Dale Croskrey

Royal Dale Croskrey was born in Kalispell, Montana June 11, 1935 to Jessie (McGrew) and Albert Croskrey. There he spent his boyhood years. As a kid, he worked at Shepards glass shop next door to where he grew up. During his high school years he worked as an apprentice glazier and earned his journeyman card before graduating high school.

He loves music and was in many choirs and bands in high school. He played the tenor sax in jazz bands and b flat clarinet and the piano. He aspired to be in “one of the men’s big a cappella choirs back east” until an accident that cut his hand up derailed his ability to play the piano. He was taught car mechanics by his father, who was a master mechanic. He worked alongside his brother, Dean, with his dad, working on cars, trucks, and tractors many late hours in the Back Alley Shop. After graduating from Flathead High School, he attended University of Montana in Missoula majoring in music. After one year, he transferred to Montana State University in Bozeman, graduating with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. Dale and his dad had souped up a 41 Chevy two-door coupe that he traveled the long highways of Montana to and from Kalispell to Bozeman in record time. 

He wed Merry Smith and they were blessed with four children, Dan, Dallas, Ruth, and David. Dale worked for Ryerson Steel and several other manufacturing companies in the 1960’s and early 1970’s Dale and Dallas moved on together after his divorce. Joining the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 1973 was a joy to him. He was an active member sharing his time and talent with others. Dale married Jannice in 1973 and adopted and helped raise her three girls Sandee, Kellee, and Wendee. Dale lived in Spokane Valley from 1961 until his death. Dale and Jannice worked together and were self employed in several businesses during their marriage. 

Dale was a man of many talents–if he didn’t know how to do something he would read and study until he could. He taught himself the ins and outs of the computer for the engraving business he owned for nearly 30 years. He loved his wood-shop. For many many years his skills as a craftsman were perfected. He had a mind that he could look at something mechanical and see how it was made, how it worked or how to fix it if it was broken or maybe use it for another project. He very much enjoyed studying anything that could be made, built or repurposed. Many items were made and donated to various organizations and people. Children and grandchildren were taught how to use the tools and proper care of machinery before working with Grandpa. He loved teaching and sharing the knowledge he had. More recently, in his spare time, he knit hats. Over 100 went to Guatemala and hundreds to Blessings Under the Bridge in Spokane.

On July 31, 2024 at 89 years old, Dale’s body, in pain twisted and bent from scoliosis, passed on. As his dad would have said “He’s with the angels” and free from pain.

He will be missed by children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren and his wife of 51 years.

Services will be held at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints at 11 AM on August 17th. 14111 E. 16th Spokane Valley, WA 99037