Dale Kusumoto

Dale Kusumoto put others above himself, serving his family, community, church and nation throughout his lifetime.

He was born to Joe and Hama Kani Kusumoto on Jan. 16, 1931, and grew up in Whitefish.

After high school he and his best friends, Dick Knapton and Jack Harris, played football on scholarship for two years at Western Montana College.

Dale and Dick decided to join the Navy; their first assignment was on a troop transport ship conveying French troops to the First Indochina War (Vietnam). Dale became a hospital corpsman, one of the most difficult and dangerous jobs in the Navy. Senior Chief Kusumoto had a distinguished 30-year career serving on ships, on the ground with Marines, and in hospitals and clinics.

Dale met his wife, Kikuko Sano, while stationed in Japan. Their sons, David, Russell and Jon lead successful lives in San Diego.

Dale held every position in the Pioneer Ocean View United Church of Christ at one time or another. He was a caregiver in his naval profession and in everyday life, prioritizing those in need above himself.

His renowned appetite, and skinny frame, were only surpassed by the illumination of his service to God and his fellow man.

Dale succumbed to Alzheimer’s disease on March 15, 2015. He is survived by his brother, Losh Kusumoto, and sister, Kuni Kurimura.