Dale was born in Billings, Montana on 19 July 1932 to Cecil Ernest and Sylvia Strait. There he met his wife, Roma. They were high school sweethearts, and that magic was very evident throughout their lives. After high school in 1950 they went to MIT for Dale's Bachelor's Degree in Architecture. In 1955 he joined the US Air Force where he served 28 years. In 1963 he graduated at Stanford University with his Master of Science Degree. He served as a facility engineer as well as a design and construction engineer. These duties took their family to Massachusetts, France, California, Ohio, Alabama, South Carolina, Hawaii, Germany, Florida, and ultimately, Maryland. He also had two one year unaccompanied assignments, in Greenland and Vietnam. His Career ended as Commander of the Air Force Engineering and Services Center at Tyndall Air Force Base 30 June 1983.

Roma and Dale moved to Severna Park, Maryland and, though Billings was always the Strait family seat, they found the Home of Their Heart. They felt they were very fortunate being so close to Baltimore, Annapolis and DC. They thoroughly enjoyed the variety and amount of culture in this area. He worked briefly for the State of Maryland when he arrived but then he found many more fulfilling activities. They joined St. Martin's in-the-Field, where Dale was very active and deeply committed. They had found the Church of Their Heart. He was also very active, wearing many hats, for the Lions Club, Partners In Care, Meals on Wheels and the American Legion. He will be sorely missed at those organizations. Dale was very kind, patient and helpful to everyone he knew. He even helped Roma raise three daughters to be wonderful, caring people.

He was preceded by Roma, his wife of 61 years. He is survived by his daughters Candesa Strait of Billings, Montana, grandson David and his family; Sinclair Louise McMichael of Delta, Utah, grandchildren Scire and Clinton and their families; and Calandra Blok and husband Roel of Ocala, Florida. Dale and Roma were very proud of their 8 great grandchildren.

There will be a Celebration of his life at Saint Martin's in-the-Field Episcopal Church, 375 Benfield Road, Severna Park, MD 21146 on Saturday, April 18 at 11AM. A reception will follow. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Saint Martin's in-the-Field Outreach Fund.

Online condolences may be made at www.barrancofuneralhome.com