Dale Wayne Coreson

Dale Wayne Coreson, age 74, passed away peacefully at his home in Independence, Oregon, on April 23, 2025, following a courageous nine-year battle with multiple myeloma cancer.

Dale was born on May 25, 1950, in Hood River, Oregon, and spent his early years in Parkdale, Oregon, helping on the family farm and later owning an apple orchard in that same valley. His love of learning began during his time at Southern Oregon University, where he earned a degree in political science. After graduation, Dale moved to Alaska, where he worked in the oil fields for seven years and met Darrelynn Draper. The two married in 1980 and together ran a commercial fishing business in the summers while raising their children and working at Kenai Peninsula College.

He was a man of many adventures and second acts. He spent a summer in Russia teaching oil field operations, an experience that combined his expertise with his love for exploring new cultures. He drove tour buses through Denali National Park during a few unforgettable Alaskan summers, sharing his knowledge and wit with tourists from around the world. His early years in Alaska were filled with exhilarating tales of tiny bush planes band helicopter rides to remote oil rigs- a life less ordinary that he embraced with wide eyes and steady nerves.

In 1986, Dale and his family began wintering in Oregon, where he and Dodi pursued advanced degrees. Dale earned two masters degrees- one in history and the other in cultural psychology. After their divorce in 1990, Dale began his career as a high school counselor, a role in which he found great purpose. Over the years, he worked in schools across the country, including Coquille High School, Pahrump High School, Dallas High School, Wells High School, Wendover High School, Milton-Freewater, Madras High School, Beaver Dam High School and Cascade High School.

In 2016, while working at Beaver Dam, Dale was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, which he attributed to chemical exposure during his years in the oil field. He faced this diagnosis with strength, humor, and remarkable endurance.

Dale is survived by his daughter, Kelli Gard (Lance) and grandchildren Eli (Corrianne), Evelyn, Isaac, Elaina and Wylie Gard; his son, Nicholas Coreson (Hanna) and grandchildren Atlas, Sam, Logan and Eden Coreson; stepdaughter Tami Smith (Stewart) and grandchildren Tristan, Sydney and Peyton Smith and stepson Ryan Waterer (Renee) and grandchildren Lesa, Gwendolyn and Zoey Waterer. He is also survived by his siblings Clayton Coreson (Linda Kay), Peggy Coreson, Linda Coreson and Scott Coreson (Karen).

He was preceded in death by his parents, Floyd and Dorothy Coreson.

More than anything, Dale was a collector of stories and memories- especially those made with his children and grandchildren. From fishing boats to apple orchards, from classrooms to Russian oil fields, his life was a highlight reel of courage, curiosity and connection.

Dale will be remembered for his quick wit, deep intellect, passion for education, and unwavering love his family. He left an impact on every student he counseled and every person lucky enough to know him.

A Celebration of Life will be held in August at Bald Hill in Corvallis, a favorite walking place of his. Details to come later.