Dale Robert Martin, age 87, passed away peacefully on September 14, 2025. Born in Fullerton, California on June 28, 1938, Dale was the youngest of six children and carried the warmth and spirit of a close-knit family throughout his life. Dale spent much of his early years growing up in Bakersfield CA. before moving to Newport Beach CA. before his junior year of High School. Dale's love for sports blossomed early, first in Bakersfield and then at Newport Harbor High School, where he played football and became a champion track sprinter. At Newport Harbor a local reporter once referred to Dale as the 'Red-Headed Speedster' after being clocked at 9.8, 9.9 and 10 seconds flat in the 100 yard dash. Dale also posted a time of 21.5 seconds in the 220 yard dash and went on to win league and district sprinting titles. After High School, Dale attended Whittier College on a track scholarship and graduated in 1961 with a degree in Physical Education. Dale was the captain of the track team his senior year and was also invited and ran at the 1960 Olympic trials in the 200 meter dash. Dale's church attendance was initially motivated by a spot on the church softball team—but it planted seeds of faith that would grow deeper in later years. In June 1962, Dale married Sharon Thomas, and together they welcomed their son Greg in 1963 and daughter Lisa three years later. After their divorce, Dale moved to Seattle in 1971, where he met the love of his life, Martha Isaacson. They married on July 7, 1975, and welcomed their son Jeffin 1976. Dale's entrepreneurial spirit led him to a small interior plant company, Growing Greens Gardens, where he managed for several years before buying the company in 1983. His weekends were filled with purple and gold as he and his family tailgated in their beloved University of Washington motorhome. In 1996, Dale and old their business and retired to Sun Valley, Idaho in 1997, where his love for sports andp flourished. He became head coach for the Wood River HS softball and football teams, pouring his heart into the community and the kids he guided. Dale's devotion to family never wavered. Whether in a goose blind or a fishing boat, he found joy in the outdoors—especially when surrounded by loved ones. After Marti's passing, Dale moved to Nampa, Idaho, where he became active in the church and later married Tina Watson. Dale is preceded in death by his beloved Marti, his parents, daughter Lisa, and all five siblings. He is survived by his wife Tina Watson of Nampa, ID; sons Jeff (Tia) of Nampa and Greg of Kirkland WA; and grandchildren Adelle Martin (Wyatt) of Hailey, Cameron Martin of Boise, and Garrett Martin of Kirkland.

A Memorial Service will be held a at 1:00 PM on Saturday, October 4, 2025, at East Valley Middle School, 4085 E Greenhurst Rd, Nampa, ID 83686.

A second service will be held in the Wood River Valley in the spring to honor Dale's life in the community he loved so deeply.