Dale L. Lynch, former president of Safeway Stores, who worked at the northwest division headquarters in Bellevue from 1964-1976, died May 27, 2009 in Healdsburg, Calif. He was 87.

Mr. Lynch was born August 17, 1921 in Long Beach, Calif., the second of four children to John and Effie Lynch.

He began his career with Safeway Stores as a 16-year-old clerk and was eventually promoted to Division Manager in Bellevue. Under his management, that division became the top producer for the entire company. His final assignment as President and COO of Safeway Stores, Inc. brought him to the Bay Area.

He is survived by his wife, Joanne Foote-Lynch; son, John Lynch (Linda) of Healdsburg; daughters Susan Watkins (Sam) of Mukilteo, Lorna Willard (Dave) of Sumner; and sister Lorraine Bischke of Hemet, Calif. His wife of 53 years, Marjorie Lynch, preceded him in death in 1997.

The family asks that any donations in his memory be made to the Safeway Companies Employee Association (SCEA) emergency assistance fund: Contact Deborah Davis, 626.821.6135.