Dale Busack Rex, age 77 passed
away peacefully on Wednesday, October 12, 2022, at his home in Pahrump, Nev.
Dale was born on July 29, 1945, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Samuel Wayne Rex
and Claudia Rosetta (Busack) Rex. Dale was named after his Uncle Dale who
fought and died in World War II. This was a name that Dale carried proudly and
honorably.
Dale grew up on the family ranch
in Randolph, Utah along with seven siblings. He attended elementary and South
Rich high school in Randolph, Utah. In 1966 Dale was drafted into the army and
served his country in the Vietnam war. The discipline and patriotism he learned
in the army never left him, as friends and family will attest. He was an
immensely proud veteran.
Dale obtained his license as a
journey lineman in 1972 from IBEW Local Union 44 in Butte, Montana. He worked
for various power companies throughout his life, retiring from Pacific Power in
2006.
Dale married Minerva LouAnn
Meeks, on July 14, 1969. They were blessed with four children, Troy, Dalena,
Sheryl, and Leslie. They were divorced after 20 years of marriage.
On July 30, 2005, in Yakima,
Washington, he married a wonderful woman, Linda Dawson, whom he adored and
loved. In the 17 years of their marriage, they enjoyed many adventures
together, ranching, traveling with their camper, and spending time together.
Dale and Linda eventually moved from Washington, making their home in Pahrump,
Nevada.
He enjoyed working side by side
with his dad and grandfather on the ranch in Randolph which fueled his passion
and love for ranching. His true passions were his horses and attending rodeos.
Dressed in his signature look of cowboy boots, wranglers, and his Stetson hat,
he never missed an NFR in Vegas. Dale was President of Cowboy Days for numerous
years and poured his heart and soul into that role. In 2006 he was nominated as
Evanston’s Rodeo Grand Marshal. Dale also loved competing in rodeos with his
beloved horse Billy, together they made a wonderful team in team roping.
Dale was the man, the myth, the
legend, and one of the toughest men you could ever meet. He was opinionated and
stern with a booming voice that was sure to get your attention. However, behind
the tough exterior lay a tenderness of compassion, love, and the need to give
to others. A fine example of Dale’s compassion was while living in Washington.
Each day as Dale drove to work he would see two homeless men (Tom and Alan)
walking for miles gathering cans. Dale decided that any man who would walk that
far gathering cans for a little pocket change proved a man of character. So, on
his way home from work one day, he spotted the men, and he pulled over and
offered the men a job, pay, and housing on the ranch. The men jumped in the
vehicle and the rest was history. Tom and Alan lived on the ranch for many years;
they worked hard alongside Dale and a wonderful friendship of respect, trust,
and love was formed until their passing. How those men must have felt they had
won the lottery the day some stranger took a chance on them, showed them some
kindness, and changed their lives forever.
Dale also very much enjoyed
spending time with his children, siblings, and close friends. He led by example
and taught his children to stand tall, work hard, be proud, and know themselves
in all situations. He worked hard and loved even harder. He will be dearly
missed by us all.
Dale is survived by his wife
Linda Rex of Pahrump, Nev.; and four children, Troy (Jerri) Rex of Longview,
Texas, Dalena (Kent) Hutchinson of Evanston, Sheryl (Joe) Rathbun of Rawlins,
Leslie (Sandy) Rex of Ogden, Utah, nine grandchildren, and four
great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his siblings Nancy (Dave) Beachler
of Evanston; David (Sheila) Rex of Aledo, Texas; Sam (Cheryl) Rex of
Washington, Utah; Letty (Jon) Willden of Kearns, Utah; Faye Rex of Reno, Nev.; and Claudia (Verdis)
Winder of Randolph, Utah; as well as many beloved nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his
parents, Samuel Wayne and Claudia Rosetta Rex, infant brother Robert Craig Rex,
and sister Bobbie Carolyn Rex.
Dale’s wishes were to be
cremated. The family of Dale Rex will plan a celebration of life at a later
date and will inform family and friends once this is decided upon.
