Dale Raymond Waddell

Dale Raymond Waddell passed away at home, in Sisters, on November 17, 2024, with his wife Karen and loved ones by his side. Dale struggled with early-onset Alzheimer's for many years and finally succumbed to the disease at the age of 70.

Dale Raymond Waddell

Dale is survived by Karen, his wife of 48 years; brother Greg Waddell; sister-in-law Ellen (Steve) Furbacher; sister Anne Rodman; niece Jackie; nephews Chris, Stephen, Jason, Andrew and Ryland; members of the Wolftree 'pack'; and friends and family far and wide.

Dale met Karen on a warm sunny afternoon in California, in 1974. It didn't take long before they knew they were right for each other, and married a few years later. Together, they pursued Forestry degrees at Humboldt State University in the redwoods of northern California. Dale earned a BS and MS degree in Forest Science, and went on to work as a Research Forester with the Forest Service, at the Pacific Northwest Research Station in Portland.

After 10 years, Dale decided to make a change, and co-founded a nonprofit company called 'Wolftree', which he ran for over 20 years. He had offices in Portland and here in Sisters.

Wolftree's mission was to take elementary, middle, and high school students out of the classroom and into the outdoors to explore science and math using a hands-on education curriculum that Dale helped develop. His goal and hope was that students would be inspired and motivated to choose a career in science. He was proud of his staff, hundreds of volunteer mentors, and the many awards Wolftree received over the years.

Dale and Karen retired and moved to Sisters in 2015. He loved being active and enjoyed hiking, biking, kayaking, and camping until he was no longer able to manage them.

Dale entered Hospice during his last few months and received compassionate care from the Partners in Care team, for which we were very grateful. As many of you know, Alzheimer's is a difficult disease for a single caregiver to handle. Karen appreciated significant help from family, friends, trained caregivers, and support groups.

Karen's goal is to hold a small celebration of life in spring or summer at the outdoor education facility that Dale helped establish called Cascade Streamwatch, at the Wildwood Recreation Site, near Mt. Hood.