Dr. Dale A. Bax, 75

Community leader and dentist Dr. Dale Bax, 75, passed away on Nov. 11, 2024. Lovingly surrounded by family, Dale left us peacefully after a long experience with Parkinson’s disease.

He is survived by his wife, Gayle; his three children, Graywyn, Caylor, and Sterling and their spouses, David and Cathryn; his four grandchildren; his sister Janet and brother-in-law, Jerry. 

Throughout the years, Dale and Gayle continually opened their home to others. Countless people look up to him as a role model and father figure. His family is honored to see his legacy carried on through these many adopted family members. 

Aside from his family, Dale’s greatest love in life was his work as a dentist. He studied in Pennsylvania, practiced in Florida, and boldly moved his family to Montana to open two new practices. Dr. Bax truly cared about his office staff, viewed them as extended family, and loved his patients from coast to coast.  

Warmth, compassion, and a sense of humor are the most common words to describe Dr. Bax. It was frequent for him to drop whatever he was doing to help a patient in need.

In Dale’s life, he led multiple mission trips to Haiti and Ecuador to offer dentistry work. Within his community, he volunteered dental care to Veterans, senior citizens, and many others who needed assistance. His legacy lives on in the smiles he helped restore and the many lives he touched with his generosity, humor, and unwavering commitment to those around him.

In the Flathead Valley, Dale sat on multiple boards of nonprofits and generously volunteered his time for causes ranging from the local hospital to the soccer fields. Dr. Bax was integral to the start-up of many community efforts. He also was deeply involved with his church, First Presbyterian in Whitefish. 

With a zest for life Dr. Bax loved to travel, seek adventure and new experiences, have a laugh, and learn from everyone around him. These traits are echoed in his surviving family and the many lives he touched worldwide. 

His service will be held Dec. 6, 1 p.m. at First Presbyterian in Whitefish, with a reception to follow.