Dale Forrester Obituary

October 26, 1939 – May 25, 2025

Emmett, Idaho – Dale Edward Forrester passed away at home May 25, 2025 in Emmett, Idaho at age 85 surrounded by family.

Dale was born on October 26, 1939 in Riceville, Tennessee to Robert and Grace Forrester. He was the youngest of nine children. At the age of 8, his family moved from Tennessee to Mesa, Idaho where he began a new way of life. Then, in 1954, he and his family moved from Mesa to Emmett where he attended high school. In his junior year he joined the National Guard. He then graduated in 1957. Two years later in 1961, he was placed on active duty orders during the Berlin Crisis to Ft. Lewis, Washington. Before leaving, he married the love of his life for 63 years, Linda Gates. After serving a year at Ft. Lewis, Dale and Linda moved to Richland, Washington where they had two wonderful sons, Neal and Don.

In 1969 Dale and his family returned to Idaho. Dale went to work for the Boise Fire Department in 1970 where he made many lifelong friends in his 25 year career. He achieved the rank of captain where he was well liked and highly respected by his crew.

Anyone who knew Dale was aware of his love for the outdoors. Archery was his main passion, and he was instrumental in promoting organized archery in the area. In 1972 Dale and Linda opened D & L Archery which they owned and operated for 8 years. During these 8 years, they shared their knowledge and enthusiasm of archery with multitudes of people, and he with several friends started Treasure Valley Bowhunters. Then in 1973 he spearheaded the start of the Idaho State Bowhunters. He passed his love for hunting and archery down to his family where they spent many years pursuing this passion.

In his later years fishing became his favorite pastime. Brownlee Reservoir and Cascade Lake were some of his favorite fishing spots.

Dale was preceded in death by his mother and father, Robert and Grace; his brothers, Vern, John, Kyle, Norman and Taylor; his sisters, Margaret, Mary Lee, and Elizabeth Ann.

Dale is survived by his wife, Linda; children, Neal (Shannon) Forrester and Don (Rochelle) Forrester; grandchildren, Dylan (Sami) Forrester, Taylor Forrester (Kaleigh Gomez), Bryce Forrester; great-grandchildren, Hayden and Larson Forrester

Dale was well known for his quick wit and sarcastic sense of humor. He loved a good practical joke. He influenced the lives of so many people while passing on his excitement for the outdoors. He loved his family dearly and he will be deeply missed.

Services will be held at Potter Funeral Chapel on Monday, June 2, 2025 with a viewing at 12 p.m. and a funeral service at 1 p.m. Burial will follow at the Emmett Cemetery.