Dale Wilson, age 62, of Jenison, was called Home on Monday, January 29, 2024.
Reflection from his brother, David:
“He liked to spin things. Spinning is what many remember him for. He spent hours making stuff that you would think could not spin, spin. He was also known for putting his ear up to the washer or dryer listening to the sounds and vibrations…this was my little brother, 5 years younger than me. He passed away today of sepsis. His name was Dale. He had Down syndrome. He did not talk. He didn’t need to. If he wanted a drink, he brought you a glass to get him one. If he wanted a sandwich, he would give you a loaf of bread…we were told Dale would only live until 18. I believe it was because of the care and love of our mother that he lived until age 63. Since our mother’s death in ’94, others have stepped in and brought great care…Dale brought joy and we need to remember he was a creation of God. Who are we to set the value of a life God has created, one who did not become a preacher or a teacher, a carpenter or a sailor. He didn’t know he had a checkbook. I believe you can please God spinning things and sucking your thumb…there’s a lot of things I want to do with Dale when I go to see him. I am going to give him a glass and let him give me a drink. I will give him a loaf of bread and have him get me a sandwich. I want him to talk to me about life—his life and living. I am going to hand him a huge square thermostat cover and watch him spin it. If he asks me to spin it, I won’t do it. That was given for him to do, and it pleased God.”
Dale was preceded in death by his father, Donald Wilson; mother, Vedah Wilson, who loved him more than anything; siblings: Roland Wilson, Sandra Wilson, Ronald Wilson; and siblings-in-law: Margaret Wilson, Carolyn Wilson, and Larry Jackson.
He is survived by his siblings: Donald (Sonja) Wilson, Gerald (Virginia) Wilson, Harold Wilson, Sharon Zietlow, Daniel (Carla) Wilson, David Wilson; sister-in-law, Ally Wilson; and many nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews.
Family would like to give a special thanks to the caring staff at Heritage Homes of Jenison who faithfully and lovingly cared for Dale for nearly 20 years. He will be greatly missed by Head of Home, Deb Vander Sloot; executive director, Dawn Noordijk; and caretakers: Brook, Megan, Mike, Tina, Gina, just to name a few.
A Celebration of Life honoring Dale will be held in the Spring of 2024. (Please check back later for a final date and location). Memorial contributions may be given to Heritage Homes of Jenison, https://heritagehomesinc.org/donations.html.
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