Dale A. Dillon

Dale Andrew Dillon was born in the early morning hour of 1:38 am on March 23, 1964 to Felicitas (Hoffman) and Neal Dillon, Sr- the 7th child to their family. This is one of the reasons why Dale was always an early bird- up before the sun to do his daily prayers and walks. His clans are: born to Tanasgizn (Washed people); born for: Ko’ hadizn (Fire flares up people); his choo’: Is’ton’aiye (Cottonwood sticking in water people); his nale’: Ha’kayeh’ (Grinders) He was very proud of this and made sure everyone he met knew where he came from- his knowledge of our Apache culture and tradition was amazing and sadly the Tribe and our clan members have lost all this amazing knowledge and information. He was a supremely talented artist specializing in traditional ceremonial buckskin out fits, beaded moccasins, and beadwork- his beaded capes are prime examples of his talent and patience. His works are amazing and some are on permanent display at the Heard Museum in Phoenix and many friends, family, and tribal members own his unique designed artworks; he frequently reminded us that he didn’t do it for the recognition or the money but to help and pray along with whomever that had requested and was receiving his work, he was that humble. Dale was a very artistic, complicated individual- each one of us knew and loved him in our own special way. He had many childhood friends, that continued into adulthood; to name a few: Abel Antonio, Marvin Anderson, Howard Anderson, Jr. Tao Etpison, Abel Cook, Harley Nosie, and each have their own unique bond with Dale. As a youngster, Dale would build miniature mud houses, roads/highways, traditional dwellings at the river with his friends and family members to play. There are so many stories but not enough space or time to tell them all! Dale was also very spiritual and knew his Lord and Savior- he was a faithful member of the World Evangelism Church also a choir member and his translation Apache hymns will be sorely missed, especially “Wayfaring stranger”; He knew the Lord’s word and quoted them and applied it to any situation he faced. Dale had various occupations during his lifetime, for example, a forest fire fighter, C.N.A., family baby sitter and he was not afraid of work- he wanted to keep busy. He graduated from San Diego Job Corps with CNA credentials, later graduating from EAC with an Associate Degree. Dale was a very smart and talented individual and each of us can attest to that. We all have some story to share where he encouraged us and reminded us to pray and that the Lord will answer; he was also very blunt and to the point- a true Tanasgizn trait; not afraid to tell it like it is! Dale was preceded in death by his parents; Neal Dillon, Sr. & Felicitas (Hoffman) Colelay, sisters Matilda (Dillon) Kidde & Flora Mae (Dillon) Grant & numerous families & clan members. He is survived by his brothers: Raymond, James & Neal Dillon, Jr.; sisters: Vada Bendle, Barbara Sue (Dillon) Lang and Marilyn (Dillon) Avila, numerous Uncles and Aunties, nephew, nieces and great-nieces and great-nephews and all Tanasgizn and Ko’Hadizn clan members. He will be greatly missed but lovingly remembered, farewell my brother until we all meet again soon. DALE ANDREW DILLON, AGE 56, OF SAN CARLOS, PASSED AWAY TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2021 AT MERCY GILBERT MEDICAL CENTER. VISITATION WILL BE SATURDAY FEBRUARY 27,2021 FRO M 8 TO 10:00AM AT THE LAMONT MORTUARY CHAEL. GRAVESIDE SERVICES AND INTERMENT WILL BE AT 11:00 AM AT THE HOLY GROUND CEMETERY IN SAN CARLOS. LAMONT MORTUARY OF GLOBE.