Dale Richard Hilding

Dale Richard Hilding 
Nov. 15th, 1948 -  Feb 1st, 2026
Born in Spokane WA to Raymond and Roma Turnbull Hilding, Dale grew up 
in the mountains of northern/central Idaho. Sandpoint, Coeur d’Alene, St. 
Maries, Grangeville were all “home”. He was active in Boy Scouts and earned 
the Eagle Scout Rank in 1963. His father was a professional forester with the 
U.S. Forest Service and taught Dale to love the mountains and forests. He 
graduated from Tulane University in New Orleans in 1971 and from the Un. 
of Texas in Austin in 1972 with an MA in Latin American Studies.  
Commissioned as a 2LT in the Signal Corps, he earned his Airborne Wings at 
Fort Benning. He served 4 years (2 years in the Panama Canal Zone) and 
was awarded the Army Commendation Medal upon his discharge. Joining the 
Social Security Administration in 1976 as a Claims Representative, Dale 
spent 12 years in the Spokane WA District Office. He met his future wife, 
Mary Kay Jackson while in Spokane. They were married in 1978. Dale was 
promoted to Assistant District Manager in 1986 and spent 10 years in Idaho 
Falls ID SSA field office. In 1996, he was promoted to District Manager in 
the Pendleton SSA field office. He retired in 2008 after 35 years of federal 
service. During his career, Dale was very active in volunteer work in the 
local community. He received numerous awards, including a national 
Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) Hero Award from the Office of Personnel 
Management and an Oregon Community Hero award from US Senator 
Gordon Smith. 
After he retired, Dale continued to volunteer. He sat on the Helping Hand 
board and was Treasurer and Lead Receptionist for 10 years. He also was 
Treasurer at the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer for 5 years and sang in 
the choir for many years. He volunteered at Outreach with food boxes and 
was Mentor for the Education for Ministry program sponsored by his church. 
He was licensed by the Episcopal Church as a lay preacher and served on the 
Vestry. 
Dale was especially active as an adult leader in both Boy and Girl Scouts, 
with over 30 years as a volunteer. He cherished his role as Cub Master for 
Pack 745 and loved to lead them in jokes, riddles and songs, besides 
presenting their awards. BSA recognized his efforts by awarding him the 
Silver Beaver in 2003. After retirement, Dale and Mary Kay spent every 
summer attending Scottish Festivals around the northwest. Dale was very 
proud of his scottish heritage and they set up a Turnbull Clan Tent at both 
the Athena and Prosser WA games. He would dress in 15th century armor 
and chain mail and march in the opening parade. 
Dale is survived by his wife of 48 years, Mary Kay Jackson Hilding; two 
sons, Michael and Patrick, and a daughter, Kathryn. He also leaves behind two 
Granddaughters, Gabriella and Pepper and a Grandson Jackson. Two Step Grandchildren, Helena and Carter and two Great Grandsons, Asher and Grayson.
A memorial service will be held at Church of the Redeemer on March 28th.