Dale Schroeder

Dale was a bright kid, who tested into genius levels in early schooling, although I teased him that no one would have ever known it. He loved music, especially punk rock. He could often be found at punk shows in and around San Diego, and later, in Santa Barbara. He was a fixture in the local punk scene of the 80’s and 90’s in Santa Barbara, especially RKL shows. He was as loyal a friend as anyone could ever hope for, and if he loved you, you knew it and he had your back, no matter what. Dale was True Blue and had many friends from all walks of life. He loved to laugh and he was a very funny man. He had a rolling infectious laugh that spilled like sunshine into a room, cracking even the hardest of shells, you couldn’t stay serious for long if Dale was laughing.

He loved animals, all animals, but the deepest love he had was for his German shepherd-Chow mix, Kona Bear. She was his loyal canine companion of many years. He was an avid animal advocate and championed animal causes with passion throughout his lifetime.

He worked for a time at Saint Francis Hospital, on the Riviera, where all the nuns adored him. He brought smiles to everyone he worked with, and he loved that job. He later worked as a BMW mechanic at Muller and Goss. Dale earned his bachelor degree with honors at SBCC and had his own mobile mechanic business.

Dale loved deeply and fully. He had a great big heart and he was passionate about many things. He was no stranger to adversity and wrenching physical and emotional pain, but he always bore it like a champion and never showed his pain. He loved our mother deeply, and they had an unbreakable bond. Dale also loved his daughter Rachel to the ends of the Earth. He loved me just as deeply, and he was always on my side, even when I was difficult to love. I am so lucky and proud to be his sister. Dale is preceded in death by our mother Mary Schroeder, and is survived by his daughter Rachel Scott and myself, Sheryl Schroeder, his sister. I will miss him for the rest of my days.

A beach celebration of life for Dale and a paddle out will be held at a later date in San Diego, TBA. Donations in Dale’s name can be made to Surfrider Foundation Santa Barbara (https://www.surfrider.org/campaigns/preserve-the-gaviota-coast-santa-barbara) or to Heal the Ocean Santa Barbara (https://www.healtheocean.org/)