Harvey "Dale" Banning, 83, a gentle, loving, big-hearted, grumpy, stubborn man; passed away on January 24th, 2012 at his home after a long illness.He was born on November 14, 1928 in St. Maries, Idaho. He lived his young and teenage years in Pierce, Idaho. Dale joined the Navy at age 17 toward the end of WWII. Discharged in 1948, he spent 2 years in Washington State before moving to Ketchikan in 1950.He worked for the DOT – State and Territory, drove for Alaska Cab, Northern Bus as a mechanic/drive, truck and equipment driver for various construction companies, a jailer and for 27 a deck hand for the Alaska Marine Highway System.The fabric of Ketchikan is the fabric of Dale's life. He enjoyed taking friends and family on a tour. Starting at Beaver Falls, he would tell you stories about the building of the pipeline and the sluice. At that time they took a small skiff to the work site as there was no road. Continuing North he could tell you where every old piece of equipment was lost or buried as they built S. Tongass out to Beaver Falls. Pass the Federal Building and he'd tell you stories of being a jailer at the old jail, high atop the Federal Building. Continuing North, through the tunnel and stories of its construction. Pass Kayhi, stories about its building. He would tell about buildings that he helped move so Tongass could be built. Pass the ferry terminal, and stores of AMHS.Continuing North, stories of the old Passtime. Snow plowing North Tongass to Whipple Creek, Tongass ended and one lane road continued, pulling cars and equipment was lost, buried or abandoned.After his retirement from the AMHS, he spent many seasons gold mining in Eagle, Alaska at the Bluewater mining claim.If he gave his word he kept it. If he shook your hand it was a deal.Dale is survived by Linda Fjarlie, his partner of 27 years, daughter Christi of Bethel, Alaska, son Don of Olympia, WA., daughter Peggy of Winchester Bay, OR., sons Tim and Harold of Olympia, WA., Larry of Anchorage, AK and David of Olympia, WA. He is also survived by three nieces and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.At his request there will be no services.