William Ronald Dale

William Ronald Dale
October 24, 1936 — November 20, 2025

William Ronald Dale was born at the old Saint Marks Hospital in North Salt Lake City, Utah, on October 24, 1936, to William Arthur Dale and Irma Vilate Yeager. He passed away on November 20, 2025, having just reached 89 years of age.

Ron spent most of his childhood at 857 Blair Street in Salt Lake City. He attended Sumner Elementary School, Lincoln Junior High School, and South High School. In his junior year, his family moved to Tooele, where he ultimately graduated from Tooele High School in 1955.

Ron married Alice Lila Shields on August 24, 1955. They were later sealed in the Salt Lake City Temple on March 27, 1961. The couple recently celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary—a remarkable milestone.

Dad held a job of some kind from the age of twelve until he was 75. After graduation, he began working at the Tooele Army Depot, where he made countless friends over his lengthy and varied career. He cherished the memories of his colleagues, his work-related travels, and the pride he felt in supporting his country. His influence in military equipment placement during the latter part of his career had an impact across the nation and the globe, which brought him great pride.

After retiring from federal service, Dad became a crossing guard with the Tooele City Police Department, serving in that capacity for 15 years. Of all the jobs he held and titles he earned, he enjoyed being a school crossing guard the most.

At age nine, Dad joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He and his mother rode the bus uptown to the Salt Lake Tabernacle, where they were both baptized. He did not become active in the church until after he was married and had two children. Once he became active, he and mom went to the temple and were sealed for time and all eternity.

Throughout his life, Dad held numerous church positions and was always appreciative of the opportunities the church provided. He served as President of the Seventy in the North Tooele Stake, as a Stake Missionary, and as the Second Counselor in the 8th Ward Bishopric. Dad and Mom also served as missionaries at the Stake Employment Center and in the Stake Genealogy Library. He was steadfast in his beliefs and credited his faith as the foundation for his successful life.

Dad served two years as President of the Settlement Canyon Chapter of the Sons of the Utah Pioneers. During his tenure, the chapter hosted a National Encampment. He also arranged for the city of Tooele to lease the old library to the Sons and Daughters of the Utah Pioneers, placed a monument at the new Tooele City Library for the first settlers of Tooele, oversaw the restoration of the Pioneer monument at the mouth of Settlement Canyon, and placed the Pioneer monument at the new courthouse.

His interests included camping, model rocketry, pinewood derbies, fishing, boating, service projects, travel, ATV exploring, Tooele history, and the lively Shields family reunions. Ron was always involved in coaching, scouting, mentoring, and supporting all the activities of his children and grandchildren.

He was especially proud that all three of his sons achieved the rank of Eagle Scout.

Dad is survived by his wife, Alice, and his three sons and their spouses: Ron (Cheryl), David (Lorri), and Douglas (Craig Anderson). He is also survived by his grandchildren— Jayson, Cody, Chris, Zach, Lindsey, Ashley, Mackenzi, and Lizzie—and his great-grandchildren: Braylin, Jalen, Mason, Elizabeth, Hayden, Ace, Benson, Jack, Kellen, England, Andi, Sunni, and Mabel.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his sisters Shirley (Don), Bonnie (Larry), Margaret; and his brother Raymond.

As per his request, Dad was laid to rest at the Tooele City Cemetery with a graveside service.

It should be noted that when Dad entered any room, the standards in the room were raised. He was truly a remarkable presence.