Dale Thomas Tingey

Dale Thomas Tingey passed away at home on February 27, 2025, in his 101st year of life. Born May 5, 1924, in Centerville, Utah to Wesley and Ivy Tingey, he was one of fourteen children who knew what “work” meant on the family farm. After completing High School (Davis) he entered the military and served as a pilot instructor during World War II. He then served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Czechoslovakia from 1948 to 1950. He was a devoted disciple of Jesus Christ throughout his life and served God and others in many callings.

Dale married Jeanette Dursteler in 1950, who he loved greatly but passed away in 2001. They raised seven children. Besides their son Mike, who passed away in 2023, he is survived by Scott (Rita), Diane Toolson (Tom), Richard (Elaine), Dan (Robyn), Boyd (Teri), and Shannan Phillips; and one brother, Cal Tingey. He has 23 grandchildren and 41 great-grandchildren. “Keep them coming” was his advice!

He earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Utah, a master’s from BYU, and a PhD from Washington State University and received an honorary doctorate from BYU. He began his career in religious education as a Seminary teacher in 1951 in Cedar City, Utah. He spent over 17 years in Church Education in various locations and served as one of the assistant administrators of the Department of Seminaries and Institutes of Religion until his call as President of the Southwest Indian Mission in 1968.

In 1971 Dale became Director of the Institute of American Indian Studies and Research at BYU. This would become the cornerstone of his life’s work for over 50 years: assisting Native Americans improve their standard of living and pursue higher education. Upon Dale’s retirement from BYU, the program became American Indian Services (AIS), a non-profit organization. Initially he volunteered as Director and then continued his dedicated service to Native Americans.

In 2012, his 88th year of life, Dale quietly stepped down as Director but continued to be highly active in his role as Director Emeritus. Dale’s signature leadership of serving with kindness, charity, enthusiasm, and generosity helped grow AIS to the success it is today. The AIS board and staff continue the work.

Dale’s funeral is Saturday, March 8th at the Edgemont 5th Ward Chapel (350 E. 2950 N., Provo, UT) at 11am with viewing at 9:30-10:30am. Additional viewing on Friday, March 7th at 6-8pm at Nelson Family Mortuary (4780 N. University Ave., Provo).

All his family and many, many others have benefited from his commitment to God and his wonderful example of Christ-like service, love, and compassion. In lieu of flowers, the Tingey Family requests you please consider a donation to the Dale Tingey Scholarship Fund, through AIS (https://www.mygiving.net/donate/dt ). This scholarship fund will continue his legacy of helping others. As Dale would say, “thanks a million!”

For more information and to express condolences visit www.NelsonMortuary.com.