It is hard to speak of you in the past tense and even harder to accept that you are gone. I met Dale almost twenty years ago at Kew Club, and we spent many nights talking, laughing, and sharing life.

Even when we lost touch, running into him always felt like no time had passed. That was the kind of friend he was.

You will be missed, bro. Thank you for the memories and your friendship. Until we meet again.

Dear Dale, My Capricorn brother, 

I recall when we first met in 2015 or could've been 2016. I was a receptionist at GQ Barbershop. We quickly became family, especially us both being Capricorns. You having the same birthday as my younger brother how ironic you; so of course I instantly claimed you as my older brother. So many memories, always held me down when you saw I was feeling down just a kind word or that tough love "like get your shit together" lol helped me find a place to stay , which lead to another job opportunity for me where I became one of the best bartenders that Tavern Lounge has ever seen lol, More importantly I met people that I created bonds with and consider family .... Love you bro Rest In Paradise

Very sudden and unexpected 

Many nights we worked side by side and Dale has always been someone you could rely on and trust 

Always polite, caring and attentive, Dale made us feel safe and welcome

He will forever be remembered for his kind heart and gentle spirit 

You know... I have a lot to say..so much.. he was my friend.. we shared books of poetry together.. he was a bit older than I am.. he was one of the older guys that never got down on me for reading and writing poetry.. we drank together.. we smoked together... we had nights when we disliked each other, we had more days and nights where we loved each other..  I loaned him my Langston Hughes complete version of poems, I never got it back, but what I got back was that he read it and we spoke about it and he told me he lost the book through moving, because that's what we did back then, we were all over the place.. and who cares.. I had so many great conversations and laughs with my friend about the book, and $40 was well worth it. I miss him while im writing this. My eyes are beginning to swell because I think I fucked up. Old age sucks. It really does. I want to call him now. The last time I spoke to him he was speaking about his daughter in Atlanta and I'd never met her.. he cared.. he wanted more.. we made plans once to meet there when he could visit her and I would come by as I live close now... we didnt get to make it happen.. and now I just miss my friend.. he was my friend, since I was about 16 years old... ohhhh.. the mistakes we make over the years for such bullshit reasons....  

It might have been Pat's funeral the last time Dale and I were together.. that sucked... we loved Pat.. all of us did.. I loved... love Dale.. im very upset... 

I literally just called the ladt number I had for him in hope that I could hear his voice... thats crazy!!!.....

Im having a sip in my manes name while writing this, so, we'll, deal with it. (Not to hisD's family) but the rest of you all. I love yall too. I can name names but why.. I miss yall too.. this shows us we need to act better, as a whole.

Dale taught me a few things, he really did. Be cool AL. Its ok. AL, you don't need to fight everyone and then, I reminded him of the same thing. My poet warrior friend.. damn... 

Im sitting here at my house,  I have a few acres now, I left NY, and I wish he could just sit here and sip something with me.. no talk of street shit, no talk of business.... just literature and the trees...... I miss my friend... 

I should stop writing... but would he tell me too or tell me to keep going.. ??? Shit... what dies older age do to us???... I miss my friend.. why can't I call him now... why didnt he call me then.. why and why and why... 

I dont think this is what Dale's family wanted on this for a post but you son, man, father, made an impact on my life and it was great. He helped me. He helped through his struggles and mine and he always thought I was a good person and pushed to be better, so thank you Dale.... I missed you before, I miss you now. I want to speak about poetry again with you because not many brother will.. the sun shined on you brother even when it was 2a.m in the moonlight, you were, you are my $$$$$$$.....

Dearest Cheyenne,

Our deepest condolences to you, having lost Grandma and now Dad can really shake your foundation, just remember that you are loved and protected by two Guardian Angels. Dale and I would often catch up on how you are doing and headed, for nearly two decades he would share updates on your journey. 

It is really sad to say Goodbye to a dear friend that tried everyday to be a better version of himself and push forward despite the challenges. He visited us in South Florida briefly just to make sure that he said hello to my children that referred to him as Uncle Dale. 

We hustled selling DVDs and filmed concert videos and sold computers to scrape up money to make ends meet. During his final days we spoke about Cyber Security, it was a field of study that he had a growing interest in. Overall  Dale had a good heart with great intentions, many good qualities to be proud of your Dad. 

We shall keep you in our prayers, our doors are always open for you should you ever need us. We shall keep “Don Dada Yaga Yo” in our prayers as he watches over us from the heavenly kingdom. 

Many blessings Cheyenne, very sorry for your loss. Please reach out to me anytime. 

Freddy &  The Gonzalez Family