Our Opinion / Dale’s smile was the face of Fargo’s newer, happier and hipper downtown

One in a Million

This week HPR joins the family, Hotel Donaldson staff, friends and customers honoring Dale Powers, 65, who died Sunday after a year-long battle with cancer. Dale’s smile was the face of Fargo’s newer, happier and hipper downtown. He had been with the HoDo since day one.

Staff and friends will be holding a candle light vigil tonight, Wednesday, at the HoDo Lounge from 5 to 7 p.m. Visitation is scheduled for Thursday from 5 to 7 p.m., at Wright Funeral Home in Moorhead. The memorial service is Friday at 11 a.m., in Peace Lutheran Church, Fargo. Following interment at Riverside Cemetery, Moorhead, will be a luncheon at the Wright Funeral Home.

To join us in this tribute, HPR reached out to several of our friends at the HoDo. Their words are heartfelt. We so appreciate their contribution to this week’s editorial.

“Dale was one in a million. The epitome of genuine, heartfelt hospitality and kindness. He exemplified our mission and values. He was a true partner in the dream. It was an honor and pleasure to work with him, and personally, beyond The HoDo, a truly dear, loving, trusted friend.” --Karen Stoker, Hotel Donaldson proprietor

“Dale was our constant beating optimistic heart at The Hotel Donaldson. He encouraged us to lead by example with action and integrity. He made guests feel at home and made our teammates feel listened to and cared for. He was the one at meetings to always say, it is getting better and we got this, keep moving forward. Our hearts are sad, but he inspires me to continue on by always remembering nothing less than 100 percent. One of my favorite sayings of Dale is, ‘Cheers. Let's Have One. Whatever.’” --Alison Ottesen

“Dale is that person that represents who we all strive to be. His big love of life, hospitality toward everyone, joyful spirit and integrity created this human that everyone wanted to be around. You could see this on any given day at the HoDo. Tables of Dale fans chatting over coffee or cocktails, one after another waiting for him to stop over and say hi. And if he wasn't working that day, you were bound to have one or two or five folks ask for him and then engage you in their Dale story. We all have our Dale story, and we all nod with smiles listening to them because he showed everyone that magnetic love and hospitality.” --Nancy Carriveau

“I always loved working with Dale; he had such a way with people. If there was ever a guest complaint, he would talk with them, and by the time they left they would forget what they were even upset about in the first place.” --Alyssa Nitschke

“In the four and a half years I worked with Dale at the HoDo, not one day was left without a hug and a smile. I could not count on my two hands how many times he had me wait until the bar slowed to walk me to my car safely in the eve of downtown madness...especially when we had ‘questionable’ people roaming outside the restaurant. This is just one example of all the ‘little’ things Dale would do for people. No matter who you were, you were important to this man, which is why this man is so important to us. He was the epitome of kindness and lived to serve. He is already greatly missed. Hopefully his presence will always be lingering at the HoDo.” --Katie Karn

“Dale was the kind of person who made you want to be around him. Any shift Dale was the manager, I knew it was going to be a good one. He was always visible, helping out anywhere he could, and with a smile and such calm coolness, you wouldn't know he was pissed unless he told you. His laugh was infectious, and he could dance like no old dude I've ever seen.” --Nicki Olson

“Dale was a daily reminder of what good there is in this world. A friend and role model to so many that knew him, his legacy will live on through all of the lives he touched. We will miss him dearly.” --Renata Farnham

“When it comes to work relationships, he was the best manager and teammate I have ever worked with. He cared deeply about each person, their lives and family outside of work was as important as our ability to work together as a team at the HoDo. I used to get such a kick out of him and the things he would say. If someone asked him a question and he answered, instead of saying, ‘Right on’, he would say ‘Right arm’. One of his Dale-isms was saying ‘That's the mo betta s**t.’ Even in his last days, visiting Kim and Dale, I was there to help him take some medicine, and Kim and I told him, ‘Dale, take this, it’s the mo betta s**t.’ He even smiled a little although it was a tough time. There are so many things I loved about Dale. So many times he was there for me, through work or personal times. He was a rock. He made every person feel welcome and comfortable. His light shined bright no matter the situation and times. We are all truly so blessed to have been friends with Dale Powers.” --Amber Severson

“In the days before Dale's passing, we tried to see him as much as possible. We were getting to see him once and twice a week; what a blessing. While visiting with him and Kim, my wedding plans came up. With so many stories of Dale from the past 10 years, this will stick with me forever. ‘Tehle, don't be so damn stubborn. Take care of your husband, like my Kim does for me. And Tehle, let him take care of, YOU.’ I love you Dale. I'm sad I won't see you at our wedding, but I know you'll be with us. Thank you for all of your kindness. Your loyalty. Your love of life. I miss you every day.” --Kristin Tehle