Alan Dale Dunn

A. Dale Dunn passed away on December 4, 2018 due to cancer. Dale was blessed to live a remarkable life because of honorable choices, hard work, and a desire to serve. He possessed exceptional leadership skills and judgment which gave him wonderful opportunities in church leadership, in the business world, and the community. He was decisive and wise, and many sought his insight and direction.
Dale was born in Montpelier, Idaho on August 5, 1923 and always revered his humble roots. His boyhood home remained in the family and he was able to spend time there throughout his life. His devoted and hard-working parents taught him solid values such as service, faith, family commitment, integrity, humility and compassion. These values were a part of his make-up and always guided the way he conducted his life.
Dad loved the outdoors and had many fond memories of hunting and fishing with his Dad and brother. A private man, they often looked for the most remote fishing holes. Dad enjoyed playing the trumpet in dance bands throughout high school and college and always had a tender place for the music of his generation. This talent was the catalyst that brought him into contact with a beautiful singer named Jane Shepherd. They had a whirlwind courtship of 6 months and were married in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Salt Lake City Temple on August 26, 1946.
He and Jane had three children: Stephen (Wanda), Christy, and David (Chris). He was a loving, supportive and generous father and grandfather to 8 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.
Prior to marriage, Dale served in the Navy as a radar technician on a picket ship during World War II. He earned his B.S. and M.S. degrees from the University of Idaho in Chemical Engineering. He also graduated from the Stanford University Executive Program in 1970.
Dale joined the J.R. Simplot Company in 1953 as a Staff Engineer, and through hard work and dedication, had many opportunities for advancement and leadership positions. He was president of the Minerals and Chemical Division, and eventually appointed company President and Chief Executive Officer in 1979. He continued to actively serve on several Simplot boards until recent weeks, which he considered an honor and wonderful opportunity.
Dad had the opportunity to participate on the boards of many community businesses and charity organizations. These associations brought many varied and interesting experiences to his life and led to the development of wonderful relationships which he valued. Some of these included St. Luke’s Regional Medical Center, Ore-Idaho Council of the Boy Scouts of America, Esther Simplot Performing Arts Academy, and Albertson College of Idaho. He was honored by the Boy Scouts of America as Citizen of the Year and was given the Silver Beaver Award, and also received the St. Luke’s Light of Philanthropy Award in 2001.
Dale’s love of the out-of-doors led he and Jane to build a humble cabin in the Island Park forest area. This home became a wonderful gathering place for all of his posterity, and was Dad’s favorite place to be. Every summer brought new adventures creating many wonderful memories. The trees Dad planted there will be a lasting reminder of his special influence.
Dale served faithfully and with great dedication in a wide variety of callings for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints including Bishop, Stake President and Regional Representative. He also served on the LDS Church Farm Management and Audit Committees. He was an example of dedication, compassion, and wisdom.
Although he lived a very busy life with great responsibility, he provided devoted loving care to his wife Jane, who had many serious health problems throughout her life. His strength and deep concern greatly blessed all his family. All of us as his family were blessed by the largeness of his heart and unending generosity.
Dale Dunn lived a life of enormous service in all areas of his life. He was truly the Savior’s disciple in his actions and example and left the legacy of a life well-lived to his family and all who knew him.
Dale was preceded in death by his wife Jane, and parents, Ella and Vern Dunn. He is survived by his brother Richard (Vicki) of Brookings, Oregon, and sister Joyce Johnson of Salt Lake City, and all of his posterity.
His family would like to thank the staff at the Mountain States Tumor Institute for the wonderful care they gave during his visits and treatments, and to Keystone Health, particularly Lenny and CJ. Their skill and warmth were so very much appreciated.
A funeral service will be held Saturday, December 8, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints building at 700 W. State Street in Eagle, Idaho. A viewing will be held prior to the service at 10:00 am.
A brief graveside service will be held at the Montpelier City Cemetery in Montpelier, Idaho on Tuesday, December 11, 2018 at 2:00 p.m.
Services under the direction of Relyea Funeral Chapel.