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Dale Echard Obituary
This obituary was originally published in the Richmond Times-Dispatch.
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Allison Hunter
February 5, 2009
I apologize for not responding earlier but I just found out over the weekend of Dale's passing and am so saddened by this news! I knew Dale at CC when I was in the Merchandising department there some 6 years ago. We always had a friendly rivalry (I a runner, he a biker) always trying to get me to "switch over" to the biker side! The one thing I will never forget about Dale is that we shared the same birthday so it was very special to me to get that birthday email from him even after I left CC and be able to say "right back atcha!" to him. He will be missed.
Scott Vandergrift
January 31, 2009
To the Echard family
I want to share with you the Dale I knew during the last 15 years at Circuit City. Most people call me Scott but Dale would greet me with "Scotty V". I had the privilege to be Dale's manager on two different teams. On the second team, Dale joked and said "I guess you're stuck with me again." But that was not the case at all. I was fortunate to have Dale be a leader on that team and be a mentor for his teammates. We called him "Eagle Eye Dale" because he would point out mistakes and oversights in documents our teams produced which resulted in a higer quality document.
Dale was a friend to many. His friends at CCS were naturally his co-workers in the IT department and our business partners but they also extended to the custodial staff and the guy that stocked the vending machines.
At CCS we read a book titled "Now, Discover Your Strengths" and we took a test to determine what our top five strengths are. Dale's number one strength was Includer. From the book, here is a brief description of the Includer strength. "You are someone who wants to stretch the circle wider. You want to include people and make them part of the group. You are an instinctively accepting person. We are all equally important. Thus, no one should be ingnored. Each of us should be included." Those words certainly describe the Dale I knew.
Dale would set reminders in his calendar for birthdays. He would send them an email on their birthdays usually with a funny message.
Lastly, Dale spoke fondly and as a proud father when he talked about Jacob and Kayla. He wanted to be at or participate in as many of their activities as possible including summer camps, soccer, football this past fall for Jacob and Indian Princesses with Kayla. These next days, weeks, months and years may be challenging for each of you. But know this - your Dad will still be watching over you at all of those activities and thourghout your lives.
May God bless the Echard family.
Jacob Echard
January 28, 2009
This is known with no doubt in mind that my Dad will always be the greatest man I knew. From what I heard over the past week and from what I experienced with him, he was loving and caring. He was always there for me and he has taught me so much. I did not realize it until now. One thing that I will live by for the rest of my life is that, never give up and to do something, so you will not think back to yourself 10 years and regret not doing it. I love my Dad. He will always be with me in heart and spirit.
Roland Corbett
January 28, 2009
Dear Echard family,
I knew Dale over several years of working at Circuit City, and I found him to be one of the most genuinely friendly people there. Even though I saw him only a few times in the hallways in the last few years, I was always glad to see him, and also to receive my yearly birthday email :-)
I live in Louisa now, but back when I lived in Chesterfield, I remember passing him a few mornings on Huguenot Road as he rode his bicycle to work (truly amazing to me).
I wish you well during this difficult time, and am very saddened to hear about his passing. I will miss Dale.
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Jason Bender
January 26, 2009
Dale was an amazing person to be around. I remember things like talking to him about his kids and how excited he was to see them play sports each week or his long bicycles rides into work. After leaving Circuit City a few years ago, he would still wish me a happy birthday each year. Words can't describe how much I'll miss Dale, and my condolences go out to his family.
Kim Cavalier
January 26, 2009
I don't know how death could take a man who was so full of life. I was fortunate to work with Dale for many years at Circuit City where I saw him touch so many lives just by being himself. He honestly cared about people and it showed. When you talked with Dale, he listened like everything you said really mattered to him. And Dale's quick smile and laughter would brighten any day.
Lisa (Arendall) Langston
January 25, 2009
As a close college friend, Dale will always be remembers by his wit and warm smile. I'll always remember him dressed up as a vampire at our Halloween party- He always made everyone laugh. He and Sam were inseparable. God blessed us all by his friendship!
