Tribute

JOHN (JACK) GEORGE HAROLD DALE
August 29, 1924 – September 25, 2009

Jack was born in Sheffield, England to John and Dorothy Dale, the second of seven children. He was educated as a mechanical engineer and then entered military service, whereupon he was stationed in Canada for RAF training. He fell in love with the country and hoped to be able to settle here one day. After completing his military service in India, he returned to Sheffield to marry his childhood sweetheart, Betty Browne on September 29, 1945. They went on to build a life together in those tough post-war years, gradually welcoming 6 children into their happy family.

In 1968, Jack and Betty finally realized their long-time goal of immigrating to Canada and started building a new life here on the west coast. They arrived in Tofino ready to build a home, but found there was no locally available lumber. Undeterred, Jack bought a sawmill along with a book on the subject, which began a family venture that grew to supply local lumber markets and eventually, international ones. The adventure continued on Flores Island where Jack continued sawmilling and also developed the only self-sustaining farm in the area—something he knew well from his days in Sheffield. This is where his grandchildren loved to visit, where he taught them to plant a garden, milk a cow, and drive a tractor; as well as the value of hard work. Eventually, he and Betty retired to Duncan in 1995 where they enjoyed a quieter pace of life.

One of Jack’s favourite pastimes was reading, which filled his curiosity and sustained his quest as a life-long learner. He was known for his colourful personality which made him a great story teller. He had the ability to put people at ease with his friendly, cheerful disposition, coupled with his patience and kindness. Jack was also a good judge of character and a respected businessman. His generosity, loyalty and willingness to care for others made him a loving role model for his whole family, who will miss him deeply.

Jack is survived by Betty, his loving wife and best friend of 64 years; siblings—Joan, Betty, Brenda, Margaret, Michael and David; children—John (Sandra), Susan (Bob), Anne (Gordon), Alan (Tuija), David and Nicholas; grandchildren—Bernadette, Sarah, Jonathan, Jordan, Jennifer and Dex; and great grandchildren—Chrystal, Robert, James and Austyn.

Jack’s caregivers noted that he was an exceptional patient, one who kept his sense of humour and showed concern for others during his last few months of ill health. We would like to extend special thanks and deep appreciation to Dr. Pascoe and all those who kindly cared for Jack at his home, where he passed away peacefully at the age of 85. At his request, there will be no formal service held. In lieu of flowers, those who so desire may make a donation in memory of Jack to the Kidney Foundation:British Columbia Branch, 200 – 4940 Canada Way ,Burnaby, BC V5G 4K6 Tel.: (604) 736-9775. Online condolences may be offered at www.hwwallacecbc.com