Lisa,

Aside from all the professional  stories (Dale was instrumental in getting our Chimes Ginger Chews into Whole Foods) that may be recounted, mine was a bit more personal. As you know Dale loved
baseball and at trade shows we would take the opportunity for our own personal "hot stove league" of baseball goings on.  I sent him a book I encountered in Canada about Asahi players , the untold story of discrimination and heroism.

Just before the end of the year, I had not heard the sad news I sent him several notes about the LA Dodgers latest Japanese acquisitions ...my loss cannot compare to yours but I will miss talking baseball with Dale this upcoming season, and will keep him in mind when I watch Otani & Yamamoto, he would have had much to say.

Again, my deepest sympathies,

Martin Sanchez
Roxy Trading, Inc.

I had the privilege of playing baseball, basketball and golf with Dale in high school and for a few years after high school.  Dale was an outstanding athlete, a fierce competitor and wonderful teammate.   

Everyone that new Dale respected his intellect and his demeanor.  His opinions mattered and he could always be counted on at crunch time.  I looked up to Dale and appreciated him for the quality person and friend he was.

Dale's countenance on our natural foods landscape was a bright light and a gentle smile.  Shocked and saddened to hear he's gone and I will miss his presence in our lives.

What a treasure Dale has been to his extended family in the natural products industry. Always so reliable and full of joy, and just a barrel of fun when it came to the non-business side of our work together. I will miss him dearly. My blessings to Dale’s family.

I had the pleasure of playing golf with Dale and Glenn and Brad Vigil a couple years ago. Dale was immediately friendly and it felt as though we'd known each other already. A year later, he attended my Father's funeral and was so sincere and passionate about his playing days at CU with my Dad. I am sorry to hear about Dale's passing and the short interactions I had with him, it was apparent how genuine and giving the man was. Rest in peace and say hello to my Dad, Dale.

Oh my, so sad to hear about Dales passing ...one of the best, kindest men out there. I always appreciate how Dale asked about me and my family, he always walked around and talked to everyone. He was a true leader in spirit and practice. He gave me time, advice and indredient  connections for my Cowgirl products. 
I can just see his kind eyes and sweet smile. To Lisa and your family, may his memory continue to give you peace and blessings.

Dale was such an amazing introduction to this industry for me.  When I started Cocomels at the Farmers Market, Dale was the first local buyer to express interest.  Not only did he bring Cocomels into the store but he offered his time and insights so that I could understand what I was getting into and how to do it.  After that, we'd meet occasionally and I'd ask a barrage of questions and he'd always give me his attention and time.   He became a friend and ally in the industry and I always enjoyed bumping into him at events or shows.  I'm so sorry to hear of his passing.  He was a great guy who really showed interest and support for me and my journey.  I will always be appreciative.   Much love to his family and friends.   JJ Rademaekers

Requiem for Dale
Dear Lisa, Loni, and Kenji,
I’ve had the good fortune of meeting people that hold a special place in my life. People who taught me lessons in the art of kindness, who gave their time freely, who were invested in my well-being. Your husband and father became a cherished friend to so many people. Within those walls of our shared humanity, Dale was a tower of generosity, warmth, humility, and kindness. Those traits were a part of his being, inescapable and offered in abundance, all neatly wrapped in his youthful face. He possessed an endearing way of bringing us in; the manner in which his eyes embraced us, the tilt of his head welcoming us into his life. He was forever rolling out the welcome mat for me, truly for everyone. He always in all ways, made room for others, always made sure we were seen. 
A memory of Dale is in the early stages of opening Alfalfa’s when some of us were given the task of stocking the store. A colleague accidently cut Dale’s leg, revealing a significant cut to his calf. Dale calmly handled it and within minutes was back to the duty at hand, bantering good-naturedly with the person who inflicted the wound. No malice. No blame. No shame. Only kindness. Dale was kindness personified. It was his DNA. We are all better, happier people from knowing him. 
In the arc of our lives, there were times when our paths would cross repeatedly. Dale would be the first to ask about me and when it was his turn to speak to his own happiness, his eyes would alight when he spoke of his family. Loni and Kenji, he so loved you. You made him one proud poppa. And Lisa. His smile loomed even larger at the mention of your name. He realized he was gifted a life full of love.
I truly hope the grief that surrounds you will give way to a time where you will be filled with his joy and happiness . That was his gift to all of us. There is a large community of people who would give freely their time to help.  Let us know. Arigato. Farewell friend.

