Dale Lynn Arneson

Dale Lynn Arneson, 51, of Anchorage died at his home on July 29.

Dale was born in Havre, Mont., on April 3, 1958 to Arlen and Charlene (Nelson) Arneson. At the age of 5 he moved with his family to Alaska, where he grew up playing with his brothers and working in the family home construction business. Dale and his family went on to build boats as well as becoming successful in the Prince William Sound commercial fishing business. He truly enjoyed helping his father with each of the many projects in which they became involved.

After graduating from Palmer High School, Dale worked as a school bus driver for several years when he was credited with saving the life of one of the school children on the bus he was driving. His dedication to youth also showed through his work with children in the Special Olympics. Dale became a beach foreman for the clean-up operation when the Exxon Valdez oil spill occurred. Dale later gained employment as a harbor officer for the city of Whittier small-boat harbor as well as working at the city shop. He was a volunteer LT. Assistant Fire Chief, EMT, and a dive rescue member for over 15 years.

Dale is preceded in death by his brothers Arlen Eric and Bretton Kim Arneson, his maternal grandparents, Olaf R. and Betty L. (Reed) Nelson, his aunt Linda Nelson, his paternal grandfather Lawrence T. Arneson, his aunt Lynette Arneson, and his cousin Jenny Arneson.

Survivors include his daughter Ramie Arneson in Anchorage and his step-daughter Natasha in Willow. Dale’s parents, Arlen and Charlene Arneson, Whittier.; brother, Aaron, Missoula, Mont., with his family (Jane, Mariah, and Marisa Arneson). His paternal grandmother, Violet H. Arneson, and his aunt Lauren (Rene) Pierce, Anchorage, uncle Merwin Arneson and family are in Palmer, while aunt Vicki, Uncle Greg Clouse, and their son Kris Clouse are in Havre, Mont. Dale’s very special cousins, Larry and Doris Halverson, also live in Havre.

His family and friends will remember him for his willingness to help people, his sense of humor and his big friendly smile. All who knew and loved him will miss Dale. As he wished, some of his possessions have been donated to the Chugach School District and the Whittier School. His family has chosen not to hold a memorial until in the spring season. In lieu of flowers, the family has set up an account at the Mat-Su Federal Credit Union (No. 127945) for those who wish to give a memorial gift to his community in Dale’s memory

Arrangements are entrusted to the Hasara family at the Cremation Society of Alaska. An online guestbook can be viewed at www.alaskacremation.com.