Dale was exceptionally intelligent, direct, humble, and kind. And thus, in my opinion, often misunderstood. Casual observers could easily be intimidated by his genius or put off by his forthrightness, but those who got to know him found an unassuming, humble, helpful, and reasonable man.
I think his kindness is what struck me the most. For example, I recall getting engaged and married just two years after moving to Albuquerque, NM to become the first employee at a start-up (Arena-flow). At first I didn’t know anyone in the city, and had no family in the country. When planning the wedding, Dale (with Arlene at Ken and Lori’s house) hosted a beautiful rehearsal dinner in the days before our wedding, fulfilling the role of family.