Obituary of Dale Duke

With heavy hearts our family announces the passing of Dale Duke, on May 31, 2009 at the Canora Union Hospital. After a lengthy and valiant struggle with cancer, Dale finished his journey here, and he slipped quietly and gently away, knowing his family were by his side. He is survived by his wife Barbara (nee Jolson), their sons James (Jessica) and Robert (Larissa), his precious grand-daughters, Chasey-James and Crystal Lee, his brother, Robert (Judy) and their daughters Jennifer (Brandon) Balla and Holly, his sister Marnie (Rick) Mastel, their daughters Loree and Debra, along with his Uncle Murray (Dorothy), his Aunt Gay, and many cousins. Predeceased by his parents Glen (1991) and Mary (2003) Duke. Dale was born in Regina on November 30, 1942. He attended public school in Stenen and Preeceville then high school in Sturgis. In those years, Dale was an avid runner, and would run to school in Sturgis each morning. He completed his grade 12 In Outlook. After school he worked at various jobs, even the UGG gang that worked in Sturgis, much to the delight of his girlfriend. Some of the ladies at the Preeceville TD bank still remember his time there. He always thought he would like to farm and while he waited to be called up to enlist in the Navy he worked as a labourer for a friend. While he loved the farm life he quickly realized that wasn't the career for him. In 1964 Dale joined the Navy, and completing his basic training in Cornwallis CFS. Whenever he got into scrapes in training and his punishment was running around the parade square, he thought he'd gotten off lucky. On leave, before his first posting, he proposed to Barbara. They planned their finances on the back of a pack of cigarettes and thinking they had the world at their feet, eloped and were married in Moncton N.B. On April 18, 1966. To their delight, their son James was born in Moncton in 1969. His next posting was to Gander, Nfld; where their second son, Robert was born in 1971. Between six month postings to Alert, an isolated base at the tip of Elsmere Island, Dale's family enjoyed their postings to Inuvik, Ottawa (2) and Bermuda. He was always proud to serve his country and in honour of those Canadian men and women who sacrificed their lives and for those that continue to serve he always tried to wear red on Fridays. When Dale retired from the Canadian Forces in 1984 the family moved to Calgary, Alberta and Dale began a second career with the Calgary Corps of Commissionaires, first as security personnel then as a payroll clerk. He enjoyed this second career as well, always challenged by the deadlines to get the payroll out to the Commissionaires serving throughout southern Alberta. Dale never put anything before family, and this was his opportunity to raise his family in Calgary along side that of his brother, Bob, Dale's confidant and best friend throughout life. Their families travelled together, camped together, celebrated each others accomplishments, encouraged each other in sad or stressful times, revelled in good natured teasing, enjoyed Friday movie date nights and as only they could, made even minor events into celebrations and memories both families will honour and cherish always. Dale and Barbara retired to a small acreage in Tadmore, Saskatchewan on April 1, 2002 where they were close to their roots, close to Crystal Lake where they've always vacationed with their sons, and mid-way between families. Dale enjoyed five happy years puttering about his yard, making new friends and renewing friendships from his school days. As the family gathers many treasures and mementos from their life together, they share favourite stories of Dale's journey through life. They realize how very blessed they were to love and be loved by this sweet, gentle and funny man. Dale was a loving and devoted family man, never allowing any other concern to come before the safety, comfort and well being of his family. He was a devoted, kind and loving husband, a father who cherished his every moment with his sons and their partners, and a proud and doting grandpa to his darling grand-daughters Crystal and Chasey-James. Cancer changed his life many months ago and while it claimed his life too soon, it couldn't change who he was as a man. It allowed Dale time to reflect on his life, to remember his friends, his travels, and to ensure that a new home was well underway at Crystal Lake, a dream he'd always shared with Barbara. His family was reminded many times over, that the special man in their lives possessed qualities they have long admired. His quiet and determined inner strength, his quick wit and teasing sense of humour never failed him. He was truly their super-hero to endure such loss and sorrow while focusing and still planning for his family and friends. He and Barbara will be forever grateful to Dale's friend, Leonard, for helping Dale go inside his new home for the very first time. As Barbara watches the sunsets over the lake she can day dream of that young man walking around the lake more than 43 years ago, coming to spend a sunny, summer afternoon with her. Dale ended his journey through life the same way he had traveled through it…. with dignity, grace and humour, always supported by his family. As was Dale's wish, a family gathering in celebration of his life was held from the Yorkton Memorial Gardens Crematorium and Family Centre. Service Information Wednesday, June 3rd, 2009 4:00pm, Yorkton Memorial Gardens Family Centre Interment Details