Dale Marshall Tallaksen

Dale Marshall Tallaksen of Athens, GA, passed away November 12, 2023 after a long, hard battle with Huntington's disease. Born June 5, 1958, he was 65 years old. He is survived by his brother, Michael O. Tallaksen and his sister-in-law, Alma Tallaksen of Winder, GA; niece Christy Bouffard and nephews Brice Bouffard and Marshall O. Tallaksen.

He was preceded in death by his father, John Robert 'Bob' Tallaksen and his mother Beverly Renee Tallaksen. His sister, Leanne Renee Bouffard of Crawford, GA, also passed of Huntington's disease in April 2024, 5 months after Dale's death.

Dale's passion was music. He played saxophone in his high school jazz band. His Senior year, he was among 40 outstanding high school and junior high school musicians to be named All Star Band members at the annual Southeastern Louisiana University Jazz Festival. He enjoyed modern and progressive jazz but also classic rock, Spanish guitar and Latin music. In college, Dale studied Business and received a Bachelor of Arts Degree, graduating top of his class with a 4.0 average.

He loved to travel, spending many years cruising the Pacific, Atlantic and the Caribbean islands as an onboard cruise ship theatre audio technician. Thus, he was very much a part of the creative process; working closely with the musicians, singers, dancers and creative production people he enjoyed most.

On a personal note, he was my closest friend. We met in high school and were never out of touch for long. We were always listening to or talking about the artists and their music, audio, concerts, films, life and what's next. We had so many great times together. The laughs! Oh my goodness the laughs we had! That's what I will remember the most. We would make each other laugh until our sides hurt.

For a time, we were lucky enough to work together as theatre audio techs aboard the ships. So too it was inevitable that we were Best Man at each other's wedding.

We were as close as brothers. Dale was absolutely the brother I always wanted but never had. He was a great friend; the best. I count myself lucky to have known him. The Lord took him far too soon. I miss him each and every day.
As he always used to say, 'until we meet again, rock on brother.'

Rest in Peace my friend.

Private services were held. Cremation services were handled by Cremation Services of Atlanta.