OBITUARY
He was a devoted family man and raised his sons with the same passion and 100 per cent focus he gave to everything he did , teaching them to sail and then supporting them in competitive sailing for many years . “ Although Dale no longer followed competitive motorcycling after his accident , he always rode bikes for transport and leisure ,” says Maxine . “ His priority on arrival at any new country would be to buy / hire a motorbike to go exploring — ‘ a motorbike is freedom ’ he would say . “ Dale was a clever , determined , passionate individual , very generous and always helping people . He had a good life .” Former New Zealand 350 Champion Mike Vinsen also shared some memories : “ I crashed and sprained an ankle at Levels one year . I was staying with Dale and his mum in Christchurch and he drove me all over town until he found a physiotherapist who would treat me so I was able to race at Ruapuna the next weekend . He was very generous . “ Dale was definitely one of life ’ s more unusual characters . As well as making tie-downs and owning the business , he was also the sales rep .
Dale held a commercial pilot ’ s license and flew for small airlines in Vanuatu , Fiji , the Caribbean , and Kenya
He used to call into our Auckland shop — it was like a mini tornado coming in ... always with his trademark grin . “ When I started racing I thought he was so fast that it would be impossible to emulate him . He was also willing to talk , give advice and his riding spoke for itself . He was a can-do guy . There was nothing he believed he couldn ’ t do . Sometimes that pissed some people off , but it ’ s certainly a reminder of a different time in racing , thinking about him .” Sister Patricia adds , “ Even as a little boy he achieved whatever he set out to do . Nothing would hold him back . A life well lived .” Dale is survived by Maxine , his wife of 35 years , children Daniel ( 27 ) and Mathew ( 23 ), sisters Patricia ( Taupo ), Kathy ( Coromandel ) and brothers Barry ( Australia ) and Brent ( Woodend ).
36 KIWI RIDER