Dale was born in Denver but moved to Elko where he attended high school in the ’40s. He served as a cryptographer during the Korean War. Dale attended both the University of Colorado and the University of Reno where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management. Dale and his father established and operated Porter Roofing for many years. Dale served three two terms on the Elko City Council and two terms on the Elko County Commission. He was instrumental in the creation of the South Fork Dam, a project he worried on for over 18 years. He worked with Paul Sawyer for more than ten years on the California Trail Interpretive Center. Their efforts included visiting many similar centers, making local regional and national contacts with legislators, and gaining political support at all levels.