Dale Richard Burkhouse, June 25, 1960 ~ March 17, 2026

Dale was born in Wilkinsburg, PA of James and Gwendolyn (Smith) Burkhouse. He grew up in Wilkinsburg and Richmond, Ohio. He attended Richmond Public Schools and graduated in 1978 from Jefferson Union High School where he received the Senior Athletic Award. He was a volunteer fireman for the Richmond area and operated a jackhammer on his summer breaks. He went on to Ohio University to receive a Bachelor of Science in Health with a minor in Athletic Training. He continued his education at Michigan Technological University, (MTU,) earning a Master of Science in Biological Sciences.

Dale dated his girlfriend, Jenifer (Murphy) Burkhouse for eleven and ½ years before proposing to her. While laughing, he would tell people that his mom told him to “take it slow.” At the time Dale worked as an athletic trainer, (ATC,) for MTU and Jeni baked 60 dozen cookies for every away game for the MTU Football team. They married on the MTU Football field and had their union blessed at St. Albert the Great University Catholic Church in Houghton, MI.

Dale had a passion and dedication for athletic training, believing that any contact sport should have an ATC at their events. He was a member of the National Athletic Training Association (NATA,) the Michigan Athletic Trainer’s Society (MATS,) Great Lakes Athletic Trainers Association, (GLATA,) and the Wisconsin Athletic Trainers Association (WATA). Dale worked tirelessly for state licensure for all athletic trainers and received a Certificate of Appreciation from MATS. He served on the GLATA Executive Board as a Treasurer and Michigan State Representative.

He was recognized with a Dedicated Service Award for his “Exceptional Contributions and Service in furthering the goals and vision of GLATA” as well as the prestigious Captain of the Great Lakes Award for his exemplary service leadership, professionalism, and contributions to the GLATA membership.