Dear Dale,  
You and I met on the first day of 4th grade - Miss Winkler's class.  We sat across from each other with Johnny Pellikan, Bill Nooning, and Bob Kotowski and Patrick (?) sitting behind us.  With all of those names, Miss Winkler decided our first spelling test would be your last name...  KAMIBAYASHI....
But something more important occurred that day.  We were having bomb drills where we had to hide under our desks until the sirens stopped.  We always hid together.  
One day, things were different, school was dismissed early.  When you and I were walking out the door - you told me goodbye - that we weren't going to make it until morning- and we kissed goodbye as only 4th graders can do.  
You knew so much more than I did about the world.  I learned so much from you.  
You can imagine our excitement when we saw each other again...  I think we always vowed to kiss and remember our joy of being alive and friends...
Thanks Lisa...  You always tolerated that.
Dale, you are one of the best, men ever.  I will always love you.

To Dale's family, I was deeply saddened to read today about Dale's passing.  My deepest condolesences.  Dale worked for me for several months when we were building a source water from Brazil.  I was just speaking to my business partner the other day (just a couple of weeks ago).  And, he said "do you remember when we all in Naples for a meeting and went to have sushi and Dale taught us how to properly eat with chopsticks?"  I later moved to Denver and saw Dale often at events especially Naturally Boulder.  A very wonderful man.  Debbie Wildrick

Dear Kamibayahshi Family,

Sending love and prayers.

Erika
Erika Knowles

Dear Kamibayashi Family - My deepest condolences to you at this time.  What a light Dale brought to all of us who worked with him.

I was shocked and saddened to learn of Dales passing. He was always so kind and supportive, truly a lovely man. I always loved seeing his huge smile and looked forward to our conversations and catch ups at industry events. God speed, Dale.

Dale was always a bright spot in all he did. I met Dale in middle school and can still remember after all these years his smile and his great personality..rest in peace my friend.

Dale will be truly missed.  I met Dale and his family at the age of 11 when we both played on the same baseball team. Then next 7 years played summer ball together,  we attended elementary school together (ROUSH) Junior high  (Clear Lake) and high school (RANUM). Our paths did not cross but a few times during and after college but Dale was not someone you could ever forget,  He will truly be missed in my heart, condolences go out to his family!    Chuck Jesse

In 55 years as teammates, golfmates, and friendship I never once saw Daler raise his voice in anger, yet he was the ultimate competitor.  I'm blessed to have played a very small part in Dale's lifetime journey.
R.I.P Daler                                                            


Lisa, we are so very sorry for your and your family's loss.
                                                                                     God bless
                                                                                      Dean & Patsy Sessions

I am saddened to hear of Dale's passing and offer my condolences to the family.  I knew Dale through the Naturally Boulder community and had the utmost respect for him as a businessman, but more importantly as a person.  He was always the first person at any gathering to offer a smile and a handshake or hug.  Truly a prince among men, as Joan Boykin referred to him.  Dale will be missed.

Dale was the first grocery buyer to give me an opportunity to demo and sell Appleooz at Alfalfas in 2013.  He always carried the 'Aloha spirit' in all of our conversations.  He was a significant contributor in the growth of our brand, and I'll always remember the glint in his eye when he smiled :>) RIP Dale.

Lisa, Lani, Kenji, Sandy & Monica, it was heartbreaking to hear of Dale’s passing he was such a great man!  Dale was a treasured forever friend to me & will be greatly missed!
Much love & peace to you all♥️

Here's a story about Dale that demonstrates his warmth and character. He spotted me in Alfalfa's buying a baby bottle for my hungry, noisy 1-year old. He offered to run the bottle through the Alfalfa's dishwasher so my baby could eat right away. His gentle kindness is what I will remember most about him.

I’ve known good people in my life but only a handful of people I consider a purely good soul. That’s how I remember Dale. I regret not staying close over these past decades, but my memories of Dale as one of my dearest friends in the sixties are ever-present and ever-lasting.

I met Dale in the late 70’s and we stayed in touch through the decades.  I was so pleased we got to spend several years working for the same company at Presence Marketing until I retired at the end of 2021.  A kind soul and a consummate professional who dedicated his life’s work in service to grow our industry.  Dale will be missed by many.  The world needs more like him!  My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
💔🙏

The world was a better place for having Dale in it! I had the pleasure of working alongside Dale. He was a generous and kind soul. He will be greatly missed. My sincere condolences to his family and friends.

