Dale Bridges was a highly respected and valued community leader and servant. Born in Lima, Ohio, April 2nd, 1941 His first memories were on a farm in Ohio with his sister Jeanette and brother Jim.  

Dale spent 40+ years in local fire service organizations. While in the fire service he was a training officer, taught fire service classes, industrial and industrial safety classes and was involved in many training controlled burns. He served on the State Fire Marshal’s Advisory Board and completed his career in fire service as the Fairhaven Fire Chief. After retirement he continued to work with the Fire Chief’s Association. 

 At the same time, he volunteered with the American Red Cross with 24 years in health and safety and 19 years in local and national disaster response sometimes serving with FEMA.  Many times, he was the officer in charge of organizing several local disaster shelters for families and their animals displaced by fires, floods and earthquakes. He also taught volunteers there. 

As a Kiwanian he was a member of the Humboldt Bay, North Coast, and McKinleyville Clubs and was recognized by the Henderson Center club with his own “line-item” in their budget for the fines he paid. He was a leader, joker, and mentor to community servants throughout the county and region with service as Kiwanis Club President and Lt. Governor for the Northern CA counties.

His service continued beyond the professional into his retirement years with over 25 years as an aide/mentor to countless Alice Birney kindergarten students.  He was instrumental in making Alice Birney School a beneficiary of local Kiwanis donations, purchasing playground equipment for the children. He built and lead the organization of the Truckers’ Parade for 26 years until he retired in that capacity in 2017. He enjoyed lunch with local community businessmen in what is called the Tip Club, getting tips from other professionals on how to best serve the community.  

Some of his favorite recollections were his annual trips to Alaska to work at the Alaska State Fair serving peach shortcake to Fairgoers who were anxious to relish a fresh fruit desert.  He loved traveling with his RV in the Elk’s Roamers RV Club and with close friends. A member of the Eureka Elks lodge, he served on the House Committee, in the kitchen and occasionally as a greeter. Children loved Dale in return for all his kindness. He was known by many nicknames including Cookie Man (born from his love of making and sharing chocolate chip cookies), Funny Man and Pickles.  

Dale is survived by his wife Lynda, his son Willie (wife, Debbie) of Texas, Stepdaughter, Jennifer McDonald and her husband, Ross, and son, Koby, of McKinleyville and several cousins, nieces, and nephews. His oldest son, Michael, proceeded him in death, as well as his mother, Madge Pittinger.

Ever diligent, Dale passed during the early morning of April 6, 2020 while sitting at his desk working on community service projects.

He was an incredible man.

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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Dale’s family. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here.