Dale Hamreus

Former Long Beach resident Dale G. Hamreus, 83, died peacefully May 28, 2007 in San Diego, California. Dale was born December 14, 1923 in Chehalis, Washington. The family later moved to Portland where Dale graduated from Jefferson High School. Shortly after graduation from high school Dale entered the US Army, serving during World War II. He served for 521 days in the European Theatre and later was called to duty during the Korean Conflict. Dale continued his education by earning a Doctorate of Education degree from Washington State University. Music, though, was Dale's true passion. While obtaining a BA degree in music at Lewis & Clark College in Portland he became a favorite student of Boris Sirpo, learning to play stringed instruments. He also was a student of L. Stanley Glarum who taught him the fine art of choral direction. He directed many diverse musical groups from orchestras, to girls and boys bugle corps, to several church choirs. Dale was professor at the United States International University in San Diego for many years where he taught research and design for doctoral students, computer science and was dean of the school of education for several years. He received much satisfaction from his student's successes. He resided in Rancho Bernardo, California for 17 years. In the late 1980s Dale and his wife Jane moved to Long Beach. They purchased and renovated an old farm house on Willapa Bay and became members of Ocean Beach Presbyterian Church in Seaview. There Dale was active as director of both the choral and bell choir. He also enjoyed participating in the annual Vesper services at Oysterville Church. Last year, illness forced Dale to return to California for medical treatment and to be near family. Dale was also a member of the Long Beach Kiwanis Club. Besides his wife of 54 years, Dale is survived by daughters Gretchen Clare, Lisa Stavenga, Megan Hamreus and Amy Biliunas; grandchildren Kristina Noon, Ashley Clare, Austin Stavenga, Olivia Biliunas, Alexandria Bilinius, Alison Bell, Andrew and Scott Caropino; great-grandchildren Rowen Noon and Julia Bell. Memorial service will be held Saturday, July 7, 2007, 11:00 AM at Ocean Beach Presbyterian Church in Seaview. A reception follows. Memorials may be made to either the Ocean Beach Presbyterian Church, PO Box 268, Seaview, WA 98644 or The Elizabeth Hospice, 150 W. Crest St., Escondido, CA 92025. Local arrangements are by Penttila's Chapel by The Sea, Long Beach. The guestbook is available at www.penttilaschapel.com.