A Life Well Sailed
Dale L. Fitch, a proud member of Pere Marquette Lodge No. 299, dedicated 36 years of his life to Freemasonry and lived a life marked by service, leadership, adventure, and deep devotion to family. He passed away unexpectedly from injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident, leaving behind a legacy cherished by all who knew him.
Dale grew up in Clarkston, Michigan, and attended Michigan State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Accounting. During his freshman year, he played hockey for MSU and, in 1968, met the love of his life, Carolyn, at the Demonstration Hall ice rink. Their meeting began a partnership that would span 54 wonderful years of marriage.
Shortly after their wedding in April 1970, Dale was drafted into the United States Army and served at Camp Page in the Kangwon Province of South Korea. Following his military service, he began his accounting career with Haskins & Sells in Detroit. In 1974, Dale and Carolyn moved to western Michigan when he joined the accounting firm Merskin & Merskin. Through hard work and dedication, he became a partner and remained with the firm until his retirement.
Throughout his life, Dale was deeply involved in his community. He generously gave his time and talents to numerous organizations, including the Jaycees, Rotary, Chamber of Commerce, Masonic Lodge, Ludington and Pentwater Yacht Clubs, Honor Guard, Legion Riders, and Emmanuel Lutheran Church. For many years, he was a familiar sight in Ludington’s Fourth of July “Briefcase Brigade,” enthusiastically participating in a cherished local tradition.
Above all, Dale’s greatest joy was his family. He and Carolyn raised three children, and he was a proud and devoted father and grandfather. Family summers were often spent sailing Lake Michigan together, creating treasured memories in ports along the shoreline. Whether coaching youth sports or cheering from the sidelines, Dale was always present for his children and later his grandchildren, offering unwavering support and encouragement.
Dale embraced life with enthusiasm and a spirit of adventure. An accomplished sailor, he spent countless summer weekends racing sailboats and, during retirement, earned his Captain’s License. He later shared his passion for sailing through instruction and charter trips that took him throughout the Caribbean and even to Cuba from Key West. His many interests also included motorcycle riding, golf, cross-country skiing, travel, and supporting his beloved Michigan State Spartans. He rarely missed an opportunity to wear green and white and proudly cheer on his team.
Dale’s life was defined by integrity, service, love, and a genuine appreciation for life’s adventures. He touched countless lives through his professional accomplishments, community involvement, Masonic service, and steadfast devotion to family and friends.
He is deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever cherished.
Submitted with love by his wife of 54 years: Carolyn Fitch