Well, it has been said that when you leave this world, you transcend to a universe that is filled with activities you cherish. That being the case, as of May 24, 2008, Dale Mizer is in a place filled with his cattle belly deep in grass, tough horses with "lots of bottom", a good walk and a light rein, an occasional breakfast flight to Sulfur Creek Ranch in the Idaho backcountry, and grandkids.
He was born James Dale Robbins, Oct. 23, 1920, in Benton County, Ark., to Estella (Byrd) and Hurley Robbins. Four years later, brother Paul (Bud) was born. The family moved to New Mexico to help Hurley fight tuberculosis. Hurley died shortly thereafter and this sent Estella and the boys to her family north of Hailey (the Buttram's).
On April 20, 1927, Estella married Dan Mizer and on that same day, he adopted "his boys." Four years later, a sister, Lena June (Toots) followed. They lived on the Mizer homestead, which is now the Valley Club. He attended the Zinc Spur Schoolhouse through eighth grade and then graduated Hailey High in 1939.
He sharecropped his aunt's place for one year before heading to California to work in the shipyards as a welder. In November 1942, he enlisted into the Army Air Force. Dad served as an Instrument and Electrical specialist and was discharged on Feb. 15, 1946.
On March 7,1946, he married Lois Yearian and they went to ranching. On July 6, 1958, Lois died after a long illness; they had no children. On Oct. 22, 1960, he married Mary Markgraf. This 47-year marriage has given him a daughter, Lydia, and a son, Jim. Later came a son-in-law, Albert Godinho, with grandkids Michael, Christina and Elizabeth, and a daughter-in-law, Jackie, with grand kids Marlow and Mac.
Around 1997, I overheard a conversation of when dad was asked what he had done for a living. His answer: "Oh, I ran some cows over in the Hailey country, but until I retired, I also worked for Sun Valley as a mechanic and welder, so I would be damn sure I could have food on the table. I still run a few cows". Well, he ran his few (almost 40) head of cows until he was over 80 years old. He fed his own horses and mule until he was 86 years old. He lived a very self-reliant life until cancer got a hold of him in the last months. Dad kept to his caring, compassionate and considerate nature to the very end. He died at home with his family.
All his siblings, parents, and almost all his childhood friends preceded him in death. As per Dale's wishes "there will be no damn funeral!" However, later in the summer there will be a celebration of his life.
Arrangements are under the care of Wood River Chapel of Hailey, Idaho (www.woodriverchapel.com).
