Dale Patrick Bray

Dale Patrick Bray, 64, of Salem, Oregon passed tragically and unexpectedly on February 5th, 2026. He had a profound impact on every life he touched. Born in Santa Ana, California on June 26th, 1961 he moved around with his family for his fathers career in the Marine Corps. Eventually his family settled in Salem, Oregon where he learned his trade in laying concrete and eventually driving a concrete truck for over 20 years. He could tell you anything you wanted to know about his trade all while pointing out what he had a hand in building around town. Dale attended AA meetings for the larger majority of his life and was always proud to discuss what he had learned. He wasn’t shy about the struggles in his life and instead of hiding them he used them to empower himself and others whenever possible. He built his network of countless friends and strengthened his faith attending these meetings.

Dale had countless hobby projects from fishing, camping, leather working, or working on his vehicles in a love-hate relationship at times. The one thing all of his hobby projects had in common was that it was an outlet for working with his hands. Dale was known for his unique mannerisms, or perfectly coined ‘Bray-isms’, and playful rough housing such as during a family dinner out he started wrestling with his son in a booth until the restaurant owners had to separate them. Dale loved nothing more than being outside and as such his ashes will be spread across various points of interest provided by friends and family as to allow his memory to live on with them.

He is survived by his partner, Tara Martin; his mother, Willa Bray; his brothers Rodney and Barry Bray; his children Stephanie Keeling and Cade Bray; his son-in law Kody Keeling; his soon to be daughter-in law, Larissa Leighter; five grand children Ethan, Emerson, Elizabeth, Charlotte, and Hunter; and many other loving friends and family.

Dale’s service will be on May 16th, 2026 at 2:30 PM located at 918 Hazeltine Ave, Salem, OR, 97306 where friends and family will meet to share in his memory. If you’d like to donate to his children to help with paying for funeral and other expenses you can do so here ( https://giveahand.com/fundraiser/dale-bray-memorial-find)