Dale Perrie Guidry 1940-2000

Reprinted from "Crown Jewels of the Wire", February 2001, page 8

When I received a letter from Dale's mother Hazel in December telling me that Dale had passed away, I couldn't believe it. It was a shock, not only because he was relatively young, but because he had been such a good friend for almost 30 years. Wes and I first met Dale when a local club was formed in the San Diego area in the early 1970s. He had a great love for insulators and was a loyal supporter of the club. When it disbanded a few years later we lost contact with Dale, although he would call once in a while. The thing I remember most about him was his genuine friendliness and generosity. 

Dale Guidry
1998

Dale had moved to Medford, Oregon, by the time I next heard from him. He would call about every three months and talk for over an hour. I'd be concerned about his phone bill, but he'd tell me not to worry about it. I always enjoyed talking with him. He wasn't in good health by this time, and was in a lot of pain. I think he knew that he might not have much longer to live. However, he was always cheerful and upbeat. 

Dale had triple bypass surgery in 1999 which resulted in a severe stroke. But in spite of his poor health, he enjoyed his membership in the Jefferson State Insulator Club, and was looking forward to their June show. Insulator collecting was still a big part of his life. 

Before his retirement, Dale was a Navy occupational safety and health Haz-Mat administrator at North Island Naval Aviation Depot in San Diego. Along with collecting insulators, his other interests included doing volunteer computer work, history, traveling, reading, studying maps, and especially talking to people; he was a "people person." 

Dale was born on 20 February 1940 and passed away on 22 November 2000, probably of a massive stroke; he was 60 years old. He is survived by his mother Hazel Guidry of Medford, his three children, Bruce Byrd, 36, Shurell Nardi, 31, Tiffany Calhoun, 29, and his wife Doreen. The hobby has lost one of its most ardent and loyal supporters, and I've lost something rare; a true friend. 

-- Clarice Gordon