Dale Roger James LaPointe

Dale Roger James LaPointe, age 77, passed away January 5, 2024. He was born December 1, 1946 in Detroit, Michigan to Maurice and Dorothy LaPointe.

A master electrician, out of IBEW Local 58, his skills in building trades were wide and varied, but he also put them to use in his many hobbies, at which he excelled. He was a consummate teacher of the skills he learned, from Tae Kwon Do, in his teens and early 20s, to tai chi and general exercise. After formal retirement, he taught fitness classes at the Richardson Center, in the Walled Lake area. He taught primitive skills classes through Great Lakes Primitives. Whatever he did, wherever went, he made new friends. Dale was born in Detroit, but moved to Southfield as a three-year-old, and spent all of his childhood years there until he married Marjorie Mair in 1969.

He graduated from Southfield High School in 1964, and afterwards attended Ferris State College and Wayne State University.

A lifelong learner, he later earned his associates degree from Oakland Community College, where he studied electrical engineering.

He earned his Journeyman’s Electrical License in 1974 and worked through IBEW Local 58. As a master electrician, he later worked as a skilled tradesman for General Motors in UAW Local 594.

Dale was of the Catholic Faith, but enjoyed learning about and studying several other religions as well. He had friends from many cultures, faiths and nationalities. People and their stories were the most important aspect of life to him.

Dale was recognized for numerous achievements throughout his life as he held many interests and had a thirst for knowledge.

He had insatiable curiosity, delving into many hobbies and interests throughout his life. As a child he loved old Western movies and television shows, which may have been the catalyst for his interest in archery. He made his own wooden bows and created elaborate archery quivers, doing leather work, weaving and ceramics.

He was the leader of his sons’ Indian Guides troop (ages 6-8) prior to Boy Scouts, teaching wood crafts and other skills, as a patient and thorough guide.

He became a lifetime active member of the Multi-Lakes Conservation Association, where he was a member of the archery team, competing and winning several awards. He dedicated time and his skills to growing the club.

Dale was a man of many talents and interests including scuba diving, Korean Tae Kwon Do, atlatl spear throwing, motorcycling, gardening and photography. He was also a member of the Great Lakes Primitives and the Michigan Flint Knappers..

He was impressive in the many things he instinctively knew how to do; repairing cars, weightlifting, skin and scuba diving, canoeing and sailing a small sailboat that he built. He learned construction from family, as he had apprenticed under his grandfather doing carpentry and worked for his father’s panel brick company during college.

Dale was the loving father of Roger and David (Kendra). Proud grandfather of Jackson, Luke, Aiden and Gabriel. Dear brother of Pamela (Walt) Zajac, Lisa (Kevin) O’Tool and Craig (Chantalle).

Visitation for Dale will be held on Friday, January 12th, from 2:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at McCabe Funeral Home, 31950 W. 12 Mile Rd., Farmington Hills. His Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, January 13th, at 10:30 a.m., at the funeral home. Burial will follow in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Southfield.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Dale’s name can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

www.mccabefuneralhome.com