Dale Lee McPherson passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 7, 2024, surrounded by family and loved ones who sang comforting hymns for his passing.

Dale was born on October 11, 1944, in Rigby, Idaho, the youngest of four children to James Lamont and Hattie Zelda McPherson. He spent his childhood and adolescence in rural Montana, proud to be a farm boy and harvesting a lifelong ethic for hard work and a love for the outdoors, especially hunting and fishing.

He served his country for 12 years in the US Air Force Reserves and the US Army. And he served his God, as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Southern States mission and later as a ward clerk, three years as a counsellor in a bishopric, 12 years as a temple ordinance worker, and the last seven years as an indexing missionary.

He met his lifelong sweetheart Anita Parson at Ricks College and they were married on July 1, 1967. He was a loving father to eight children: James, Jason, Atina, LaDawn, Levi, Susan, Luke, and Tammy. His kids were always amazed by his super strength and ability to make things fun—camping, fishing or organizing a pizza and ice cream night. He always had a pocket full of candy and a keen sense of humor, constantly looking for a chance to crack a joke, followed by a loud belly laugh. He loved Anita fiercely and there wasn't anything he wouldn't do for her. His three greatest loves in life were God, Anita, and a hamburger—washed down with a chocolate shake.

Dale had a brilliant mind for fixing equipment, which started at age 10 when he took apart the family lawnmower. He was an entrepreneur with a dream of having his own shop. He spent 40 years fixing cars, trucks, farm equipment, and oil and gas riggs. The last 25 years of his career he taught diesel mechanics at a post-secondary technical college, and even wrote and edited several technical books. One of his favorite jobs was working for six summers on a commercial fishing barge in Alaska alongside Anita, deep sea fishing and crabbing in his free time. What great fishing stories came from his time in Alaska!

Dale was a voracious reader and filled his home library with cowboy, spy, and religious books. His love of all things cowboy extended to old time country music and western movies. If he wasn't reading, he always had on hand a stack of Sudoku puzzles: Evil level. Dale loved his Scottish heritage and collected anything from the MacPherson clan—including swords.

He is a loving husband, dad, uncle, grandpa, and friend. He was generous and kind and will be missed deeply.

He is survived by his sweetheart of 56 years, Anita Parson McPherson, his eight children and daughters- and sons-in law: James (Kelly) McPherson, Jason (Stacy) McPherson, Atina (Dan) Coates, LaDawn Rivera, Levi (Devon) McPherson, Susy (Tim) Clyde, Luke (Shaylynn) McPherson, and Tammy Champo. He is also survived by 37 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren who lovingly know him as Grandpa Mac. He is preceded in death and welcomed on the other side by his parents, siblings Kenneth, Meredith, and Janice, and other loved ones.

A viewing will be held on Friday, March 15, at Flamm Funeral Home in Rexburg, Idaho,61 N 1st E., from 5:30-7 pm. An additional viewing will be at the Salem Meetinghouse 3462 N. Salem Road, in Idaho on Saturday from 10-10:45 am. Following the family prayer, the funeral services begin at 11 am. The internment and grave dedication will take place at the Sugar City Cemetery.

Dale McPherson Program Cover

Dale McPherson Program Inside

Service will be broadcasted at: https://my.gather.app/remember/dale-mcpherson