Dale was born in Lennox, California, on October 31, 1924, and passed away in the comfort of his Ojai home on Thursday, October 24, 2013, just one week from his 89th birthday. He was thankful for his extremely good health that lasted almost 89 years and for the wonderful care provided to him during his declining health.
When Dale was about two, the family moved to Ventura to manage Turnpoint Inn which was on the beach just north of Ventura. Not long after, they purchased Seacliff Inn a few miles further up the beach toward Carpinteria.
Dale’s youth was spent on the beaches of the Rincon, where he was continually entertained by the antics of his older brother, Wayne.
Shortly after graduating from Ventura High School, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy during World War II. Upon completion of Radioman training at Texas A&M, he was transferred by ship to his duty station on Guam. Serving in the Navy as Radioman 1st Class, Dale was honorably discharged in 1946.
After briefly working at Pt. Mugu, Dale joined the California Highway Patrol in 1948.
He started his career as a motor officer on a 1948 Harley Davidson. Dale continued as a motor officer for about 12 years, wearing out several motorcycles in the process. He eventually transitioned into the Public Affairs Officer, where he remained for the duration of his career.
His position as Public Affairs Officer enabled him to make a dramatic difference in the public’s awareness of bicycle, pedestrian, and vehicular safety. Local radio stations dubbed him “The Golden Voice of Ventura County” because of his morning traffic and safety reports that always began “This is Officer Dale Fletcher of the California Highway Patrol…”
He instituted the “Stop on a Dime” bicycle safety program for elementary schools, and delivered safety presentations to numerous schools, clubs, and organizations for the last half of his career.
Dale retired from the Highway Patrol in 1976, after 28 years of service.
With the cooperation and involvement of the Ventura CHP office, he briefly came out of retirement to present one last “Stop on a Dime” program in 1994 at his grandchildren’s school.
Known for his good nature, humor, and ready smile, Dale made friends easily. Working part-time as a bank courier until his early 80s, these traits served him well.
Dale remained active throughout the years with volleyball, tennis, morning walks, and playing with his grandkids and great-granddaughter.
A fantastic father, Dale served as a great role model to his children as well as others to whom his high moral standards were apparent.
He was very proud of his service to his country and to the State of California. In particular, the pride he felt from his years on the California Highway Patrol never faded. He remained in his heart, a “CHiPpy” until the end.
Dale was preceded in death by his infant son William, parents Claude and Grace, brothers Elbert and Wayne, and grandson Jeremy Bullock.
He is survived by his children Alan Fletcher (Jana) and Valerie Bullock (Steve), grandchildren Javai (Fletcher) Garvin, Brittany Fletcher, Colby Fletcher, Tara Bullock, Steven Tyler Bullock, great-granddaughter Annika Bullock, and several nieces and nephews.
The family would like to thank Alisha Parkhurst and Livingston Memorial Visiting Nurses Association for their contributions to his loving care which allowed him to remain at home, as was his strong desire.
A brief graveside service for Dale will be held at Ivy Lawn Memorial Park, on Friday, November 8, 2013, at 2 p.m. A memorial service will be held the following day, Saturday, November 9, 2013, 2 p.m. at the Ted Mayr Funeral Home, 3150 Loma Vista Road, Ventura.
Condolences may be left at TedMayrFuneralHome.com.
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