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Scott Livengood
March 22, 2022
I remember my last football game and Coach Dahl circling us together in the locker room by the door before we ran onto the field. He said with tears in his eyes "For some of you this may be the last game of football you ever play, you have your whole life to use what you learned playing this game, go out there and play your best for yourself and for your family sitting in the stands cheering you on." That was my last game, and yes I applied so many things I learned on the field to my life and to my son's. He was a special person.
JC (Jerry) Whitted
April 14, 2006
I was a fraternity brother of Tom's. He was in a class behind me, so I knew him as a young man. I lived at home and when I visited the fraternity house I could always expect a sincerely welcoming hello from Tom. We played on the intramural football team together and he was a tenacious defender. He was a pillar of the house.
Rosie Ault
April 8, 2006
Linda and girls: I wish you God's peace at this difficult time. Coach Dahl impacted so many of us. I witnessed the inspiration he offered to John and the rest of the Coronado football team. As his Teacher Assistant my senior year, he always had me laughing and talked honestly and openly to me about real life, not the imaginary fairy tale life a kid in high school dreams of. I will forever remember the road trip as he drove John and I back from Tucson to Phoenix after the 1980 summer All-Star game. We played music and talked and laughed the entire way. . . and we all decided together that Traci would be the perfect flower girl at our wedding! :) If eyes are windows to the soul, he was a bright soul. The gentleness and twinkle of his eyes will never leave me, nor will his true compassion and desire to love and teach others. My heart goes out to all of you, and I share in your sadness. Let us know if there is anything we can do to support you as you travel through this uncharted and difficult path along life's journey. May his memories keep you smiling, even through the darkest periods of grief. Love and peace,
Laurie Swanson Krchmery
April 7, 2006
Dear Linda and Family, I graduated from the class of 1973, and Coach Dahl is a vivid memory even now after all these years. It was his smile, sense of humor, and kindness and help towards the students that I remember most. On a personal note, he was so kind and supportive while I was going through my cheerleading tryouts, always asking me how it was going. I was always happy to see him when I ran into him on campus. He was a great guy and I'm so sorry you lost your husband, friend, and family member. My prayers to you all and may he rest in peace.
Lynn Perry
April 5, 2006
Dear Linda and Family, I saw you and Tom at a fund raising play over a year ago at Coronado. I dont think Tom was ill at that time. I am deeply sorry for your great loss. My thoughts and my prayers are with you.I know Tom was a Christian and I rejoice that he is experiencing all the glorious things ,that God has prepared for those who love Him and are called according to His devine purpose.He is in good hands, this is a moment in time.You will see him again, God Bless You and Yours, Lynn M. Perry Class of 66'' de Lambarri
Scott Bucher
April 4, 2006
Tom was a true example of love and leadership. He loved his Lord, wife, his daughters, pupils, and teammates. I'm very grateful to have had Tom be a part of my life. I wish I could have thanked him more. He was a guiding influence, I loved him and will miss him.
Caroline Goettl-Dishon
April 4, 2006
Dear Linda and Family,
I had the pleasure of being one of Tom's students at CHS. My memories include laughter and learning...just enjoying the hour with him. No one could introduce Beowulf to a bunch of students like Mr. Dahl could! And the stories of his life and summer jobs he had to work to make ends meet...they were so funny as he retold them. I have never, in 25 years, forgotten Mr. Dahl and how enjoyable he made my school experience.
May the God of Love comfort you during this time of loss.
John Ault
April 4, 2006
Coach, you will be missed but never/never forgotten. My whole heart goes out to his family and friends he touched with his kindness and total support. Thanks coach for the time you spent in my life. Bye for now. John Ault
Scott Livengood
April 4, 2006
Coach Dahl was a great role model for so many of us Football Players. In 1981 our last Homecoming game Coach Dahl changed-up the motivation pep talk in the locker room and talked about being a good son, telling your mother you love her often and applying what we have learned as a team to life. Not knowing what life was going to throw at me after that, it was great advice. He has inspired two generations of young men to be better people. What a great use of a life, thank you Coach. See ya on the field.
Donna (Webb) Pierce
April 3, 2006
To Linda and family,
I wish you peace in this time of such great loss. Take solace in Tom's contribution to the lives of so many--not just those of friends and family, but the thousands of students who were lucky enough to call him "teacher."
Becky (Hanson) Cole
April 2, 2006
Dear Linda,
I'm sure sorry to hear about the loss of your dear husband, Tom. You two had a great love story that will live on forever. (Once a Coronado "Don", always a "Don".)
I've had you and Tom in prayer ever since I heard about the Cancer. I pray that you feel uplifted by God's loving presence, His Holy Spirit, and the love of many friends and family.
My love and continued prayers,
Don Richie
April 2, 2006
Mr. Dahl, where should I start? Though many words come to mind, the one which sticks out the most is “compassionate.” He was a man of compassion and an educator who I owe a lot to.
I thank you Mr. Dahl for the lessons in life and for assisting me in my quest in life.
Alma Williams
April 1, 2006
Linda, my heart goes out to you and your family. Tom was a remarkable man, but without you, he could not have lived, loved and thrived as he did for far longer than his doctors predicted. I loved working with Tom on the 'project to end all projects'. He was eternally optimistic, witty, funny and always in good humor. He was not a man whose glass was 'half-full'; his glass always seemed to be running over - no matter what the circumstance. I can only imagine how much his family and close friends will miss him.
