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Dale E. Hunt dies at 95 

A celebration ofHunt’s life will be held on Saturday, May 9, at the Paso Robles Elks Lodge at 11:30 a.m.

Dale E. Hunt

Dale E. Hunt

Dale E. Hunt passed away in Paso Robles, California on Thursday, April 23, 2015 – just five days before his 96th birthday. He and his twin sister, Doris, were born on April 28, 1919, in Crawford, Nebraska to Joseph and Anna Hunt.

His childhood was spent on a small farm in the sand hills of Nebraska. It was a lively and busy household with his parents, his sisters, Doris, Ella, and Thelma, and his brothers, Matt, and Bob. After high school, Dale attended the University of Nebraska in Lincoln. He graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration in 1940.

He loved all his Nebraska roots. He never wavered in his devotion to the Cornhusker’s football team. In fact; if Nebraska was playing, he was glued to the TV until the end of the game – cheering or cussing depending on how the players and referees were performing.

Dale served in World War II from 1941 to 1946. He enlisted in the Army and attained the rank of Captain. He was very proud of having served and received several medals and citations: Bronze Star in the 86th Infantry Division, Asiatic Pacific Service Medal, World War II Victory Medal, American Theater Service Medal, and the European-African-Middle Eastern Service Medal.

After the war, Dale’s career choice was to become a commercial fisherman. Morro Bay, California was his port-of-call. His first boat he named “The Quest.” Years later, he purchased a second boat, which was christened the “Linda-J.” Dale was a respected fisherman and a “high-liner” in the fishing community. He treasured his fellow fishermen – Dickie Sylvester, his brother, Matt; and at different times, his deck hands – Richard, Earl, & Mark. Depending on the catch, family and friends often were treated to a fresh salmon, rock cod, or halibut. It was always a welcome and tasty addition for dinner or a BBQ.

Playing cards was a large part of Dale’s life. Being an avid Pinochle and Cribbage player, he always let you know if you made a bad play or bid poorly. Immediately, you got a scolding. So, if you decided to be his partner, you had better pay close attention, count, and don’t renege. He never liked to lose a card game.

His true passion was his acreage in the Santa Lucia Mountains. Through the years he put his stamp on the property by building a cabin, erecting lighthouses, positioning concrete statues, digging ponds for catfish, designing wrought iron gates, overseeing the construction of a deck and pier, planting trees, flowers, and a garden, putting up a grape arbor, collecting rocks of various shapes and sizes, and making a stairway-to-the-stars. Family members and many friends assisted him in those endeavors.

Many hours were spent visiting and talking with his nearest neighbors in the mountains, Pete & Margaret Negranti. They grew to know each other well and maintained a close friendship. It’s not often you are lucky enough to have the same family for neighbors for over fifty years.

He relished his hunting trips and travels, but his real joy was fishing in lakes, streams, rivers, and catching the big fish in Mexico and Alaska. His fishing pole and his ball cap were the first things he packed for those trips.

Dale was a member of the Odd Fellows and the Eagles in Morro Bay. He attended their meetings and functions and enjoyed the fellowship and camaraderie.

Dale was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Anna Hunt; his sisters, Doris, Ella, & Thelma, and his brothers, Matt & Bob. He is survived by his niece, Barbara Silas; niece, Joan Francscioni (Frank); nephew, Richard Anderson (Gloria); niece, Judy Santinoreos (Mike); and niece, Linda Salinas (Bob). Also, Dale had a total of 55 – four generations — of nieces and nephews.

A private graveside service was held at the Santa Maria Cemetery on Tuesday. As a military veteran, the flag ceremony and the playing of Taps were part of the farewell.

Our family would like to extend our appreciation to Central Coast Hospice, Dr. Bourne, and all the staff at Vista View for providing their compassionate medical care. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Central Coast Hospice in memory of Dale or to your favorite charity.

Dale was a wonderful combination of Tom Sawyer, Huckberry Fin, Jeremiah Johnson, and Captain Quint – the fishing captain portrayed in the Jaws film. His zest for adventure was endless, and, his belief in taking chances and rolling with the challenges endeared him to us and to his friends.

When you admire a beautiful sunset, spot a pretty rainbow, or see a bald eagle soaring above, remember Dale and how he loved and cherished the wilderness. We know he and these special memories will remain forever in our hearts.

Please join us for a “Celebration of Dale’s Life” on Saturday, May 9, at the Paso Robles Elks Lodge at 11:30 a.m. We hope you will share your stories, funny moments, and experiences with us over lunch.

—Written by Gloria Anderson

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About the author: News Staff

The news staff of the Paso Robles Daily News wrote or edited this story from local contributors and press releases. The news staff can be reached at info@pasoroblesdailynews.com.