Scott Frost
January 24, 2009
Echard family-
Just want you to know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers.
I remember Dale as a kind and compassionate person. Although it has been over 20 years since I last saw Dale, these entries tell me that Dale was the same person I remember.
May you all find strength.
David Huffman
January 24, 2009
The Echard Family:
My condolences go out to Pam, Jacob, Kayla, Mr. & Mrs. Echard, Mark & Becky and the rest of the family. I’ve practically known the Echard family most of my life and I attended high school with Dale and Mark. One of my memories of Dale was his sword fight victory over me during an annual Roman Circus conducted by Montevideo High School’s Latin classes.
My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Moula, Wida, Sami, and Lyna Cherikh
January 24, 2009
Dear Pam, Jacob, and Kayla
We are deeply sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you in this difficult time. May God bless you.
Teresa (Stout) Hooper
January 24, 2009
I knew Dale from my years at JMU - there was a group of us that spent alot of time hanging out together and as you can imagine Dale was always making everyone laugh! His smile was contagious! The last time I saw Dale had to either be when he came down to Bassett to my wedding 15 years ago or at one of the other JMU gang's weddings. Although we had lost touch over the years, I cherish the memories and am certainly glad that I had the opportunity to know Dale and call him a friend. You are all in my thoughts and prayers - may God bless you and comfort you!
Janet McCleary
January 24, 2009
A tremendous loss to all of us who knew and loved Dale. He was a guy that everyone enjoyed being around at CC for not only was he funny, but he was also very thoughtful. He will be missed by many! The Echard family is in my thoughts and prayers.
Teesha Stout
January 24, 2009
Please accept my sincere and deepest condolences to the Echard family. I have known Dale for several years that I worked at Circuit City. He was very nice and always helpful whenever needed. May God continue to bless, strengthen, and comfort you during this difficult time. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Wanda L. (Miller) Hogan
January 24, 2009
Dear Echard family,
Dale was a special part of our family during his teen years and we enjoyed having him around. His sense of humor and hard work ethic is a pleasant memory. God bless you and give you comfort
Lori Stires
January 24, 2009
Pam, Jacob and Kayla,
My words could never express how sorry I am, but please know I am thinking of you and sending you nothing but love.
Terry Hollomon
January 24, 2009
No one truly comprehends the loss that you must be going through...And yet warm thoughts are reaching out in hopes that you will know the strength and comfort that this wishes you. With Sympathy and Understanding, my Love and Heartfelt Sympathy.
Roy Jordan
January 23, 2009
A fine man has left us this week. After years at CC interacting with Dale on projects I had the pleasure and privilege to work along side him on the Merchandising Support Team during my last years with the company. This man was indeed a caring and compassionate soul. I know his family meant the world to him from our conversations over the years, be it his immediate family here or his family back home. The joy he experienced by being a part of his children’s sports endeavors was absolute. Dale’s commitment reached into his role at CC. I can recount many; many times Dale has spent late nights and weekends’ ensuring that key business information was accurate and available to support business decisions and drive business processes. He was always willing to share knowledge with and offer assistance to his peers. I consider Dale a part of my CC family and I am better for having known him. My prayers are with the family this day. Find peace in knowing that his journey with us here is just a small part of a much larger and wonderful journey.
Brian Brown
January 23, 2009
My condolences to Dale's family. I'm so sorry to hear of his passing. At CC, he was a good friend and was always there to lend a hand. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Bonita Towner
January 23, 2009
To Pam, Jacob, Kayla, Dale's Parents and brother:
I worked closely with Dale during the time that I worked at Circuit City. Dale was such a kind and caring person. He never missed my birthday for the 15 years that I have known him. I will be praying for the family. I just don't want to believe that he has left us but I will always cherish his memory.
Todd Eppard
January 23, 2009
Dear Echard Family,
My thoughts and prayers go out to you all at this time. Dale and I were classmates at Spotswood. I had lost contact with him over the years but never forgot his smiling face and his way of being a good friend. I remember his stories of getting up early to milk cows before coming to school and also his atheletic abilities. May God bless and comfort you.
