Dr. George Dale Orkney

Dr. George Dale Orkney passed away on March 7, 2018 at Brookdale Nursing Home in McMinnville, Oregon. He was born on December 19, 1936 to George and Sarah Orkney in Raymond Washington. A few years, after he was born, the family moved to Springfield, Oregon where Dale grew up, went to school and graduated in 1955. After graduating, Dale went to Northwest Nazarene College where he received his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Biology in 1959, and met the love of his life, Jan Keel. They were married on September 12th 1959 and moved to Moscow, Idaho where Dale continued his pursuit of a Ph.D. in Botany. He was awarded his Doctorate of Philosophy with a Major in Botany and a Minor in Zoology in May of 1971 from the University of Idaho. In 1963, he began his career at George Fox until he retired in 2002. During the course of his career, Dale received numerous awards, fellowships, and research grants as well as published research articles. He believed in being a lifelong learner, even after his retirement. Dale’s belief in Jesus Christ was an important part of his life. He loved to sing in the choir and played on church softball leagues, as well as teach Sunday School. His interest in sports began in high school and continued while teaching at George Fox. He was affectionately known as ‘Doctor Death’, on the intramural football field. He enjoyed watching both a good boxing match and football game. Dale also enjoyed being outdoors, whether it was fishing, gardening, going to the beach or botanical research. If one couldn’t find him outside he would be down in his woodshop working on his latest woodworking project or at an auction in the search for antiques. He loved his family and enjoyed spending time with them, especially his grandkids. Dale was preceded in death by his wife Jan. He is survived by his brother Duane Orkney (Jeanne) of Wyoming, daughters Corlyn Wilkinson (Dave) Salem, Oregon, Colleen Unger (John) Selma Oregon and son George Orkney, as well as eight grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, April 14th at 11:00 a.m. at George Fox University Lemmons 8 and a reception will follow at Edwards-Holman Science Center. In lieu of flowers the family asks for donations be made towards Alzheimer’s Research.

Dr. George Dale Orkney

December 19, 1936 - March 7, 2018