George and Debbie Kohl
March 31, 2006
Tom and Linda are our dear friends; more than 20 years. It has always been a bright spot in our lives when we saw them. Pinedale Estates has NEVER been the same since they lost their beloved cabin in the Rodeo/C. fire and moved away. We will remember Tom for the rest of our lives for his friendly smile, his intelligence and his kindness. He was the best person and a great neighbor. We extend our blessings to you Linda and to your girls and their families. We dearly love you all. George and Debbie.
Victor Jimenez
March 31, 2006
Time marches on for all of us. As a 1965 CHS graduate, it's amazing that we have traveled many roads and have had so many experiences from our youthful and exciting high school days. Even though it's been 40 years, I value the many fond memories of Coronado High and of the friends, acquaintances, and experiences of days gone by. When I think of Tom, I will always remember his smile and encouragement to me, both in classes as well as a team member of our varsity wrestling team. Time passes, but his kindness lives on in many ways,including in the hearts and memories of those he touched along the way. I like to think that the last two lines of our high school fight song reflects the spirit of Tom and those that were honored to know him as the lyrics state - - Take it on the chin, and never give in, Coronado Dons march on.
Fr. Michael Rolland, O.P.
March 31, 2006
Allow me to express my sincere sense of loss at this time of grieving for the Dahl family and friends. I remember Tom as my "speed reading" teacher at CHS in the early 70s, and his outstanding spirit as an assistant to Coach Anderson and mentor for myself and so many on campus. I will remember him in my prayers at the Eucharist, giving thanks that God allowed so noble a man to walk along the side of so many. May God bless the Dahl family with the gift of consolation and the grace of comfort from knowing Tom enjoys eternal life. Let us remain strengthened and secure in the Easter hope that life is not ended, but transformed in the paschal mystery.
Rev. Michael Rolland, O.P.
Class of 1976
Carol Miner-Thomas
March 30, 2006
Even though those of us from the class of 1965 are approaching 60, we are still kids at heart. It doesn't matter that we are parents and grandparents. We are still, in our hearts, the carefree teenagers of the 60's. I reaffirmed that during CHS's recent 40-year reunion. It's inconceivable that we are losing classmates to death at our young age. But this is life, and it must be accepted. I know many of us have suffered personal losses over the years. It's very difficult to lose a parent - or in my case - both parents over 20 years ago. But there is something different about losing a peer, a classmate OUR OWN AGE. The preciousness of life and the time the Lord has designated to our time on earth really strikes a cord. There are no words of condolence that I can convey to you, Linda, and to your family. I knew Tom very well. What a likeable, wonderful fellow he was. His achievements and personality really stood out, in the classroom, in the athletic arena, and in his dealings with classmates. And, with his outstanding career in education, focusing on working with children, I'm sure his life was fulfilled and he touched the lives of countless many. What a wonderful consolation to you and your family. You must be so proud. I'm sure he accomplished more in his short 59 years than many are able to-in an extended lifetime. Cherish the time we have been granted thus far - and whatever time we have left. Call friends, renew acquaintences, and do today those things that you think you can put off until tomorrow. My sincerest sympathy to all who are affected by Tom's untimely death. Sincerely, Carol Miner Thomas
Scot Koontz
March 30, 2006
Many heart felt wishes go out to his family and friends. He was a great teacher, coach and mentor. He will be missed but not forgotten.
Douglas Momary
March 30, 2006
Linda and Family,
I will always remember the great times we had with Tom at Coronado.
He set a wonderful example for all of us. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Sincerly,
Doug Momary and Family
Karen Caldwell
March 30, 2006
Linda, our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Tom was your soul mate and we know that you have many, many, cherished memories of all the years spent together. We too have many fond memories as school classmates and I worked with Tom in the old days at CHS. God Bless You and all your family. Lovingly, Karen Lewis Caldwell and Jeff Garden Class of 1966 Coronado High
Dennis Suchocki
March 30, 2006
Linda and family: My deepest sympathy to all of you. I will always have fond memories of Tom as far back as grade school. May God Bless.
Andrea Arthur Michaels
March 30, 2006
Tom was one of those Coronado Dons that classmates loved to be around. He was smart, had a ready smile, an interest in others, and a great sense of fun. As an adult, Tom made a difference in many lives. The students he taught and coached, his children, foster children, and grand children, his fellow teachers, and the community at large benefited from his being. Tom and Linda were separated by only one row of photographs in our senior high school yearbook, and they seemed separated by little in life. It was through their marriage and their support of Coronado Foundation for the Future that I got to know Tom again, and that opportunity to witness his commitment to others and to life, was a privilege.
Sharon Giorgio (Jackson)
March 30, 2006
Linda and family: As a fellow Coronado grad of 1965, I want to express my sincerest sympathies to your entire family. May it comfort you to know that others have experienced the loss of someone close, and truly share your grief. May you find strength in knowing that you shared in his happiness for many years and may the future bring you peace.
Bob Winkler
March 30, 2006
Life is short, but Tom made the most of it. Linda, our family's thoughts and prayers are with you and yours..
Robert Swierski
March 29, 2006
Although I didn't know Tom in high school, I saw him many times during meetings of the Coronado Foundation for the Future. He had a great sense of humor. He always said he was at the meetings working as his wife's chauffeur.
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