Dale Jackson, 85

In Loving Memory of Dale Curtis Jackson

March 17, 1941 — Oct. 7, 2026

Dale Curtis Jackson was born March 17, 1941, in Los Angeles, Calif., and passed away Oct. 7, 2026, in Hayden, Idaho, at the age of 85.

Dale was the baby of the family, growing up with his parents, Paul and Amy, and his three sisters, LaVergne, Leanore, and Patricia.

Dale is survived by his wife, Barbara; his three sons, Todd, Sean, and Ryan; his grandchildren, Kyle, Haley, Blake, Braden, and Reese; and his great-grandchildren, Colton and Callahan; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Barbara was, without question, the love of Dale’s life. During their 56 years of marriage, they shared a lifetime of love, experiences, challenges, and memories. In his later years, although Dale’s memory began to fade, one thing remained constant: He continued to recognize, ask for, and express his love for Barbara until the moment he passed. Their bond endured through everything — a testament to a lifetime together and a connection that words can hardly express.

During the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s, Dale worked in construction sales as a steel estimator for various companies throughout the Los Angeles area. He retired from Anning-Johnson Construction in 1992. After retiring, Dale decided to return to college and attend classes, continuing his lifelong pursuit of knowledge and personal growth.

Some of the family’s fondest and lifelong memories were made at the family cabin in Lake Arrowhead, Calif. Throughout the 1980s, weekends and summers were often spent there, enjoying time together away from the everyday routine. Boating and water skiing became favorite family activities, with Dale almost always at the helm of the boat.

As his boys learned to water ski, Dale encouraged them and took pride in watching them improve. When they managed to ski from one buoy to the next, he would proudly announce that they had gone “buoy to buoy to buoy.” Those words became a lasting family memory, and the summers at Lake Arrowhead gave his sons moments they would carry with them forever.

Dale was, as those closest to him would say, a little rough around the edges. But beneath that exterior was a kind, loving, and genuine man. He was unapologetically himself, and those who knew him best understood and appreciated the goodness in his heart.

Dale always had a lifelong thirst for knowledge. He was always reading, learning, and educating himself about a wide range of subjects. His curiosity reflected a thoughtful, inquisitive mind and remained an important part of who he was throughout his life.  

Dale also had a lifelong appreciation for anything with an engine. He loved working on cars and boats, taking satisfaction in tinkering, fixing, and figuring things out. His 1966 Ford Mustang, which he purchased brand new and retained his entire life, held a special place in his heart. All his life, Dale joked that he wanted to be buried in his Mustang; however, the family has decided not to grant that particular wish! He also appreciated life’s simple pleasures, occasionally relaxing with a good cigar and a glass of Jim Beam, his favorite bourbon.

Dale loved elephants and collected elephant pictures and figurines over the years, giving his family another treasured reminder of his unique interests.

Dale’s life was uniquely his own. He wasn’t perfect, but he was kind, loving, and genuine. He leaves behind a family who loved him deeply, along with memories of the stories, laughter, lessons, and moments that made him who he was.

Rest in peace, Dale. You were one of a kind, and you will never be forgotten.

The memorial service will be Friday, Nov. 20, 2026, at 1 p.m. at Yates Funeral Home, Hayden Chapel, 373 E. Hayden Ave. Arrangements are provided by Yates Funeral Home. An online registry and condolences are available at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.