Tyler Dale, friend to all. (Photos courtesy Kathi Dale)
Tyler Dale was an original.
A kind, hard-working guy, he bopped to his own beat, while being one of those rare people who was well-liked by all.
During the three years we worked together at Christopher’s on Whidbey, he lit up the kitchen.
There was no job too big or too small for Tyler, and he thrived amid the heat and the splattering grease.
A slow Wednesday night or the middle of the never-ending storm that was the mussel festival, he was in his element.
Cooking, slicing ‘n dicing, or cleaning (he loved cleaning like no one I know), he always let loose with a steady stream of chatter and laughter which carried from one end of the cramped work space to the other.
Tyler passed too soon, but he will live on through his son, and the memories of all who crossed his path.
From his mom, Kathi Dale:
Tyler James Dale
September 30, 1990 – July 19, 2019
Born on September 30, 1990, growing up in Everett, Washington until the age of seven, when the family made the move to Whidbey Island.
He attended Coupeville Elementary School, where he was involved in Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts, loving the Pinewood Derby.
He loved working with Destination Imagination, to create and invent fun and amazing gadgets.
In middle school, Tyler was selected to participate in Day Star Academy with Mrs. (Liz) Sherman and Mrs. (Mendy) McLean-Stone, where his creativity was encouraged, working on “Tyler time.”
After a short time in Coupeville High School he then transferred to Bayview School.
Tyler was not a ‘book learner’ and learned best with hands-on experiences.
He then participated in job corp in Yachats, Oregon, where he received his General Education Degree (GED) in May, 2008.
Tyler began working at Christopher’s on Whidbey, as a dishwasher. Working his way up to prepping and a line cook.
This is where his creativity and love for cooking was advanced.
Being a “tinkerer” of many things. Beginning with models and bicycles.
One of his most favorite things was his Chevy S-10 trucks and blazers.
Tyler loved trucks, working on them, and sharing his knowledge with others.
Always making improvements and advances to make it go faster, having a custom look.
He enjoyed creating many things out of used items.
Tyler was gifted with an amazing analytical and problem-solving mind on how to make things work.
Tyler developed a love for the banjo and taught himself how to play. Something that brought that big silly smile to his face.
Two buddies hanging out.
After knowing each other since third grade and being close friends for many years, Tyler married Becca (Achurra) on May 18, 2013 in Moses Lake, Wa.
With the birth of their son, Craig James Ray Dale in December, 2016.
Tyler, wife Becca, and their son, Craig.
Tyler loved being a daddy to his son.
Teaching him “car things.”
Tyler, you are loved and missed.
Always a proud poppa.
