Dale Francis Arbour

Dale F. Arbour was born July 27, 1950, in Oberlin, Ohio, seven minutes behind his twin brother Jeff Arbour. The twins' parents, John Arbour and Marian (Kohn) Arbour, attended Oberlin College, where they met and were married.

Their father, a veteran of WWII, worked for a burgeoning corporation named Burroughs. His work with the company resulted in several moves throughout Dale's childhood from Oberlin to Elyria, Rocky River, Erie, Pennsylvania, and East Lansing, Michigan by the time Dale was fifteen (15). Dale often recalled his preteen years living in Erie, Pennsylvania, where the family endured harsh winters. As a young man, Dale developed a knack for shoveling snow and never shirked the task as he grew older.

The family moved to East Lansing, Michigan, where Jeff and Dale graduated from East Lansing High School in 1968. Both boys had outstanding performances in track and field events. Dale was a key member of the Class A State Champion East Lansing Cross Country Team.

Dale continued his track career at the University of Michigan while earning a bachelor's degree in Natural Science and conservation. Dale enjoyed running for U of M and excelled in the mile and Steeplechase events.

After graduation, Dale moved to Berkley California, living at the Sigma Phi fraternity house with his frat brothers. He worked evenings at the American Can Co. so that he could run and train during the day.

When Dale returned to Michigan in1974 he was offered a temporary teaching position at Huron HS in Ann Arbor. One day, he met Woody Hayes, long-time coach of Ohio State in the school office. Coach Hayes was there to recruit.

Grand Ledge HS offered Dale a permanent teaching position in 1975. Dale taught ninth-grade physical science and coached women's track and cross country. While teaching, Dale earned his master's degree from MSU.

In addition to teaching and coaching, Dale volunteered as back up timer for the Greater Lansing Honor Roll meets and the Grand Ledge Cross Country Invitational. He continued to volunteer even after retirement in 2005.

Throughout his early years, Dale competed in running races and marathons. He qualified for the Boston Marathon and finished in the top 10% twice.

During his later years, Dale competed in Mountain bike races throughout Michigan and Colorado.

After retirement in 2005, Dale moved from Grand Ledge to Mt Pleasant, Michigan, where he continued his passion for exercise and meeting new friends.

Dale is survived by his siblings Jeff Arbour (Michele Arbour) of Okemos, MI, Joan Goldsmith of Colorado Springs, CO, and Don Arbour (Cindy Arbour) of Summit, NJ.

Also surviving are nephews Daniel Goldsmith of Montreal, Canada, Max Legrand of Boulder, CO, and Christopher Arbour of Summit, NJ.
Nieces: Kristen Arbour of Westerville, OH, Megan Costigan of Saline, MI, Dana Polun of Englewood, CO, Alexis Wester of Greenwood Village, CO.

Surviving is Dale's longtime companion, Christine Fowler, and their cat Natasha.

A celebration of life will take place on July 24th, 2026, in Mt Pleasant, MI.

Memorial contributions may be made to Karma Kat Cafe, CMU Public Radio, or Chippewa Watershed Convervancy.