Baker City, Oregon
Dale J. Millhouse, 64, a resident of Baker City, died Dec. 16, 202, at St. Elizabeth Health Services.
Following Dale’s wishes, disposition was by cremation at Gray’s West Pioneer Crematory. No services will be held.
Dale was born Sept. 1, 1938, to Harry B. and Marie (Miles) Millhouse in Salinas, Calif. He graduated from high school in El Cahon, Calif., and in 1961 he joined the U.S. Army, where he served in Germany during the occupation of Berlin.
Following his discharge from the military in 1964, he continued to reside in California for the next nine years. He worked several different jobs during this time.
In 1973, Dale came to Richland to visit a friend. While visiting, he fell in love with Oregon, along with a lady named Sandie Ming. Shortly thereafter, he packed up and moved to Richland. Dale and Sandie were united in marriage on Oct. 28, 1975, in Weiser, Idaho. The couple were best friends, as well as each other’s true love. Dale taught Sandie how to laugh, have fun and truly enjoy life.
When he was 40 years old, he went back to school to formally learn the trade of gunsmithing. With this education, he became a professional gunsmith. Though he had dabbled in gunsmithing for years growing up, he was especially proud to be known as a professional of the trade.
Dale was a member of the V.F.W., the NRA, and the Weatherby Collectors Association. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, and just being in the outdoors. In his younger years, he made his own pottery, some of which he won awards for. He also had a passion for skin diving.
Dale lived life one day at a time, and he lived each day to the fullest, despite some physical disabilities. In recent years, however, he had been forced to slow down and take things a bit easier. Dale will be greatly missed by all who knew him, especially his wife, Sandie.
He is survived by his wife, Sandie, of Baker City; a son, Wayne Millhouse of Ogden, Utah; daughters, Debbie Rameriz of Melbourne, Fla., and Lisa Millhouse of Spring Valley, Calif.; stepdaughters, Aimee and Heidi Ming of Napavine, Wash.; daughter-in-law, Cindy Millhouse of Richland; parents, Harry and Marie Millhouse of Spring Valley, Calif.; brothers, Paul Millhouse of Spring Valley, Calif., Roger Millhouse of Flagstaff, Ariz., and Clint Millhouse of Hutchinson, Kan.; lifelong friend, Albert Hodge; best friends, Dudley Norman and Mark Sieckman; his faithful companion Bonz and nine grandchildren.
Memorial contributions may be made to the St. Elizabeth Boo Boo Babies in care of Gray’s West & Company, P.O. Box 726, Baker City, OR 97814.
Used with permission from: Baker City Herald, Baker City, Oregon, December 20, 2002
Transcribed by: Belva Ticknor