I hate to start this thread because I'm hoping it's all a mistake, but I guess it isn't. Gene and I got this e-mail just now from Arkie:

I know that Dale had been communicating with you a bit and that you would be concerned about the news that I just received. Dale's sister called a few minutes ago to tell me that he had passed away. He had not been responding to emails or phone calls so his sister and her minister went over to his house. He was found stretched out in his chair and apparently went quietly. I would think it appropriate to post something at Mudcat, if one of you would like to do so. (Arkie)

Dale Rose was one of the first to post here at Mudcat - I think he first posted in 1996, before I got here. He was registered as Dale Rose but in recent years he usually posted as DWR. He was just a wonderful person. He coached a girls' sports team - I forget which sport, and he did hours and hours of work at the Ozark Folk Center in Mountain View, Arkansas. He had a special spot in his heart for Ozarks music and music from the Canadian Maritimes, especially the Rankin Family. He loved to research old songs, and his research work was terrific.

And most of all, Dale was a friend, for the last 15 years. Even though I never met him in person, I really enjoyed his company. He lived his life well. May he rest in peace.


-Joe-