Dale L. Gibson passed away on Jan. 24 at Kern Valley Hospital in Mt Mesa, Calif., he was 52 years old. Dale was born in Ridgecrest but grew up and went to school in Boron, Calif. In 1996 he moved to Wofford Heights, Calif. where he resided until his death.

In July 1994, while employed by the Operating Engineers Union, he was injured in a massive explosion while working on the Metro Line tunnel in Los Angeles. Dale suffered burns to 95 percent of his body and after one year, 36 surgeries, and another 17 months of outpatient therapy, he became a burn victim survivor and had beat all the odds against a successful recovery. He credited the doctors and staff at Torrance Memorial Burn Center for saving his life. During his recovery period he decided to do something he never thought possible by taking flying lessons and getting his pilot’s license. He enjoyed flying, his Harleys, dirt bikes, cars, and boats, which allowed him to spend time with his sons enjoying the outdoors.

Dale is survived by his wife Eva Gibson of Wofford Heights, sons Christopher and Daniel Gibson of Weldon, and cousins Don Brock of Bakersfield and Joyce Marquez and husband Ed of Ridgecrest, his uncle Harold Reilly of Henderson, Nev., and his niece Tiffany Smith of Ridgecrest. A memorial service will be held on Feb. 20, 2010, 11:00 a.m., at the Wofford Heights Foursquare Church, 20 W. Panorama Drive, Wofford Heights, with a reception following the service.