Dale Warren Rush

Dale Warren Rush, 75, left this world peacefully on January 22nd, 2026, in Salinas, CA.

Dale was born on August 11th, 1950 to parents Warren and Vicie Rush. He grew up in Tulare,

CA, where he developed a strong work ethic and deep love for family. After graduating from

Tulare Western High School, Dale pursued higher education in environmental biology at UC

Santa Barbara, and earned both a Masters degree and a PhD in soil sciences at UC Davis. He

married the love of his life, Pamela Cardoza, in 1975 and had two daughters, Alison and Lindy.

Dale owned an agricultural consulting business for almost 30 years in Salinas, and was

affectionately known as the "Dirt Doctor" by his family. His relentless commitment to ethics and

integrity in his work, as in all aspects of his life, earned him an impeccable reputation among his

friends, colleagues, and the professional agricultural community nation-wide.

Dale was an avid outdoorsman who found joy in hunting, fishing, hiking, snow skiing, boating,

flying his Cessna, and motorcycle endurance racing. He was also a devoted family man known

for being very affectionate, generous with his time, skills, and resources, and for his teasing and

sense of humor. With his impressive mechanical inclination, Dale could often be found tinkering

in his shop or working on his 1937 Ford pickup. His girls firmly believed he could fix anything.

Dale is survived by his beloved wife of 50 years, Pamela Rush, his daughters, Alison Gilson

(husband David Gilson) and Lindy Rush Bragdon (husband Dwight Bragdon), his sister Judith

Kautz (husband Ronald Kautz), and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews. He will be deeply

missed and forever loved.

A celebration of life will be held for Dale on Friday, February 6th at 11:00 a.m. at Struve and

Laporte Funeral Home in Salinas. All are welcome to attend. In lieu of flowers, the family would

love a donation to be made to the charity of your choice in Dale's name.