Date of Birth: October 6, 1930
Date of Death: December 22, 2018
Don Dayle passed away Dec. 22, 2018 at the age of 88 years after a brave struggle with cancer.
Don was born Douglas Ross Dale on Oct. 6, 1930 at Silton, Sask., north of Regina. He was the fourth of six children (five boys and a girl). He grew up in the tough years of the Dirty Thirties, and spent his youth between Silton, where his dad’s family, the Dales, farmed, and Brookside, where his mom’s family, the Boyds, farmed.
When Don was 12 the family relocated to Vancouver, B.C. to live with another relative while his father was serving in the Second World War. It was during his years in Vancouver that he changed his name to Don Dayle. In 1948 he moved back to Brookside to farm with his uncle and eventually purchased his own farm.
Don married Adele Hitchcock in February of 1954. They operated a typical mixed farm and devoted their lives to making a success of it and raising five children. Education was very important to Don, perhaps because he never had the chance to complete high school. He made sure each of his children had a chance to attend university and gave encouragement and financial assistance to his grandchildren to do the same. He served many years on the local school boards and was trustee to the Broadview School Division from 1974 to 1994.
He loved his community and spent many hours volunteering. Some of the organizations to which he belonged were Brookside Community Club, the local Telephone Club, Langbank Recreation Board and Langbank United Church, where he was treasurer until he took sick.
Don never completely retired from the farm. He liked to keep track of what Stewart was doing and help however he could. In recent years, he became the caretaker, cook, gardener and entertainer. He was committed to his wife and never quit worrying about her as his own condition worsened.
Don’s greatest joys were his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He loved to keep up with their activities and jobs and was proud of their accomplishments. He was an attentive listener and had an amazing memory for details.
Over his 88 years, Don touched many lives, setting a great example as a husband, father, grandfather and community member. He instilled strong community and family values in each of his children and grandchildren, a legacy that will live on.
He leaves to mourn: his wife, Adele; children, Deborah (Ken) Nordal, Stewart (Connie) Dayle, Dorothy (Stan) Maier, Denise (Brent) Fry, and Graham (Tammy) Dayle; grandchildren, Celeste (Colin) Ireland, Janine (Scott) Duguid, Karlee (Nick) Petruic, Danielle (Dan) Frank, Kendra Dayle (Adam), Brendon Dayle, Justin (Leah) Maier, Jenna (Tony) Sparvier, Katelyn Fry (Dustin), Zachary Fry (Taylor), Jonelle (Scott) Pike, Coelton Dayle; 19 great-grandchildren, Gareth, Griffin, Keira, Orla, Reid, Vance, Elsa, Hilton, Ava, Porter, Remington, Liam, Makenzy, Brinlee, Emerson, Camdyn, Everett, Bentley, and Charlie. He is also survived by a brother, Ivon; sister, Doneal; brother-in-law, Stuart; sister-in-law, Helen; and many nieces and nephews.
The funeral service was held Friday, Dec. 28, 2018 from Langbank United Church with Rev. Barbara Wilkins officiating. Interment will follow at a later date.