Todd
Jean (Burton) Dlugokenski
January 23, 2009
Dale was one of my college friends. Although we haven't kept in touch the last 15 years, I have fond memories of Dale's Christmas poems and his sense of humor. My deepest condolences to his family.
Jenni McBride Schroeder
January 23, 2009
Pam and family,
I remember you well from your many trips to Roanoke. I am so sorry for your loss. You are in our prayers.
Robin (Miller) Lemon & Family
January 23, 2009
Dale Echard Family,
I regret never meeting Dale's wife and children. My memories of Dale go all the way back to high school. He was then a wonderful person with a great love of life, family and friends. Quickly 20 years have passed but from what I now read he never changed; still loved by all who knew him. May God heal your pain as only He can do and keep Dale's memory forever in all our hearts.
Joel Luben
January 23, 2009
Dale became like a brother to me while working together at CCS. A kinder more gracious person would be hard to find. I will truly miss him. God bless his family at this difficult time.
Kara Ayres
January 23, 2009
Pam,
I am so sorry for your loss. I remember when you and Dale would visit your parents when Christine and I were in high school. Dale would always make fun of us.. and keep us laughing as he always did... he was a great man and will be missed by all.
I will continue to keep you, Jacob and Kayla in my prayers.
God Bless,
Kara
Michael Polutta
January 23, 2009
I am so sad to learn of Dale's passing. I survived a heart attack in July 2007 at age 45, so Dale's passing hits me close to home. I worked at CC with Dale, and went running with him at lunchtime occasionally, in the mid-to-late 90's. Every year I could count on a "Happy Birthday" message from Dale - the only such greeting I would get from Richmond friends. I am so sorry for your loss. He was a good man and a good friend. He loved his family deeply.
With sadness,
Michael Polutta
Atlanta, GA
Linda Mercer
January 23, 2009
The Mercer family is deeply saddened for your loss and we will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
Mike, Linda, Ben and Chris
Erica (Noel) Dent
January 23, 2009
My deepest condolences to the Echard family. Dale was truly one in a million. I worked with Dale at Circuit City for several years and he was truly one who looked out for me and educated me which helped to build my career. Even after I left CCity, he still kept in touch and always had an unreal ability to remember birthdays...He was a true friend and will be missed.
Coach Mike Mercer
January 23, 2009
The entire Gordon basketball team sends their deepest regrets for your loss and will keep your family in their prayers for God's comfort to be with you.
Sharon Williamson
January 23, 2009
To Dale's family and friends - Dale was beloved here at CCS. He was one of the nicest people I have ever met. This news rocked our world with grief. I met Dale when he started at CCS so many years ago. He was a beautiful soul. He will be missed by all of us. Our hearts and prayers go out to you all.
Vinod Shirsat
January 23, 2009
Please accept my sincere condolences on your lost.
I have known Dale for many years at Circuit City. I will miss him. He was kind and thoughtful.
My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Mary Ann Yovish
January 23, 2009
I am deeply sorry to hear about Dale's death. He was a wonderful person and friend and will be missed by all. My thoughts are with you and your family.
Larry Reed
January 23, 2009
I met Dale while working at Circuit City. He was a good friend and I will miss him. I am sorry for your loss. I will hold you in my thoughts and prayers.
Nicole Hughes
January 23, 2009
My heart goes out to your family at this difficult time. My sincere condolences. I worked with and sat near Dale at CC for several years. He always kept me laughing. He'll be missed greatly. May God bless you.
Chris and Julie Smith
January 23, 2009
Pam, kids and family,
We are so saddened to hear about Dale's sudden passing. It has been such a long time since we have seen you since moving to Atlanta but we will always keep the memories close to our hearts. Please know that we are thinking of you at this time of sorrow. Our hearts and prayers are with you. May you one day find some comfort of the memories you will always have. God Bless you all!
