Dale Roland Yockey

Dale Roland Yockey of Sunnyside, WA died at the age of 89 on Tuesday, November 22, 2016. 

Dale was born in Pateros, WA on October 9, 1927 to Claud and Mildred (Girard) Yockey of Winthrop, WA.  It was in Winthrop where he spent his early years and gained the nickname “Windy” from his school classmates.  In high school Dale excelled in sports including baseball, basketball & skiing.  As a baseball pitcher, he helped the Winthrop Pirates class of 1947 to win the state title. 

At an early age, Dale developed a huge passion for the outdoors.  Hunting and fishing were in his blood and growing up in the Methow Valley allowed him to spend countless hours outside where he could be found dropping a hook in the nearest fishing hole or hiking the ridges in hopes of spotting a deer or two.

After high school Dale attended Washington State College where he continued to play baseball and in 1952 graduated with a teaching degree in Industrial Arts. After graduation, he enlisted in the Army.  While at Fort Ord, CA he set the Special Training school’s record for rifle qualifications and served as a sharp shooter instructor before shipping out to Korea.  While in Korea he met up with his college rifle team instructor who cleared the way for Dale to participate in athletic equipment procurement for the Army.  In that position, he traveled throughout Japan and Hong Kong purchasing equipment and playing ball with the likes of baseball legend Whitey Ford and other Major League Baseball players.

After proudly serving his country, Dale returned to Washington and began student teaching at Sunnyside High School.  It was there that he met fellow student teacher Eleanor Freese of Ritzville, WA.  On July 10, 1954, they were married and made their home in Sunnyside, WA. where they raised two sons and one daughter. 

Dale taught shop classes in Granger, WA. for 23 years where he took great pride in the successes of his students.  He especially loved teaching his ‘girl’s shop class’.  After retiring from teaching, he farmed his father-in-law’s wheat ranch, Freese Farms, in Ritzville for 10 years until both he and Eleanor could retire together.  After retirement they enjoyed traveling, gardening and spending time with family in Winthrop.

It was through the friendships of both teachers and students that Dale had lifelong fishing, hunting and card playing buddies.  He found no greater pleasure than getting up at the crack of dawn to catch the morning rise, or huddling in a duck blind at dawn only to be serenaded by a buddy with a duck call version of The Star Spangled Banner.  He loved the anticipation of opening day; of the next big bite; of turning over the last ace to fill 1,000; or cutting into a double-run.       

Dale was preceded in death by his parents, Claud & Mildred Yockey; brother, Claude Jr.; and wife Eleanor. 

He is survived by two sons, Loren (Diana) Yockey of Everett, WA; Larry (Kelly) Yockey of Ritzville, WA; daughter Lorna (Pat) McGhehey of Everett, WA; grandchildren Jeff (Heather) Symons, David Symons, Amber (Kevin) Hull, Andrea (JC) Smith, Amanda Yockey, Lauren McGhehey & Cassidy McGhehey; 4 great grandchildren and 2 special nephews Danny (Vicki) Yockey & Dewayne (Ginny) Yockey.

His family was everything to him.  Not just his kids and grandkids, but their friends as well.  He was involved in everything they did. 

We will miss you dad.  Your stories, your antidotes, your laughter.  Thanks for teaching us the right way, the wrong way and Yockey’s Way. 

A private graveside service will be held at 1:00pm on Friday, December 9th at Sullivan’s cemetery in Winthrop, WA.  In lieu of flowers, take a child or a buddy fishing or hunting; or challenge a friend or family member to a game of cards, and remember Dale. Those wishing to sign Dale’s online memorial book may do so at www.funeralhomesmith.com Smith Funeral Homes in care of arrangements. 

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