Dale Leroy Hug

Dale Leroy Hug, age 80, of Alicel, died July 8, 2016 at the Park Rehabilitation Center at College Place, Washington.

Dale was born in La Grande on August 19, 1935, the youngest child of Verdie (Beem) and Ray hug. who lived on Pumpkin Ridge near Summerville. He attended Imbler High School where he was on the football, basketball and baseball teams. Although he enjoyed all three sports but it was baseball that he loved. After working all day on the farm in the summer, he would enjoy pitching for the American Legion baseball team at their night games in La Grande. Later he would attend Eastern Oregon University for two years where he was a baseball pitcher for the Mountaineer team.
In high school he was also active in the FFA program and earned his state farmers degree. Dale was a good student, graduating as the valedictorian of his high school class in 1953. After two years at Eastern Oregon University, where he concentrated his studies in science and math, he enlisted in the Army on May 3, 1956. Following his basic training at Fort Ord, California, he was stationed in Germany where he took advantage of his leave time to travel in several countries.

On August 16, 1958 he married Leora Whitsell at the First Baptist Church in Ontario. They lived near Portland where he continued his college education by attending Portland State University for a year. At this time he took on the responsibility of the family cherry and apricot orchard. He was active in the Pumpkin Ridge Cherry Growers Association for many years, being the secretary and doing the bookeeping.

Through the years he also took pride and enjoyment in raising hereford cattle until his retirement. He also continued to take courses at Eastern Oregon University on campus and correspondence in accounting and other classes of interest.
Dale is survived by his wife, Leora; son, Marvin; a granddaughter and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Lori Buglione, his parents, a sister, June Wagoner, brothers, Leslie, Warren and Earnest.

Interment was held at the Summerville Cemetery. Arrangements were entrusted to Daniels~Knopp Funeral, Cremation & Life Celebration Center. Those who wish may make contributions in his memory to the Lori Hug Buglione Scholarship in care of the Eastern Oregon University Foundation.

.