R. Dale Coller

LEADER.  FATHER,  SPORTSMAN,  FRIEND

R. Dale Coller of Livonia, MI, age 84, passed away on Saturday, July 13, 2024.  He was the beloved husband of Elizabeth (Betty) for 60 years, loving father of Dr. Dale Arold Coller (Jodie), and dearest grandfather of grandsons Logan Dale and Branden Anthony Coller.
Dale was born on July 25, 1939 in a farm house in Decker, Michigan and grew up in Lapeer, MI.  He began his college career at Western Michigan University, eventually transferring to Eastern Michigan University where he earned Bachelor’s, Master’s and Educational Specialist’s degrees.   He received his PhD in Education from the University of Michigan.  He met Betty while at Eastern Michigan University and they were married in Ypsilanti, MI. in 1963.

Dale’s passions in life were his family, the educational world, sports, and membership in Rotary.

Dale spent his entire adult life involved in education.  He began his 40- year career as an educator as a classroom teacher. He was then hired as an assistant principal in 1967 at Stevenson High School   in Livonia, MI. and was subsequently promoted to principal at Franklin High School in 1973.  In 1979 he was moved to Stevenson High School as principal where he remained until his retirement in 2000.  While an administrator in Livonia Dale was instrumental in forming the Livonia Educational Administrators and Supervisors organization.  Dale often served as the Lead Administrator and Evaluator on North Central  School Accreditation teams throughout the state.  After retirement from the Livonia Public Schools Dale served as a Professor of Education at Wayne State University for 17 years assisting in training teachers. Recently he was a proud “Reading Buddy” to elementary children as part of the Rotary Club ELVES program at Rosedale School in Livonia.  Dale was a member of Phi Delta Kappa Education Honorary. After retirement seldom a day went by that Dale did not  encounter and reminisce with a former student or student’s parents, or  employees who had worked for him. They often told him how they had benefited from his wise counsel that said,  “rules matter and honesty, integrity and a good work ethic is essential”.

Dale, after retirement, became an advocate for the Michigan Association of Retired School Personnel. He served the large local chapter as Legislative Ambassador, meeting regularly with state legislators to promote the goals of educational retirees.

Dale’s involvement in sports began early in life.  While in high school in Lapeer he played football, basketball, and baseball. At Eastern Michigan University he was a letterman in both football and wrestling.  The E Club for Eastern Michigan alumni athletes was originated by Dale.  In his heart Dale was always a “Huron” even after EMU became the “Eagles”.   Dale coached high school football and wrestling as well as T-Ball, Little League and youth baseball. Dale served as a Michigan High School Athletic Association wrestling official for 40 years, officiating many state tournaments.  He was awarded outstanding official of the year several times. Golf with his “ buddies” was a favorite pastime as was fishing.  Many happy hours were spent teaching “The Art of Fishing” to his son and grandsons at the cottage in Hale, MI.  Fishing in the wilds of Canada with his son and family was one of his greatest joys. Following the sports activities of his son, and eventually his grandsons, was of greatest importance to Dale.  He was an ardent teacher, fan and cheerleader.

Dale was a loyal Rotarian.  He was a member of the Livonia Rotary Club for 48 years, accumulating 25 years of perfect attendance.  He served as president of his club twice.  He served on the Club and Foundation Boards for many years. He chaired many fund-raising activities for the club. He was instrumental in planning and implementing the Walking Track at Rotary Park. Dale developed a Vocational Student recognition program as well as implementing a   student leadership activity in which local high school students had an opportunity to develop and practice leadership skills as a part of the local Rotary Club meetings.   Dale was recognized many times for his involvement in Rotary’s many avenues of service.  Dale was a Paul Harris Fellow.  He exemplified the Rotary Motto “Service Above Self”.

The family cottage on the “Sunrise Side” was a respite for Dale.  He was often seen on his tractor or ATV or plying his fishing skills.  He was happiest when his family gathered at the cottage.

May his soul rest in Peace.

No memorial service has been planned at this time. Dale’s family invites you to privately celebrate his memory in your own way. Individuals wishing to make contributions in his honor can do so by contributing to the Livonia Rotary Charitable Foundation.  Address: Livonia Rotary, P.O. Box 51964, Livonia, MI 48151

Please share a memory of Dale by signing his Guestbook.