IN MEMORY OF H.T. DALE
HARVEY DALE
1942 - 2021
“What we have once enjoyed we can never lose. All that we love deeply becomes a part of us.”
- Helen Keller
EULOGY
WELL, WELL – GOLLY, GOLLY
I HAD THE GOOD FORTUNE TO CELEBRATE MY
BIRTHDAY AT A DINNER INCLUDING PATTY AND
HARVEY DALE RECENTLY.
HARVEY AND I SAT TOGETHER AND TALKED
ABOUT RECENT EVENTS AND BACK THROUGH TIME TO
WHEN WE FIRST MET.
CHRISTMAS SHOPPING AT MASONVILLE MALL
IN LONDON WHERE WE BOTH NOTICED EACH OTHER
AND THEN MEETING IN PERSON IN BAYFIELD AT A
CHRISTMAS PARTY – INSTANT FRIENDS.
I HAD THE PLEASURE OF CREATING THEIR
KITCHEN/FAMILY ROOM ADDITION AND MEETING
THEIR DAUGHTERS.
ESCAPING ONE AFTERNOON, HARVEY FLEW
ME FROM HIS STRIP, HEADING NORTH AND LANDING
AT ANOTHER GRASS STRIP WHERE I ENJOYED A RIDE
IN AN ULTRALIGHT AND THEN HARVEY AND I
RETURNED, WELL PLEASED.
HARVEY HAD A PASSION FOR PEOPLE AND
THEIR LIVES, ALWAYS INQUISITIVE BUT NEVER PUSHY.
IT WAS HIS PERSONAL JOB TO CORRECTLY SET THE
CHESS BOARD OF PEOPLE HE KNEW, EACH IN THEIR
OWN PLACE.
NEVER HEARD HIM MOAN, GROAN OR
COMPLAIN. HEAD DOWN WITH A “WELL, WELL –
GOLLY, GOLLY” HE WOULD WORK THROUGH
WHATEVER OBSTACLE UNTIL RESOLVED.
A TERRIBLE LOSS TO FAMILY AND FRIENDS
AND THE COMMUNITY AT LARGE. THE RECOUNTING
OF STORIES ABOUT HARVEY DALE WILL BE TOLD
WITH MANY A LAUGH INCLUDED.
SHORTLY AFTER SANDRA PHONED TO GIVE
ME THE SAD NEWS I WAS IN MY SHOP WITH BOTH BIG
DOORS OPEN AND HEARD A RUSTLING OF WINGS.
I STEPPED OUTSIDE BUT SEEING NOTHING
THAT WOULD PRODUCE SUCH A SOUND I BEGAN TO
SMILE:
HARVEY HAS A NEW SET OF WINGS, BRAND
NEW! LISTEN FOR THE RUSTLING SOUND AND KNOW
HE HAS TAKEN FLIGHT AND IS AT PEACE.
SOAR MY FRIEND – GOLLY, GOLLY
Ken Johnson – Bayfield
October 6, 2021
It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that the family of Harvey Thomas Dale announce his sudden passing on Monday October 4, 2021 at the age of 78. Beloved husband of Patty (McCredie) for 46 loving years. Survived by his children Sandra (Jason) of Clinton, Joanne (Greg) of Seaforth, and Heather (Shane) of Austin, Texas. Fondly remembered as Grampie to Sullivan, Ray, Vaeda, and Quinn. He will be missed by his sibling Suzanne (Greg) Brandon of Clinton, and sister in laws Margaret Dale of Clinton, Judy Mackey of Ottawa, and Bonnie Brayne of Ottawa. Predeceased by his parents Stewart and Hattie Dale of Clinton, brothers Nelson Dale, Gordon Dale and brother in law Cyril Brayne.
Harvey worked tirelessly until the moment he passed. He cherished being out and about each day, chatting with his customers and helping in any way he could. He was also so humble and caring towards the many tenants he had over the years. In the evenings you could find him on the phone, lending an ear to whomever needed it. He loved music and would thoroughly enjoy sharing his favourite songs with old and new acquaintances.
Harvey and Patty always looked forward to their Friday night outings to Bayfield. Harvey’s hobby was flying his Cessna 182, which he treasured taking to London for weekend breakfast excursions with family and friends. Just this past Saturday, he was out on his last flight. He took joy in the beauty of nature, watching wildlife and gave so much love to all of his many pets over the years.
Harvey touched the lives of so many with his friendly demeanor, kindness, boundless generosity, and charismatic warm smile. He was the true definition of a gentleman and role model. He will now be reunited with his relatives and departed friends. Harvey did an amazing job instilling his work ethic, values, and passions in all of his children. Dad, your incredible work here on earth is done. It is your time to rest. Fly high. The sky is calling you.
There will be a private burial on Friday October 8th, 2021 at The Clinton Public Cemetery.
An outdoor celebration of life will be held at 33884 Airport Road (next to Goderich Airport Terminal) on Saturday October 16th, from 1pm to 5pm.
