October 8, 1937 - November 16, 2018
Dale died peacefully on November 16, 2018 at Fernbrae Manor in Kelowna, B.C. He is survived by his sister, Joyce (Ted); niece, Juanna (Dave), Alison, (Eric) and Nora, Brant (Shelane), Briar and Seth; niece, Jan (Tim), Amber (Mark) and Sheldon (Kris); brother, Barrie (Carol), Ryan, Joel, Stephanie (Larry) and Lilyana. Dale was predeceased by his parents, Evelyn (Dolly), Charles (Chuck); Brother in-law George and niece Daphne.
Dale was born in Regina, Saskatchewan, and while growing up he developed a great love for gardening. He had an incredible green thumb and took pride in growing and caring for plants and flowers. During the summer months Dale worked at the Regina Legislative grounds maintaining the beautiful flower gardens. Dale was an accomplished dancer and taught dance lessons at the Arthur Murray Dance Studio.
However, Dale's real dream was to perform in theatre, and at the age of 24 he left for England in September, 1961. He would prove to be a talented and gifted actor. He was also one not to let any learning opportunity slip by. His close attachment to people, as well as art, equipped him well for the production side of film work. As assistant location manager, he was "the first on the set and the last to leave". Though Dale continued to act and teach Children's theatre, and maintained his interest in all facets of theatre, experience in the production end altered his goals. He now wanted to try his hand at directing. He was proud, as was his family, of his work on the 1969 British comedy musical film Oh What a Lovely War. Before heading for the Rose Bruford School of Drama in London, he attended Connaught School and Central Collegiate in Regina. He also attended on a scholarship, the Banff School of Fine Arts. The germinal start in his acting career came with the Regina Children's Theatre in about 1947.
During his time in London, three prime ambitions were fulfilled - work in the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden; acting in London's famous West end; and close association with actors of international reputation such as Oh, What a Lovely War stars, Sir Lawrence Olivier, Sir John Gielgud and Sir Ralph Richardson. After his time in England, Dale lived in Australia before returning to Canada and making his home in Kelowna, B.C.
Dale's family thanks the staff at the Kelowna General Hospital, Cottonwoods Extended Care Centre and Fernbrae Manor. His family would also like to thank Pat and Peter and friends, who were instrumental in helping Dale with his apartment and his move to Fernbrae Manor.
In keeping with Dale's wishes there will be no service. A celebration of Dale's life will be announced at a later date.