Dale A. Niccolson

October 6, 1931 - November 18, 2019

Dale Arnold Niccolson, beloved husband, dad, grandpa and friend, died Nov. 18, 2019, at Salem Hospital at the age of 88.

Dale was born Oct. 6, 1931, at the birthing center on Capitol Street in Salem, Ore., to Arthur and Katherine (Katie) Niccolson. The youngest of four siblings, he lived most of his younger years in Aumsville and Salem. In his sophomore year of high school, he moved to Grand Ronde to live with his brother and attended Willamina High School.

Dale went into the Navy in January of 1951, and when he came home on boot leave in March, he married Irene Herman on March 31, 1951. Irene was able to join him in San Diego that May and they spent two and a half years there until he was sent overseas to Japan and Korea for nine months. When he returned to the states, he was discharged in November of 1954. He returned to Salem, where Irene had set up a home for him and was working.

In May of 1955, they purchased their first home in Keizer, the city where they have spent the rest of their lives. And in September of 1957, their daughter Kathleen (Katie) was born.

During those years, Dale worked at Valley Motor Co., then partnered in a Chevron Service Station, and later worked at Curly’s Dairy, Willamette Valley Produce and finally Deluxe Ice Cream, before retiring in 1991.

After retiring, he spent many years working in his shop, refurbishing and building furniture and having two garage sales a year.
After Irene retired in 1994, they enjoyed many nice trips until Dale had a stroke in 2007. Life was no longer the same and took on a much slower pace.

In more than 68 years together, he and Irene had many good times and made a lot of great memories.

Earlier this year, Dale was honored as a 50-year member of the Elks Lodge. He was one of the founding members of the Keizer Elks.
Dale’s siblings and parents have preceded him in death. He’s survived by his wife Irene, his daughter Katie (Mike) Thalhofer, his granddaughters Kelsey (Caleb) O’Halloran and Kylie Thalhofer, several nieces and nephews and many close friends.

At his request, no service will be held. Remembrances may be made in the form desired by friends.

Guest Book Entries

So sad to learn about Dale's passing. I have such fond memories of him and his family and the garage sales! Love to you all.

Dale was one of my best friends! I treasure the memory of our good times together. The photo is on his birthday, October 6, 2017 in Mt. Angel.

Uncle Dale was my roll model. He enjoyed life to the fullest. His love of family and friends was first and foremost. He was a proud member of the Elks and was a tremendous advocate for a number of programs sponsored by his Lodge.
Dale enjoyed tinkering in his garage and turning warn out junk into useful and beautiful home accessories.
You could not say the word Dale without including the name of his wonderful wife of 68 years Irene. Together they were able to take care of not only their own family but to help take care of the needs of extended family members.
Dale was only a phone call away if anyone needed help and there wasn't anything he was called on to do that he couldn't figure out and fix. From broken tools to broken hearts Dale had a solution, He was quick with a joke and always had a kind word for everyone. Diane and I will miss him.

Dale was such a nice man. Dale and I are so sorry to hear of his passing. We will miss the chats with him on our walks. Our love to Irene.
Dale and Nancy Williams

I was very sorry to hear of Dale's passing. I knew him and always enjoyed him. My sympathy goes out to his wife, and daughter and her husband and children. It's not easy to lose someone we love and I'm sure it's not easy for you.