It is with broken hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved Husband, Dad and Papa Dale. Dale was born in Moose Jaw, SK on September 14th, 1955, to James and Marie Smith. A strong-willed man with an everlasting twinkle in his eye when he met his true love, partner and forever best friend, his wife Janice. Dale and Jan were truly inseparable. Every day, event or venue, they were at one another’s sides with devotion and love as pure as gold.
Proud doesn’t come close to summarizing his love for his four children. Farming and sharing trucking stories with Chad. Coaching and cheering Shane on in hockey, officiating to coaching itself. The ladder guy supporting Carly Jaye through every project they put their creative minds to. Passing on his sound advice and problem solving to fix anything with Andrew. He did it all with utmost pleasure and the right tools to help them navigate any job.
Dale was a fan of many things, there was nothing he cheered louder for than his three grandsons, Curtis, Austin and Blake. The season ticket holder to any rink, diamond or field they played. Every minute of camping, boating, spotting pelicans with Grandma and laughing at Papa’s fishing stories, was a bigger win to him than the Leafs winning another Stanley Cup ever again.
Dale Dawg was a hard-working farmer in the Mortlach community, he was also a caretaker in so many ways. A man who wore many hats. Decades of smiling through the halls of Prairie South schools, the national award-winning solidarity he had for his CUPE Local 55 union members and countless hours volunteering with lifelong friends he made through boards like Moose Jaw Minor Hockey. He was head coach in so many lives.
Dale was predeceased by his parents Jim and Marie Smith; sisters Gwen Beck and Diana Luker; nieces Amanda and Faith Rocheleau; and his father-in-law George Axon.
Dale’s memory will live forever by his wife Jan; children Chad, Shane, Carly Jaye and Andrew; grandchildren Curtis, Austin and Blake. Dale will be forever missed by his brothers Ron (Flo), John, Dwight (Tracey), Earl (Bev) and Rod; and sister Joanna (Todd); Forever missed by Janice’s family, her mother Pat, sister Judy (Shell), brother Joe (Jeanny); Forever missed by nieces and nephews, Paula, Pam (Cory), Christal (Craig), Angie (Corey), Brent (Daelene), Mike (Margaret), Leigh, Shaun (Jessica), Brett (Shyla), Derek (Carmen), Rocky (Ashley), Courtney (Blair), Adam (Lindsay), Stephanie (Derek), Sydnee (Hank), Gracie, Ellie, Leanne (Kenny), Cydney, and Devin; as well as many great nieces and nephews.
A Celebration of Life will take place on Saturday September 28, 2024, at 1:00 pm at Moose Jaw Alliance Church. We ask you to wear your favourite jersey or Nascar shirt. A reception to follow the service, Family and friend will have an evening gathering at the Eagles club.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donation may be made to the Diabetes association of Canada 1300-522 University Ave. Toronto, ON M5G 2R5. In living memory of Dale, a memorial planting will be made by W.J. Jones & Son Ltd. Please sign the memorial register at website: www.wjjonesandson.com (Obituaries).
Dayna Chamberlain- Funeral Director
