Remembering Dale Worley

(January 17, 1961 – February 11, 2016)

Dale Duane Worley was born January 17, 1961, to Donald Lloyd Worley and Barbara Louise Worley.  He was not alone in this event, his identical twin brother Dean Douglas Worley made his appearance five minutes later.  Everyone was shocked because no one knew Barbara was carrying twins.  They joined their older brother Donald in Omaha, Nebraska. 

Dale’s family moved around to a number of different States because his father worked in the aerospace industry.   They settled in Southern California in 1967.  Dale showed an early interest in music, singing in the District Choir and playing Sousaphone (the huge tuba used in marching bands) at Fountain Valley Elementary School.  People were always amazed that someone his size could play such a big instrument.  He went on to play his Sousaphone in the high school marching band, even playing in the Disneyland parade.  He continued to love music throughout his life.  He enjoyed singing karaoke country songs at clubs.  Garth Brooks songs were his favorite.

Brett, Dale’s son was born to him and his then wife Teresa Deleon January 20, 1990.  Teresa, Dale and Brett had a dog Diablo.  Dale took Diablo everywhere with him.

Dale moved to Northern California in 1995.  He worked at the Harbin Hot Springs in Middletown for several years.  His love of animals included horses.  He began riding horses and competing in rodeo events.  He won a beautiful silver belt buckle that he was very proud of.

In 2005, Dale moved near his brother Dean in Northern San Diego County.  Both Dean and Dale enjoyed sailing. They helped their friend Captain Jack move and clean up boats for sale.  They also worked together around the Rincon Indian Reservation.  Dale worked at the Indian campgrounds with Dean and also worked in sanitation.   It was a devastating blow to Dale when Dean suddenly passed away on November 19, 2006.

Dale came up to Santa Barbara before his father, Donald Lloyd Worley passed away on July 1, 2012.  Dale stayed for a while in Santa Barbara then returned to Rincon.  He was burned badly that September in a fire.  He stayed in the burn unit at UCSD Medical Center until late November.  After his release, he returned again to Rincon.  He assisted his good friend Lester Mason with his ailing mother Marcella.  After Marcella’s passing, Dale remained at Lester’s house.

Unfortunately, Dale’s health deteriorated after the fire.  He suffered terribly from COPD, eventually requiring oxygen 24 hours a day.  Despite his grave disability, Dale never lost his sense of mischief and fun.  He enjoyed eating at Jilberto’s and Fat Ivor’s with his friends.  He liked using the computer, talking to his friends and family on the phone and playing with his kitten Panther. 

Dale received comfort and support from the kind people at The Elizabeth Hospice. He was under their care for almost two years. The excellent medical attention he received from The Elizabeth Hospice and Palomar Hospital of Escondido made the last years of his life possible.  For this his family is forever grateful.

Dale passed away in Escondido at Palomar Hospital on February 11, 2016.  He is predeceased by his father Donald Worley, brother Dean Worley and nephew Joshua Worley.  He is survived by his son Brett Hill, his mother Barbara Worley, brother Donald (Kimberly) Worley and sister Debra (Jose) Rojas.  He is also survived by his nieces Sarah Worley, Carmen Rojas and her husband Chris Van Auken, Julia Rojas and his nephew Jose Alan Rojas.  He will be missed by his best friend Lester Mason and Lester’s family.