Dale Eugene Sherman passed on to eternal life while surrounded by family at St. Joseph Hospital in Eureka on Saturday June 28, 2008. Born in Arcata, Calif., on June 11, 1927, Dale grew up on a ranch in the Arcata bottoms. He entered the Navy during WWII and served as a fireman second class on the USS Wiseman stationed in the Philippines. Upon returning home, Dale worked as a truck driver and commercial fisherman before beginning a career as head auto mechanic with Harper Ford Motors and Opie’s Chevrolet and Buick.

In 1978 Dale married Divina (Ging) Abbu, a native of Mindano, Philippines. He became the father of Eric James Abbu Juni Sherman in 1983. Dale was a devoted husband and father, and was proud to see Eric graduate from Humboldt State University in 2007.

In addition to being a loving family man, Dale was a talented craftsman. He built a 21 foot fishing boat in the late 1950s and also delighted in working on classic cars with his nephews. Dale will be remembered for his quick wit along with his patience and willingness to help family and friends.

Dale Sherman is preceded into death by his mother and father Florence and Hector Sherman, brother-in-law Jack Wallace, and niece Eileen Wallace. Dale is survived by his wife Ging Sherman, son Eric Sherman, and sisters Lois Wallace and Marilyn Jent (Wright). He was loved and will be dearly missed by his nine nieces and nephews, extended family, and many friends.

A celebration of life will be held at 3 p.m. on Saturday, July 12, 2008, at the Arcata First Baptist Church on the corner of Union and 17th streets in Arcata, Calif. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Dale Sherman Memorial Fund at any Wells Fargo Bank.