Diana Kay Thompson Dale

DALE, DIANA KAY THOMPSON
Diana Kay Thompson Dale passed away peacefully on March 18 at the age of 61. Diana was born in Dallas and raised in Texas, Kansas, and St. Louis, Missouri. She graduated from the University of Kansas, and made her home in Denver for more than 30 years. It was in Denver
that she met the love of her life, her husband of almost 29 years, Jack D. Dale, III. A talented writer, Diana also made many friends through her public service, business endeavors, and philanthropy. She retired from her position at the Rocky Mountain News to concentrate on a family history project, which led to the publication of her first book, "Finding Billy: An Internet Odyssey." Her tireless efforts resulted in the identification of the remains of her uncle, William O. Wisner, a World War II P38 pilot who had been listed as missing for more than 50 years. The story of her search and the friendships she made along the way touched readers around the country. Diana's lifelong commitment to service is evident in the accomplishments of Pack To School, the charity she co-founded and directed that has provided backpacks filled with school supplies to more than 10,000 children living in local homeless shelters. Diana loved literature and travel, food and wine, could fix anything and improve it in the process, and was a devoted pet owner. She prevailed over cancer for three years and was brave and strong to the very end. Her family thanks the Susan G. Komen Foundation for providing financial support, and the wonderful medical personnel at Denver Health who provided her such excellent care. In addition to her husband, Jack, Diana is survived by her mother, Maxine W. Thompson of Kalamazoo, MI (formerly of St. Louis); her sister, Billie Fischer (Harold) of Kalamazoo; her niece, Katie Ziegler (Nick) of Denver; her nephew, Bill Fischer (Jess Clawson) of Gainesville, FL; her aunt, Marge Thompson of Dallas, TX; many cousins; and so many good friends. A celebration of Diana's life will be held at 6:00 p.m. on April 7 at Second Home Kitchen and Bar, 150 Clayton Lane in Denver. Memorial contributions may be made to Pack To School (P.O. Box 202322 Denver, CO 80220), to the Denver Health Foundation, or to the Susan G. Komen Foundation.