Remembering two friends of the Bert Nash Center

Ever since the Community Health Facility at 200 Maine Street opened in 1999 and until earlier this year, city employee Dale Seele was the building manager. During that time, he became a friend and honorary staff member of all three agencies that call the building home: Bert Nash Community Mental Health Center, Lawrence-Douglas County Public Health, and Visiting Nurses Association. On the 20th anniversary of the building in 2019, the first-floor meeting room was named the Dale Seele Meeting Room. Dale passed away on July 5; his beloved wife, Dottie, passed away in January 2014. Her favorite flower was yellow roses; therefore, Dale’s as well. On August 28th, employees from all three agencies and the City of Lawrence honored Dale during a memorial walk around the Outside For a Better Inside Trail at the Sandra Shaw Park, north of the Community Health Facility. Paul Reed, Spiritual Care Provider/Bereavement Coordinator for VNA, offered some remarks about Dale, and people cast yellow rose petals into the pond in memory of Dale and Dottie.

We were deeply saddened to hear about the passing of our friend Dale Willey. We will forever be grateful to Dale for his support of the Bert Nash Center and mental health services in our community.