HikeArizona.COM

Arizona Trail founder dies

SUN STAFF REPORTS | Posted: Monday, January 11, 2010 2:35 pm | (0) Comments

In this file photo from June 2008, Dale Shewalter talks about coming up with the idea of a trail that would cross the entire length of Arizona. The Arizona Trail, founded by Shewalter, is near completion and will run from the border of Mexico to Utah. Shewalter died Jan. 10, 2010, after a yearslong battle with cancer. (Dana Felthauser/Arizona Daily Sun file)
The Flagstaff man, horseback rider and former teacher known as the founder of the Arizona Trail died on Sunday following a yearslong battle with cancer.
Dale Shewalter was known as the force behind the creation of a hiking, horseback and biking trail that runs most of the length of the state, from the Mexico border near the Huachuca Mountains to the Utah border north of Jacob Lake.
A plaque commemorating his work stands in Buffalo Park.
He is survived by a wife and a son.
Read more about Shewalter's life and his contributions to the Arizona Trail in Tuesday's Arizona Daily Sun.

Posted in Local on Monday, January 11, 2010 2:35 pm Updated: 5:05 pm.

Sad deal.

Yeah, it's sad. Does anyone know his age?

I don't know his age but I new him from his early days of attempting to create this trail. We were together at the first Arizona Trials Conference at the Boy Scout Camp Geronimo... I believe him to be much younger than me and I am 69. Great loss....

azbackpackr wrote:Yeah, it's sad. Does anyone know his age?

59, give-or-take a year.... young for sure, but what a legacy.

RIP


“Don’t wait until you retire to go hiking, camping and fishing. Don’t even wait for your annual vacation. Go at every opportunity. Things that appear urgent at the moment may, in the long run, turn out to be far less so.” Ted Trueblood (1913-1982)

It is very sad, but I'm glad that he was at least able to live to see the AZT become recognized as a National Scenic Trail.

sirena wrote:It is very sad, but I'm glad that he was at least able to live to see the AZT become recognized as a National Scenic Trail.

Amen, talk about leaving one's mark, he sure did.

sirena wrote:It is very sad, but I'm glad that he was at least able to live to see the AZT become recognized as a National Scenic Trail.

x2

I received this email this morning from Zane Shewalter and want to share it with everyone:

All of his many friends and admirers are invited and are most welcome to attend the services for the Flagstaff teacher and Arizona Trail founder Dale Shewalter.
Saturday, January 23rd, 8:45 a.m. (Service 8:45 - 11a.m, Reception 11am - 12pm)

Flagstaff, NAU - North Campus, Old Main Building 11, Ashurst Auditorium (Corner of Knoles and Tormey)

Cards/Thoughts can be sent to the Shewalter Family at 10845 N. Linda Lane Flagstaff, AZ 86004-1061 or email to zane.shewalter@gmail.com

Yes, Dale was 59. Would have been 60 on May 16, 2010.
SERVICES FOR DALE SHEWALTER SUNDAY JANUARY 31 IN FLAGSTAFF, AZ.
The Shewalter Family has announced that a memorial service for Dale will be held Sunday January 31, 11:00 AM at Flagstaff, NAU - North Campus, Old Main Building 11, Ashurst Auditorium (Corner of Knoles and Tormey). Following the service at approximately noon, a military honor ceremony will be conducted. Following that ceremony a reception will be held.
Also, the family appreciates all thoughts and prayers by so many of you. A message or card can be sent to: The Dale Shewalter Family, 10845 N. Linda Lane, Flagstaff. AZ 86004-1061 or email Zane.Shewalter@gmail.com