Francis S. Dare

Francis "Frank" S. Dare, Air Force Pilot, Highway Patrol Captain, and beloved father and grandfather, has died.

Frank had suffered for years with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). He was hospitalized in early December, 2014 with breathing troubles. During his hospitalization, Frank continued to suffer from respiratory and blood pressure complications. On Monday, February 9, 2015, surrounded by his wife Judy and his three children, Frank passed away from Heart Failure at Kindred Hospital in West Covina. He was 77.

Born in Denver, CO, and raised all over California, Frank spent the majority of his youth in the small town of Colfax in northern California. Frank dedicated his life to serving his nation, state, and community. In his early years, he served on the Western Sierra Fire Crews for the Division of Forestry. Following college, Frank joined the United States Air Force as a Pilot and served until his Honorable Discharge. Following his retirement from the Air Force, Frank returned to the Division of Forestry where he served as a Fire Crew Engineer. However, by 1962, Frank had decided to follow in the footsteps of his father, Francis Dare Sr., and join the California Highway Patrol (CHP).

Frank was officially appointed to the CHP on January 8, 1962. Upon his graduation from the Academy, Frank was assigned to the San Bernardino Area where he served as a Beat Officer for over six years. In August 1968, Frank was promoted to Sergeant and served briefly in the West Los Angeles Area before transferring back to San Bernardino.

In October, 1971, Frank was promoted to Lieutenant and, in October 1976, Frank was promoted to his final position as Captain and East Los Angeles Area Commander. During his distinguished career in the CHP, Frank served as Vehicle Theft Coordinator, Coordinator of Internal Investigations, and he was responsible for the planning of the 1971-72 GOP National Convention in San Diego. He retired in 1992 after 30 years of service.

During his retirement, Frank continued to stay active as an outdoors-man, fisherman, and a coin & gun collector. He also continued to serve his family as a loving husband and committed father/grandfather. He never shied away from providing his family with whatever support he could muster. Even when his health began to decline, Frank continued to serve his wife, children, and grandchildren with all that he had. In addition to his wife Judy, Frank's survivors include his three children, Frank A. Dare, Kelly Lomeli, and Penny Turner, and five grandchildren.