Notable Neighbors

Dinkel family is caring, supportive

Our family has had the privilege of living next door to Gene and Allayne Dinkel, who have been wonderful neighbors for more than 30 years.

We have raised our children together, and our children always knew that if they had a problem and couldnt reach us, Auntie and Uncle would be OK to ask for help. Our daughters were best friends from the time they were in a playpen together, and still are best friends even though they live on opposite sides of the country.

As the children grew up, we never had to cope with, But Tommys family lets him do it, because their strong house rules were the same as ours. When our son was terminally ill three years ago, they gave us the strength to go on, just by sitting through long hours at the hospital with us, praying for us, feeding us, and letting us know they cared.

They have done this with many friends and neighbors who have had difficulties in their lives, never hesitating to be supportive, driving patients to medical appointments, caring for those who are unable to do errands for themselves, and just recognizing when someone needed a hand. Friends in need always come before their own personal plans.

Both the Dinkels were caring and professional teachers who impacted hundreds of young lives during their careers, and were always willing to reach out and do the little bit extra to help their students succeed. They have served our community in so many ways, without looking for thanks or attention.

Gene volunteers at the Valley Food Bank regularly, even being willing to be on call to go cut up road-kill moose for them. He is active in the Presbyterian Church, and does the little necessary jobs that often go unnoticed. Allayne has always been very active in the musical world of the community. She is the organist for the church, and has played for hundreds of weddings and funerals, and is a member of the Community Chorus every year.

The list of achievements for this couple is too long to go into, but they are simply the best of neighbors to anyone they come in contact with.

Submitted by Carol and Howard Lowery