Dale and I had many conversations over the last 2 years about emerging brand support, crowd funding, and how he was working on a project to get healthy food options to rural Colorado.  I loved our conversations!  Always supportive and optimistic especially while I grew my business and oh man did I need that.  Also didn't realize he was 72!  I thought he was in his 60's because of how excited he was about change in our industry and all the things he wanted to do to help with that change.  I really wanted us all to be part of the change together and now with him gone I want to move forward with his same kindness he showed to everyone.  You are already missed Dale.  I'm so glad to have met you

I am very sorry to hear that Dale passed away. At all our industry gatherings Dale was a bright light, a huge smile, a kind gentleman. His legacy will live on in the organic and natural foods community. We will speak of him, and miss him and his laugh. 

Again, I am incredibly sorry for your loss.

My heart is saddened by this loss and sending so much love to the family and to all the friends and co-workers who were undoubtedly touched by Dale’s warmth.  Dale made the world around him a better place and his light will continue on for many of us.  I hope that in some small way, it eases the sadness over time, to know how much he was loved, admired and honored by the natural foods community that he helped to build and sustain.  I feel blessed to have known you, Dale.  You made a difference that lives on.  
With a full heart, 
Amrit Khalsa

We are so saddened and  shocked at Dale's passing.

He has been such a good friend and associate for so many years(over 35)
We didn't get together a lot with covid etc. but any time we did - it was like we  were just together the day before.

We will miss him so much. Dale was a shining star in a world that could use a few more.

Lisa, Lani and Kenji, our love and sympathy and sorrow  with this incredible loss are with you.

Margaret and Bob Garcia

The natural foods industry's culture of kindness and respect was set early in its inception by exceptional individuals like Dale.  He embodies everything about the culture that makes our industry so special. He had a way of making each of us feel we were his favorite.  I am lucky to be one of those people.  The enduring nature of the HNF industry's culture is the greatest testament to Dale's memory.  
God speed Dale.

Blair Kellison

Very saddened by hearing about Dale’s passing.  He was a very kind soul and always encouraging to be around.  We had some great times playing baseball together for Coach Jenkins at Ranum HS.  Dale was such an amazing athlete and a wonderful team mate.  He will be sorely missed.  May Lisa and the family have peace and comfort through all the great memories created with Dale.

Terry Dangerfield, Joe Corrigan, Tom Rome, Larry Pence, Ray Buzard, Dale

Dale with friends at Ranum HS 50 year reunion in 2019. 
L-R; Dale, Chuck Jesse, Ken Sarno, Ed Stirman

My sincere condolences to Dale's family, huge friend group, and anyone who had the honor to know this sweet soul.                               
                                                                                                                                                 May you all find some peace and comfort during this hard time and continue to share your memories of joy and laughter with Dale with one another.

Dale will be deeply missed.  My heart goes out to you all at this time of grief.

I worked with Dale for many years. 
Such a mainstay in the natural foods world, with so much experience that he was always happy to share.
He was so helpful to me in learning and embracing my role with Presence Marketing. I would not have succeeded without him.

And always such a gentleman.
Rest in peace, Dale. You will be remembered fondly, and missed greatly. 

Love and strength to Dale's family.
Joel

Our deepest condolences to you and the rest of the family.  I am deeply saddened.  I so much enjoyed working with Dale at Wild Oats "back in the days."  Blessings.

Sincere condolences to Dales Family and Friends. He was such a great person to interact with and such a professional. He had a passion for his role and put his heart into whatever he did. He will be missed.

Dale was one of the good ones..I have many memories to look back on. I am so sad to hear of his passing.

Dale’s family and friends must have so many beautiful memories. Dale was such a kind, lovely man. I have no words.

Dale was one of the most sincere and humble person I was fortunate to have as a friend for over 50 years. Our core group of high school friends has stayed together all these years. I am happy I got to see Dale in September when I came home for our reunion. May he rest in peace and may his family feel comforted with all the love we have for him.!!

Am so very saddened to learn of Dale's passing. He showed genuine kindness in everything he did. I well remember him following my son's baseball high school baseball games, and even giving him pointers on his hitting. Dale will be greatly missed.

May your loving memories of sweet  Dale sustain you during this time of grief and loss. Dale made a difference in the lives of the people he touched. ❤️❤️❤️

It was so good to see Dale in September. My condolences to Dale's family and friends.

Lisa we are so sorry and saddened to hear of Dale’s passing.  We are thinking  of you, Loni, and Kenji and sending you love.  Linda and Tim Overlie

Lisa, so sorry to hear about Dale’s passing. One of the good guys. All my love to you and your family
Hass

OBITUARY

Dale Kenji Kamibayashi

May 4, 1951 – November 4, 2023

Olinger Funeral, Cremation & Cemetery - Highland

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Updates

Services