In Loving Memory of

Dal Symes

1941-2026

Dal was born to Kenneth G. and Dolores Streenan Symes in Kemmerer and was raised in Pinedale, Wyoming where he attended Pinedale Public Schools. He obtained both a bachelor's and master's in English at Utah State University and a Ph.D. in English at the University of New Mexico. He later took a degree in Library and Information Management at the University of Denver.

In his early career Dal taught English and English as a Second Language at USU, the University of New Mexico, and for several international universities, including the University of Maryland's Overseas Division in Germany and Pakistan, and the University of Kabul, Afghanistan (US Peace Corp). He later worked for several New Mexico state agencies including the New Mexico Research and Development Institute. He then returned to academics, first as Humanities Librarian and Head of Reference at Western Washington University, then as Library Director and as a central administrator at Whatcom Community College. He ultimately retired as Library Director at New Mexico Tech.

Dal was an avid reader, traveler, and follower of politics. He surrounded himself with people with great senses of humor and joyfulness.

Dal is survived by his brother, Ken M. Symes and wife Evelyn of Bellingham, Washington;  his son, Bryan Hyde and wife Becky of Jerome, Idaho; six grandchildren, Forrest Hyde and Brooke Oswald of Heidelberg and Cuxhaven, Germany, Maycyn Christensen of White Water, Colorado, Robert Hyde of Austin, TX and David and Hannah Hyde of Jerome, as well as three great grandchildren. He is also survived by his former wife, Elyse Ruttum, and close friends John Lasater, Michael Kelly, Nancy Dennis, Michael Uhes and Mayor Pete the wonder dog.

At his request, there will be no formal memorial service. Donations can be made to the library of your choice.