It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of John Dale, Jr., a beloved father, grandfather and cherished member of the Portland-area Baha'i and Esperanto communities. Born on December 7, 1946 in Evanston Illinois, John grew up in Cincinatti, Ohio and attended Lake Forest College for his undergraduate degree in Philosophy and later attended American University's Washington College of Law.  After law school he became an immigration attorney in Washington DC and Northern Virginia, where he focused on political asylum seekers, refugees and UN reform. As the former president of the National Esperanto Society, he was an avid and fluent Esperanto speaker and writer, who worked for decades to promote its use and adoption within both the American educational system and the United Nations. John's life journey on ended on October 15, 2025, leaving a legacy of wide-ranging philosophical, spiritual and scientific inquiry, advocacy for immigrants to the USA and worldwide, and an indelible mark of kindness and curiosity on those who had the privilege to know him.

He is survived by his daughter, Kendra Dale and her son Maxwell Carmichael, his son John Henry Dale and his daughter Isabella Dale-Wang, and his two children in spirit, Mila Aldrin and Constantine Aldrin. He is also survived by his devoted partner and fellow seeker, Lorraine Karol, with whom he shared a deep, loving connection in his final years and moments. John had an unquenchable thirst for knowledge, epitomized by his extensive library, which stood as a testament to his lifelong commitment to asking deep and meaningful questions about life, the universe and everything.

John's profound curiosity extended beyond the world around him. He was equally mesmerized with the vastness of the cosmos, demonstrating an insatiable desire to understand the universe and its mysteries. He also made notable contributions to Esperanto, reflecting his deep-rooted belief in universal camaraderie and understanding.

Known for his empathetic nature, John treated everyone with dignity and respect. His heartfelt belief in continuous education and treating others with kindness became the teachings he imparted to the younger generations. These values, and his devotion to universalist principles, make up a part of his enduring legacy.

In the face of his terminal illness, John's spirit remained undeterred. His devotion to reading and learning remained constant, providing him with a sense of purpose and fulfillment until the very end. In a final conversation with his son, John Henry, John stated that his greatest wish for humanity was that we learn how to become self-governing beings, who naturally act in ways that are most beneficial to the entire global community.  The absence of his physical presence will be keenly felt, but John's influence will continue to live on in the lives that he has touched and through a memorial book, music and media library. His memory will serve as inspiration for all to live a life of full of curiosity, kindness,  consciousness and global community-building.

His memorial service will be held on December 7, 2025, at 2:00 PM at Gladstone Community Center, 1050 Portland Avenue, Gladstone, OR, USA

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