County officials pay respect to late Dale Pinkerton
A colorful Wednesday was tinged with sadness in the county commissioners' meeting room.
The three commissioners requested all row officers and those who regularly attend the meetings to wear bright pink or bold prints in honor of the late Dale Pinkerton, former commissioner and venerated public servant who always wore loud prints or bright pink sport coats.
Pinkerton died Sunday night after an illness.
Leslie Osche, commissioners chairwoman, was unable to completely rein in her emotion as she read a statement on Pinkerton's death and his value to the county over the decades.
“Butler County remembers and celebrates its greatest champion, father, mentor and friend,” Osche said. “Aside from General Richard Butler himself, I'm not sure there will ever be an icon (who) embodies the heart of Butler County like Dale.”
She said county residents have a responsibility to continue the legacy of service lived every day by Pinkerton, who served on the boards of numerous charities, received multiple county citizenship awards and appeared as Pinky the Clown as a longtime member of the Syria Shriners.
“It will take all of us to fill those big clown shoes that, despite how big, could never be as big as his heart,” Osche said.
After reading the Great Commission portion of the Book of Matthew, Osche asked the 35 somber people in attendance to join in silent prayer for Pinkerton, his wife, Millie, the couple's two daughters and their families.
Sheriff Mike Slupe then announced an “all call” that was transmitted over the public address system in the courthouse and county government building asking for a moment of silence to remember and celebrate Pinkerton's life.
The commissioners rose and approached Millie, who was supported by daughter Lori Pinkerton-Foust, brother Richard Pfaff and sister-in-law Linda Pfaff.
Commissioner Kim Geyer then read the official county proclamation, which listed the organizations Pinkerton served, the joy spread by his alter ego, Pinky the Clown, his love for his church and his devotion to his family.
“We do hereby deem it fitting and proper to honor Commissioner Pinkerton and call for our community to have a fantastic day, and keep smiling,” Geyer read before offering Millie a kiss and hug, as did Osche and Commissioner Kevin Boozel.
“How can I say anything else except thank you all for being here for him?” Millie Pinkerton said through tears. “We'll all miss him, but keep smiling because that's what he would want, and have a fantastic day.”The family and several in attendance then retired to Osche's office to remember Pinkerton and enjoy refreshments.Pinkerton-Foust, who wore a bright pink scarf to honor her father, said the family appreciated the proclamation on Wednesday.“It's so special that they took the time to honor him like that,” she said. “He'd be honored, and it would have put a smile on his face.”She said her father was a role model both inside his family and in the public sector.“The amazing part is how many people have said my dad touched their lives and made them better,” Pinkerton-Foust said.Friends and family of Pinkerton will be received from noon to 3 and 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday at Young Funeral Home on West Jefferson Street. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Friday at First United Methodist Church on East North Street.
