By Jane Krein

Fall City Days Parade Chair,

For the Valley Record

Honoring a Fall City resident who has made a significant contribution to our community has been a tradition of Fall City Days for many years. The honoree is recognized by being named the grand marshal of the Fall City Day Parade.

This year’s theme for Fall City Day is “Honoring the Heroes Among Us.” One of those heroes, and 2023’s grand marshal, is longtime resident Dale Ness.

At 19 years old, Ness heard the slogan “Join the Navy, see the world,” and the promise of adventure was too much for a landlocked Montana boy. So he joined, and reported to San Diego, where he signed up for submarine school because “it offered better pay, and slightly better grub.”

Ness intended to be an engineer, but he soon found that cooking was a skill highly valued on a sub and he was good at it. He cooked on two other boats for four years and was about to be discharged when he heard about an all-bachelor crew forming to cruise around the world.

The temptation of the adventure was too much to ignore, and he shipped over for two additional years on the U.S.S. Archerfish. He became part of the rowdy crew that inspired the ’60s hit comedy, “McHale’s Navy.” Since the Archerfish’s crew were all bachelors, many commanders took this opportunity to offload sailors with less-than stellar records. The Archerfish built a crew of characters that became legends for their exploits, partying, and creative appropriations of equipment from other ships.

The Archerfish’s assignment was to map the world’s coastlines and oceans. Over six years, Ness went around the world multiple times, cruising and visiting exotic ports of call. Ness tells the stories of this time with a light in his eyes and a smile on his face.

Ness left the Navy in 1962 and made cooking his career. He cooked on fishing and crabbing boats until 2000, when he retired, moved to Fall City, and became a landlord with small rentals. He continues to share his love of Fall City and his cooking skills. He is known as a good neighbor, friend, and always there to help someone in need. He has quietly solved problems faced by local businesses and residents.

When the NWNHC Family Fund started the Fall City Apple Festival to raise money for the Warrior Family Retreats, Ness saw an opportunity to share his legendary baking skills while helping raise money for a worthy cause. With his tutelage, he and his student brought in first, third, and Best in Show in the 2021 Apple Pie Contest and third place in the 2022 contest.

So, when you see Dale “Nasty” Ness in town, ask him how he got his nickname. Stories will follow.