The lights in the NRV educational community dimmed on July 17, with the death of Dale Edwin Margheim.
Starting as an elementary school teacher in Giles County and continuing into administration as principal for several Giles and Montgomery County public schools, Dale touched the lives of thousands of students in his 44-year career. No matter where Dale went, he was always greeted by students, parents, and teachers who had a story to tell of how he touched their lives.
Dale was born in Laredo, Texas, grew up in Houston, and earned his undergraduate degree in English from the University of Houston. He married his high school sweetheart, Linda Hale, whose family was originally from Giles County. Dale and Linda moved to Giles County in 1969, and both began teaching at Pembroke Elementary School with Sam Robinson as their principal, mentor, and friend.
Dale was a natural teacher. He was creative, innovative, and daring in his approach to teaching and helped pioneer inclusion education for special education students. He was passionate about reading and literacy. He received his master’s in education from Virginia Tech and held state certifications in English, learning disabilities, reading, and elementary education. In 2001, he completed a Doctorate degree in Education 2001.
Dale and Linda were married for 27 years and had one son, Chance Alan. After moving from Texas, they lived for many years in Narrows close to Linda’s parents, Ralph and Frances Hale, and her sister, Connie Saladiner, and her family. Linda was sadly diagnosed with breast cancer in 1990, and the treatment needed was not covered by insurance. With the help of the Giles County community, Dale was able to raise the money needed. While the treatment extended her life several months, Linda died in 1992, leaving Dale and their 10-year-old son.
Five years later, Dale found Lynn Foster, and they bonded over their shared love of Jeeps and the outdoors. He won her heart by gifting her gaiters just before taking her to the Cascades on a snow-covered trail. When they married, Dale, Chance, Lynn, and her daughter Hannah established a home in Blacksburg.
Dale was an avid outdoorsman. He shared his love of the outdoors with his new family, spending time paddling the New River, camping, hiking, fishing, and hunting. He was an amazing stepfather to Hannah and supported both his children in pursuing their passions.
After Dale retired from public schools, he continued his mission of helping kids and families as an in-home therapist and counselor. His last role was at the NRV Juvenile Detention Home where he was lovingly known as “Doc.” He fully retired in 2015 as Parkinson’s Disease began to limit his abilities.
Dale was a voracious reader, loving history and mysteries. He enjoyed music, picking his guitar, and singing along with his warm tenor. While at times he was a quiet, reserved man, Dale also had a wicked sense of humor, a ready laugh, and a tendency to see the good in people. He will be greatly missed.
Dale is preceded in death by his parents, Dorothy and George Margheim, his first wife, Linda Margheim, and his niece Amber Saladiner. Left to mourn are his sisters Sylvia Bordovsky and Sherry Brooks (Jeb); brother Paul Margheim (Phyllis); sister-in-law Connie Saladiner (Al); nephew Shawn Saladiner (Tina); their daughter Somer; son Chance Margheim and wife Lisa Hyatt; stepdaughter Hannah Lazarte; wife Lynn Margheim, and his beloved dog Jack.
The family will be receiving friends at McCoy Funeral Home in Blacksburg Thursday, July 25, 4- 7 p.m. They ask that in lieu of flowers, please donate to the Montgomery County Educational Foundation (MCEF) at 750 Imperial St., Christiansburg, VA, 24073. Please write on the memo “In memory of Dale Margheim.”
