AUGUST 6, 1943 – MARCH 29, 2023
It is with great sadness that we announce that Dale passed away peacefully in his sleep on March 29th, 2023 at the age of 79.
Dale will forever be remembered with love by his family: His children Paul (Julia), Blair (Gillian), Kelly (David) and Leanne (Matthew) and their mom Joan, his grandchildren Emma, Andrew and Paige, Finley and Bennett, and Samuel, Avery and Gabriel; his sister-in-laws Janice (Ron) and Barb (Allan) and all his nieces and nephews: Peter, Jane, Kirk and Jennifer, Michael, Paige and Stacey, Alana, Meghan and Paul, and Tony and Angela. He was pre-deceased by his parents Mildred and Ralph, and his brothers Lloyd and Keith.
Dale was born in Winchester Springs, Ontario. As a youth, he excelled in many of his pursuits including his studies, playing the piano, football and hockey and graduating as Head Boy from Winchester High School. Dale was forever proud of his invitation to try out for the Toronto Maple Leafs as a seventeen year old. Dale went on to complete his undergraduate degree at Carleton University, his Masters of Divinity from Queen’s University and was ordained into the United Church of Canada in 1968.
Before he was ordained, Dale served as a student minister to pastoral charges at Saddle Lake Cree Nation in Alberta, and Spencerville and Sharbot Lake, in Ontario. As an ordained Minister, Dale served the United Church in Oxford House, Manitoba, and in Ontario, at Trinity United in Capreol, Southminister United in Niagara Falls, First United in Cambridge, Linden/ Troy United Church and Brownsville United Church. Dale also served as a Prison Chaplain at Maplehurst Correctional Complex.
Ministry was his calling. Dale had a deep faith in God which sustained him throughout his life. He was an eloquent and authentic preacher and loved nurturing and strengthening the church community. He made many lasting friendships in these communities throughout the years.
Dale loved people. This genuine interest and curiosity in others resulted in Dale chatting up all new acquaintances including most restaurant waiters and waitress much to his family’s chagrin. His ability to listen and show empathy to others was one of his greatest strengths.
One of his favourite roles was being a dad. Affectionately nicked named “Ralphie” by his kids, Dale loved spending time with his family. Trips to Tobermory and Manitoulin Island on the Chi Cheemaun, camping at Pog Lake or canoeing in Algonquin Park, driving the motorhome out West (even with the kids fighting and yelling) were cherished family times. Ever a playful spirit and prankster, he would delight in jumping out of closets to scare us, pulling April Fool’s Day pranks or sneaking in the family dog to scare his sleeping daughter and her friends during a sleepover after they had watched the movie “Cujo". Dale also loved his grandchildren deeply and they loved to hear him read and tell stories.
Dale was a die-hard hockey fan. Whether it was watching Canada beat Russia in 1972 (and accidentally breaking the neighbour’s coffee table with his enthusiastic fist slam of a cheer) or his faithful following of the Toronto Maple Leafs, he would rarely miss an opportunity to watch a game (especially if it included pop, chips, and dip!) In his later years, as his health declined with Parkinson’s he enjoyed car rides for ice cream with Paul.
Dale was a kind, generous human being and he will be dearly missed.
The family would like to thank all the staff on Maple Grove at St. Joseph’s Villa, Dundas for the wonderful care of our dad over the last 12 years.
A Memorial Service will be held on April 15th at Cedar Hill United Church, 241 Cedar Street, Cambridge at 2 pm. A visitation will be held at 1pm, and a reception will follow the service in the church hall.
The family wishes memorial contributions be made to either the Mission and Service Fund of the United Church or the Canadian Mental Health Association.
Arrangements entrusted to Coutts Funeral Home & Cremation Centre
