Family and friends were saddened to learn of the death of Dale Flanagin of Willits on Wednesday, January 11, in Eureka. A resident of Willits since 1997, Dale was active in civic affairs and well known for the many generous and kind acts he performed in a very quiet way. Born on May 3, 1935 in Presque Isle, Maine to Hadley and Ella Flanagin, Dale grew up in Washburn, Maine. He served in the United States Army from 1954 to 1956 and was graduated from the University of Maine in 1961 with a degree in education.

His career began as an insurance adjuster, first in Presque Isle and later in San Jose after he moved to California in 1971 where he was employed as general adjuster for California Mutual Insurance Company.

In 1972 Dale started his own business, Flanagin Enterprises in San Jose, serving insurance and risk management companies, He later owned and operated Dudleys Ltd in Los Gatos, an antique store dealing in the buying, selling and restoration of antique furniture, fine art, silver and other items. When he moved to Willits in 1997 he continued his business in antiques, purchasing estates and reselling fine furniture, paintings, porcelain, silver, Oriental rugs and other antique items from a warehouse in Willits. He also contracted as a business management consultant and, during his marriage to Barbara Mack, he managed her Willits Pet Care Center.

A member of the Willits Rotary Club, Dale served as president of the service club in 2003 and 2004 where his focus project was the restoration of the Seabiscuit barn at Ridgewood Ranch. As a result of the book and movie about Seabiscuit that year, Dales hard work and long hours with his construction crew of Rotarians became the focus of many tours through the ranch where Seabiscuit was born and brought a new awareness of Willits as a tourist destination. Dale had a lifelong love of dogs and horses and enjoyed riding and showing his Arabians He also was known for giving a hand to anyone in need, for his consideration of people during times of trouble, and for his unique sense of humor.

He is survived by his children, Cyndra Flanagin of San Diego and Michael Flanagin of San Jose. Memorial services are being planned and will be announced at a later time.