Pendleton, Oregon - Born in Spokane WA to Raymond and Roma Turnbull Hilding, Dale grew up

in the mountains of northern/central Idaho. Sandpoint, Coeur d'Alene, St.

Maries, Grangeville were all "home". He was active in Boy Scouts and earned the Eagle Scout Rank in 1963. His father was a professional forester with the U.S. Forest Service and taught Dale to love the mountains and forests. He graduated from Tulane University in New Orleans in 1971 and from the U

of Texas in Austin in 1972 with an MA in Latin American Studies.

Commissioned as a 2LT in the Signal Corps, he earned his Airborne Wings at Fort Benning. He served 4 years (2 years in the Panama Canal Zone) and was awarded the Army Commendation Medal upon his discharge. Joining the Social Security Administration in 1976 as a Claims Representative, Dale spent 12 years in the Spokane WA District Office. He met his future wife,

Mary Kay Jackson while in Spokane. They were married in 1978. Dale was

promoted to Assistant District Manager in 1986 and spent 10 years in Idaho Falls ID SSA field office. In 1996, he was promoted to District Manager in the Pendleton SSA field office. He retired in 2008 after 35 years of federal service. During his career, Dale was very active in volunteer work in the local community. He received numerous awards, including a national

Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) Hero Award from the Office of Personnel

Management and an Oregon Community Hero award from US Senator Gordon Smith.

After he retired, Dale continued to volunteer. He sat on the Helping Hand board and was Treasurer and Lead Receptionist for 10 years. He also was Treasurer at the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer for 5 years and sang in the choir for many years. He volunteered at Outreach with food boxes and was Mentor for the Education for Ministry program sponsored by his church. He was licensed by the Episcopal Church as a lay preacher and served on the Vestry.

Dale was especially active as an adult leader in both Boy and Girl Scouts, with over 30 years as a volunteer. He cherished his role as Cub Master for Pack 745 and loved to lead them in jokes, riddles and songs, besides presenting their awards. BSA recognized his efforts by awarding him the Silver Beaver in 2003. After retirement, Dale and Mary Kay spent every summer attending Scottish Festivals around the northwest. Dale was very proud of his scottish heritage and they set up a Turnbull Clan Tent at both

the Athena and Prosser WA games. He would dress in 15th century armor

and chainmail and march in the opening parade.

Dale is survived by his wife of 48 years, Mary Kay Jackson Hilding; two

sons, Michael and Patrick, and a daughter, Kathryn. He also leaves behind two granddaughters, Gabriella and Pepper and a grandson Jackson. Two Step-grandchildren, Helena and Carter and two great grandsons, Asher and Grayson.

A memorial service will be held at Church of the Redeemer on March 28.