Dale Leslie Calender

"I have no regrets about my life. People ask, "If you had to do it all over again, would you do it differently?" No. That's speculation."  - Chuck Yeager

Dale/Dad/G-Daddy/Grandfather/Papa Dale lived his life with few regrets.  He enjoyed golf, sailing, studying history and creating beautiful furniture for his wife and family.  He had a passion for being on the water or in the air but most importantly for being with his family whom he was immensely proud of. A man who had an answer to any question, and you did not have to fact check due to his wealth of knowledge.  He was a loving, caring, talented, intelligent, and witty man who lived his life to the fullest and encouraged everyone he loved to do the same.

Dale Leslie Calender flew west on 6JUN2023 at the age of 74. A solo flight we will all take one day. He was born in Giesen, Germany on 18MARCH1949 to Allie and Eileen Calender.  Dale was a military brat, living in various places around the world, but spent most of his childhood on the waters of Seaford, VA.  He graduated from York High School in 1967 and in 1972 from Old Dominion University with a BS in accounting.  After graduation, he joined the USAF to become a Captain. Being at the top of his class he was given first choice of aircraft to fly.  He chose the C-141, passing up the coveted fighter jets, in the hopes of being hired with the airlines given his experience flying the big boys. He was hired by American Airlines in 1977 as a flight engineer and flew various aircraft eventually being promoted to Captain of the 777, flying all over the world. In 2011, after years of hard work and dedication, he was designated as an FAA check airman for American Airlines.  

Dale married Debbie Guba on 10JUNE2006 in Virginia. After retiring, continuing with their sense of adventure, the two sailed from South Texas to Gloucester, VA, and later to the Bahamas, checking off his biggest bucket list item.

Dale was predeceased by his father, Allie Calender, mother Eileen Calender and brother, Tom Calender.  He is survived by his wife, Debbie Calender, sister Alita Small (Bill, Toni and Eric), daughters Wendy Calender (Patrick, Logan, Cade and Zenna) and Keri Dee (Tristan), stepdaughter Jennifer Allar (Justin, Trevor and Grace) and stepsons Matt Guba (Garrett) and Zach Guba (Alexis and Cooper.)

Dale passed due to complications of Lewy Body Dementia, an exceedingly debilitating disease, but this did not prevent him from maintaining his humorous sarcasm to the very end.  In typical Dale fashion, there are no funeral services planned, certainly no pomp and circumstance.  A celebration of life will occur on 19AUGUST2023 from 1100-1300 at the Seaford Yacht Club (https://seafordyachtclub.com/directions/.)

"This is Heaven, my son -- you've passed your last test!" – Flying West

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