Dale J. Trapp

Dale John Trapp; born May 25th 1941 passed unexpectedly and peacefully from life on Tuesday March 26th 2013. Cremation has taken place at Franzen-Davis Crematory. Arthur J. and Edith O. Trapp gave birth to Dale in Mayfield Utah in a log cabin far from city life. His parents and four brothers were the rock from which he derived his strength. He is survived by his children; Eric, Sean, Jon, Christi, and Sara; grandchildren Maksymilian, Benjamin, and Jake; and his loving brothers Arthur W, Gale F, (Identical Twin Brother) and Edwin C Trapp. Dale grew up in Riverton Utah where he learned to love the outdoors. He excelled in organized sports. He lettered in football, baseball and wrestling before graduating from Bingham High School. His parents and siblings were proud that Dale served his country in the U.S. Air Force from 1960-1964. He taught and trained fuel storage and maintenance, his specific area of expertise. Dale relished the experiences given to him by his country to travel the world and gained a great understanding of people and countries that helped him to succeed in the oil and hospitality business later in life. Honorably discharged from the Air Force, he then attended the University of Utah graduating Cum Laude with a degree in Economics. His work in the Air Force and Economics degree were a natural launch pad to a successful career in the Oil business. After twelve years as an Operations specialist and Economist with Shell Oil he left to became Vice-President of Operations and a general partner of Pacific Northern Oil Company in Seattle Washington. P.N.O. was sold in 1992 enabling Dale's move to Pony Montana. At 7.500 feet in the Tobacco Root Mountains he re-built the historic Potosi Hot Springs area to once again be a destination resort. After losing the property in 1999 he spent the remainder of his life living simply and reveling in enjoying nature whenever and wherever possible. He had a lifelong passion for the outdoors, travelling, and all physical sports. He tried, and was pretty good at climbing, skiing, backpacking, fly-fishing, bicycling, running, canoeing; and even dabbled with hang-gliding. His love of nature led him into the world of art. He drew and painted what he saw. While based with the Air Force in Amarillo Texas, Dale met Charlotte Nunn and was married to her for eighteen years. Dale and his first wife had four children. He was also married for eighteen years to Patti Obrist of Idaho and had a daughter while they were married. In his last years he and his dear friend, Jane Jarrett travelled the world, marveling at the beauty of Mother Nature, Third world culture, and the capriciousness of life. Dale loved his children and grandchildren. He instilled in his children a deep love of the outdoors and his entrepreneurial spirit. They learned from him unconditional love, and the need for mental as well as physical stamina. His infectious personality, sarcastic and contrary sense of humor, sharp wit and love of debate earned him many friends and foes. He wanted the world to be better for all. He hated politicians and bankers. He asked for no better or worse from life, only the experience of living it. He enjoyed success, failure, happiness and sorrow. He was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. All his questions and doubts are now answered. His exit from mortality unlocked the gate to immortality. We bid him farewell. A memorial service will be observed at 12:00pm May 21st at the Ennis Cemetery, Madison County, Montana.