Aylin Shamp
January 23, 2009
Pam, Jacob, Kayla and Echard Family: We are so sorry for your loss. I know this is not going to be an easy time, but we are all here to do and give what ever we can to support you all. God bless Dale, and all of you. Love, Alex, Aylin, Rasih, Melia Shamp
Michael Lynch
January 23, 2009
Pam, Jacob and Kayla, I just can't find the words to express the sadness. My heart and prayers are with you always during this difficult time. Your Husband, your Father and our Friend will be greatly missed, but while we try to comprehend this loss, I wanted to take this time to tell you what I'm sure you already know and will be told many times over of how much Dale loved you and all his friends. He spoke of you often and how proud he was of his family; you were his life. His friends and co-workers loved him just as much. He was a friend, a compassionate soul and too many times to mention the sole reason for turning a rather gloomy day into a moment of laughter. He did so many things for so many people with such subtlety, you just couldn't be around him without smiling, laughing or getting into some kind of trouble... He always remembered birthdays and special highlights and I looked forward to his electronic cards each year; what a sense of humor. They were the highlight of my day.
Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you always and my family will be here for you.
Mark and Sharon Drinkard
January 23, 2009
Your in our thoughts and Prayers
Al Hamaker
January 23, 2009
Celebrating a life well lived. We will cherish the memories forever.
Richard Wittich
January 23, 2009
To the Echard family,
I am so very sorry for your loss. I worked with Dale for 10 years. He was very funny and very intelligent. I will miss him.
Charles James
January 23, 2009
My God Bless and Keep you and your family. Allow Him to be your refuge, your strength, your comfort and your guide. He loves you and all things truly do work together for your good. Just Trust & Obey
Sina Nafissi
January 23, 2009
My deepest condolences to the family. You will always live in our hearts and prayers.
Ken Tagert
January 23, 2009
Dale was one of the most amazing persons I ever met. I think that everyone that worked with him loved him. He was brilliant, but, he never seemed to notice. He was funny beyond belief. He was compassionate, caring and looked after his freinds, all of them and there were many. I will miss him terribly.
Eve Cook
January 23, 2009
Dear Mrs. Echard,
I wanted to express my sympathy to you and your family. I worked with Dale closely the first 4 1/2 years of my career at Circuit City. I was fresh out of college (JMU), and Dale was a mentor and role model for me. He taught me most of what I know today about programming on the AS/400. Without Dale's example, I would not be where I am today in my career. He was a wonderful person and will be greatly missed.
Sincerely,
Eve Cook
3034 Breeze wood Dr
Danville, VA 24541
(434)685-7766
Janice Anderson
January 23, 2009
I worked with Dale at Circuit City and am very sorry to hear of his passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Deborah Birdsong
January 23, 2009
Please accept my sincere condolences on your lost.
I have known Dale for many years here at Circuit City. I counted Dale as a dear ,dear CC friend. I will miss our chats we had about our children.
Dale will be missed by all who knew him.
Please know that my prayers and thoughts are with the family in this diffcult time.
Deborah Birdsong
Sherelle Anderson
January 23, 2009
My heart and prayers goes out to the family. I Love you Pam, Jacob and Kayla...... Sherelle
Debbie Keagy
January 23, 2009
Pam and children,
I am so sorry for your loss. Even though I haven't met you or seen Dale for about 20 years, I still have memories of Mark, Dale, myself and my brother Kevin playing together as children. May the Lord give you strength and direction to deal with the days ahead.
Debbie (Shank) Keagy - Dale's cousin :)
Bethany Barmes
January 23, 2009
Pam, Jacob, and Kayla,
I am so sorry for what has happened. Please know that we are all thinking of you and you will get through this tough time. Frankie and I are always just a phone call away even if it's just to talk or you want us to just come and sit with you. Please know I am thinking about you all and do not hesitate to call us!
Albert Finnimore
January 23, 2009
We were deeply saddened to hear of Dale's passing. We will always remember Dale as the energetic, loving father playing basketball with his kids in the driveway of his home. Our hearts and prayers go out to his family.
The Finnimore Family
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