June 12, 1932 – November 20, 2024
Dale Plewman passed away peacefully at the age of 92 on November 20, 2024, with his family by his side. Born in Spokane, Washington, to Raymond and Ruth Plewman, Dale spent most of his life in his beloved hometown. He graduated from North Central High School in 1950 and, after attending college and working at Boeing Company in Seattle, returned to Spokane to build his career, raise his family, and create a lifetime of connections and memories in the community he cherished.
Dale was a multi-talented athlete in his youth, excelling as a professional figure skater, ice hockey player, and windmill softball league pitcher. At 19, he made a heartfelt decision to elope with his high school sweetheart, Barbara, driving to Coeur D’Alene, Idaho, and returning her to class the same afternoon.
In 1957, Dale and Barbara welcomed their first son, marking the start of their journey as a family. Shortly after, they moved to Seattle, where Dale pursued a degree in electrical engineering at the University of Washington. By 1961, the family returned to Spokane, where Dale began his 35-year career as a lighting engineer at Columbia Lighting. By 1963, their household was complete with the arrival of two more sons, bringing energy and warmth to their family life.
Dale’s creativity and ingenuity were evident in every aspect of his life. A skilled builder, he crafted unique Halloween costumes for his sons, including a memorable Lost in Space Robot with flashing lights in 1967. His engineering expertise extended to countless home projects, often helping his children with math assignments and other school projects, and a variety of other creative endeavors. His talents earned him two U.S. patents for luminaire lighting and reflector innovations, as well as designing one of the first linear lighting systems.
In retirement, Dale found joy in volunteering with Meals on Wheels and embarking on countless camping trips throughout the Pacific Northwest, often accompanied by family and grandchildren. He and Barbara, his beloved wife of 65 years, cherished their annual winters as snowbirds in Yuma, Arizona, a tradition they continued until her passing in 2017. While in Yuma, Dale enjoyed golfing and designing intricate three- and four-foot remote-controlled wooden sailboats, which he proudly raced and displayed at home.
After Barbara’s passing, Dale continued to embrace life, finding joy in reading science-related books, watching educational YouTube videos, and sharing a daily joke at dinner with friends at his senior living facility. His sharp mind, quick wit, and humor brought joy to everyone around him, and his infectious laughter will be fondly remembered by all who knew him.
Dale leaves behind a legacy of love and devotion as a husband, father, and grandfather. He will be deeply missed by his three sons, Steve (Kelly) of Spokane, Keith (Tammy) of Tri-Cities, and Mark (Shannon) of Nine Mile Falls; and his five grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara (Wolfe) Plewman; his parents, Raymond and Ruth Plewman; his brother, George Plewman; and his sister, Dorothy Dean.
The family extends heartfelt thanks to the staff at Fairwinds and Horizon Hospice for their exceptional care during Dale’s final days.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Heritage Funeral Home on December 17th at 11 a.m. Family and friends are welcome to attend.
Comments