Dale Steven “The Mailman” Hilson

Dale Steven Hilson, 52, passed away suddenly on Monday, August 20, 2012, at Coulee Medical Center in Grand Coulee. He was born August 26, 1959, in the Coulee Dam Hospital to Jack and Dolores (Godfrey) Hilson.

Dale went kindergarten through high school in the Grand Coulee Dam School District and attended Eastern Washington University where he was a member of the Rifle Team. Dale returned home to help with the family-owned newspaper “The Star” up until they sold it in 1985. Dale worked for Harris Incorporated and was the project manager until he began part-time work for the USPS in 1987. He became full-time with the USPS and became the rural carrier for the Creston Post Office up until his passing.

Dale met the love of his life Gwen while at EWU and they were married May 31, 1980, in Spokane. On May 6, 1987, Dale and Gwen were blessed with the birth of their son Corey Steven, who became Dale’s pride and joy.

Dale loved the outdoors – hunting and fishing were a pasttime he enjoyed immensely. He volunteered as a Hunter Safety Instructor for many years and also volunteered for the Cast for Kids program (helping kids with illness and disabilities learn how to fish). Dale was a great storyteller and will also be remembered for his quick wit, kindness and natural ability to start up a conversation with anyone.

Dale is survived by his wife Gwen and companions Nitro and Maggie May at the home; his son Corey and girlfriend Nicole of Kenmore, Wash .; his dad Jack, Electric City, two sisters: Pam (Kary) Byam, Electric City and Sandra(Mitch) Yarbrough, Spokane; his twin brother Doug, Electric City; mother-in-law Janet Cederblom, Edwall; brothers-in-law, Randy Cederblom and Brian (Cyndi) Cederblom both of Edwall, sister-in-law Kari (Jeff) Gilbert, of Spokane; nieces Kamie, Karyn, Jennifer, Nicole, Marissa, Jessie, Stephanie, Bethaney, Hannah and Grace; nephews: Kyle C., David, Daniel, Timothy, Nick, Noah and Kyle J., close cousins Marc (Rosario) Murbach and Monte (Diane) Murbach and numerous great-nieces and nephews and countless friends and hunting buddies.

He was preceded in death by his mother Dolores Hilson and father-in-law Keith Cederblom.

A celebration of Dale’s life will be held Saturday, Sept. 15, 2012, at Pepper Jack’s Bar and Grille in Grand Coulee beginning at 3 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials made to “Cast for Kids”, 297 SW 41st Street, Renton, WA 98507. or via the website http://www.castforkids.org/get-involved/donate/ or call 425-251-3202.

Strate Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.