
It is with great sadness we announce the sudden passing of our father Dale on October 8th, 2024. Dale was predeceased by his father Walter Robert (Bob) Swan, mother Alice Gertrude Swan(Maller). He is survived by his sons Norman (Louise), Christopher (Jessica), step-son Steve Bremner (Katie), his beloved grandchildren Astrid, Lennon, Elin, and his siblings Robert (Bob) Swan (Sylvia), Donnette Radu (Earl), Dan Swan (Sharron) and Bonnie Smart (Jim), as well as many nieces, nephews, and more great-nieces and great-nephews.
As a young man Dale joined the Army Cadets where he developed a love for the outdoors during his summer outward bound courses, where he learned survival and leadership skills that would serve him well throughout his life.
After school Dale moved to the Yukon to work and enjoy the outdoor fishing, canoeing, camping and making lifelong friendships.
While back living in the Fraser Valley, Dale met his future wife Bette while working in Victoria. Dale convinced Bette to move to the mainland with him where they married and had his first son Norm. Shortly thereafter they moved to Victoria to be closer to Bette’s family and he began a sheet metal apprenticeship at the in-laws company Universal.
Dale was a fierce competitor and was always looking for a challenge; he loved board and card games, particularly cribbage. In his middle age Dale got back on the water by joining a dragon boat team. He eventually made his way to the Victoria Canoe and Kayak Club where he began paddling and then steering outrigger canoes. He was very proud of his team’s participation in a paddle to Port Angeles Washington from Victoria and back.
In retirement, never one to stop moving, Dale enjoyed helping his friends and family with all sorts of projects, building fences, sheds and decks, amongst other things. He also enjoyed spending time with his siblings and was looking forward to watching his Grandchildren grow up.
A celebration of life will be held in Esquimalt at the Gorge Pavilion at 11AM on Saturday April 12th. The family would like to welcome anyone who knew Dale to attend, light refreshments will be available.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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Bruce Porter
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Tanya Simmons My deepest condolences to Dale’s family.
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Mary Kirchner Dale was a dear friend, we miss him everyday. Dale had the gift of making everyone feel welcome. He was encouraging, sarcastic, goofy, funny, flirty, direct but above all his kind generous heart always shone through the antics. Thanks for the joy and adventures of racing in the outrigger, keeping us safe in six foot swells and witnessing countless marine life including orca days before you passed. Paddles up my friend.
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Dave Brar I had the great pleasure of paddling with Dale for many years, most recently during our competitive racing this last year, and during all the rigours training sessions or big water swells heading out to some crazy buoy to go around. I never felt scared – ok, sometimes I did- I knew I was in good hands when Dale was driving. I’m gonna miss your friendship and laughter my friend!
My thoughts and prayers are with the family!
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Angie Walters I’m so sorry for your loss! Dale was a wonderful person! I paddled with him for the last few years and he was always making us laugh! He’s definitely missed on the boat!
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Crystal White I had the honour of having Dale as our outrigger canoe stern. Over the past few years I also had the pleasure of becoming his friend. His humour, positivity, competitive spirit and dedication to keeping our team safe, while pushing us to be our best, has left a permanent mark on my heart. He made all feel welcome and his laugh was contagious. I miss him dearly. Paddles up my friend.
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Joe Stenhouse Please accept our sincere condolences. It was so great to see Dale in 2023, we shared a lot of wonderful memories and laughs. So grateful for that.
Joe, Janette and family.
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Teresa Campbell So sorry for your loss
Condolences to family and friends
My deepest condolences to Dale’s extended family. I knew Dale as a friend and an outrigger paddler with both team Riptide and the Hackney Diamonds out of VCKC. His extensive paddling experience, skill on the water, intense competitive spirit, and commitment to the safety of fellow paddlers earned the respect of all who paddled with him. But it was Dale’s boyish sense of humour, integrity, and gentle kind spirit that made him so much fun to be around. Paddles up dear friend.