BELLINGHAM, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – From the dish pit to the janitor’s closet, Dale Whipple built a career by putting smiles on faces and making positivity the norm where he worked.

For over 30 years, Whipple has worked at Red Robin in Bellingham.  He is also a client of Work Opportunities, an organization that supports adults with disabilities so they can pursue their professional dreams.  The organization works with their clients to find jobs and make sure they are meeting the expectations of their supervisors.

In the early 1970s, Whipple was diagnosed under the label of “Intellectual Disability.”  The specifics of the disability are a mystery due to the lack of research and knowledge that existed at the time of the diagnosis.

For Work Opportunities, this is not a problem.  The organization focuses on helping each individual client discover their innate talents and use them in the workforce.

“I love all my coworkers and my whole family at Red Robin,” said Whipple.  “They mean so much to me and I mean a whole lot to them too.”

Dale Whipple (left) talks with Nathan Stephens (right) at his retirement part on March 4. Photographer: Sam Kristofferson

Nathan Stephens, an employment specialist at Work Opportunities, has been a support system for Whipple while he worked at Red Robin.  Stephens works with his clients one-on-one on a case-by-case basis.

“If I work with someone who wants to pursue a career in the restaurant industry, I’ll help them do that,” said Stephens.  “My job is fun because I get to work with people in all kinds of fields.   I might be in a lawyer’s office in the morning then on a farm in the afternoon.”

Whipple, who is 58 years old, started working at the Red Robin in Bellingham in 1991.  He started out as a dishwasher and soon added janitorial work to his daily tasks.

Dale Whipple (left) with a coworker at Red Robin in Bellingham in 1999. Photo courtesy Nathan Stephens

Whipple’s job was his top priority; all he ever wanted in life was to work hard for his money.  Red Robin regional director Sean McFall worked alongside Whipple for over 30 years.  He said Whipple always worked hard and served as a morale booster at the restaurant.

“He is someone whose smile is infectious,” said McFall.  “Whenever he comes in, he spreads cheer and joy to everyone he’s working with.”

Gabby Castro, a managing partner at Red Robin, only worked with Dale for six months.  During that time, he left a lasting impression on her while working together.

“He’s such a sweetheart. Such a joy to work with,” said Castro.  “He loves Westerns and, on his breaks, he’s always watching Western movies.  It’s super cute to watch.”

Whipple is very passionate about classic Western films.  He also loves TV shows like Gunsmoke and Bonanza.  Just like the iconic Bonanza character Hoss Cartwright, Whipple exudes a big and friendly demeanor with a passion for hard work.

“Dale had done a lot of the hard work before I even got there [Work Opportunities],” said Stephens.  “Dale is probably their most dependable employee.  He knows his job in and out.  We only check in on Dale once a week because he’s so independent.  We know Dale’s doing a good job over there.”

Like most retirees, Whipple has a lot planned for his retirement.  At his retirement party at Red Robin on Monday, March 4, Dale told MyBellinghamNow that he is a diehard Seahawks fan, so his Sundays during football season are booked.  He also booked a trip to Hawaii for a well-deserved vacation in August.

Aside from taking time to relax, Whipple also intends to continue his volunteer work.

“I clean up for the community.  I pick up cans and stuff,” said Dale.   “I joined the board of Arc for Whatcom County.  I volunteer for that organization.  And I’m part of the Max Higbee Center.”

Dale helps organize events for The Arc of Whatcom County, an organization that provides programs and workshops for persons with developmental disabilities.  The Max Higbee Center organizes recreational programs also for persons with developmental disabilities.  Whipple shared that his time with them is spent going on walks and riding his bike on trails around Whatcom County.

Dale Whipple in the KGMI studio for an interview on Tuesday, Feb. 27. Photographer: Adam Smith

So, if you see Dale Whipple around Bellingham, stop and say hello.  He will leave an impression, put a smile on your face, and remind you that anything is possible if you work hard and stay positive.

Just make sure you give him a hearty “Turn up the Yummm!” as you wave goodbye.

Listen to the KGMI News interview with Dale Whipple and Nate Stephens below: