his terms.

A graveside service will be held at 2:15 p.m., Monday, July 7, at Washington State Veterans Cemetery, 21702 W. Espanola Road, Medical Lake, Wash., 99022. A reception will follow the service at Heather Stone Clubhouse, 8946 Heather Way, Hayden, Idaho.

Memorials may be made to Hospice of North Idaho Hospice House, 2290 W. Prairie Ave., Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, 83815. Yates Funeral Homes has been entrusted with the care of final arrangements. Please visit Dale's memorial and sign his online guestbook at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.