Dale Skene
December 12, 1952 – November 18, 2021
t is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Dale Skene, on November 18th. Dale will be forever remembered and missed by his Mum, Alta. Children; Brooke, Lani (Stephanie), Danielle (Matt). Grandchildren, Arthur and Ben. Soulmate, Cindy. Brothers, Jack (Ann), Bill (Jan), Blair (Bonny), Cal (Judy), and many beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins. Dale was predeceased by his Father, Tom.
Dale was an Oxdrift boy through and through. He was always happiest and at home on the family farm. He grew up riding horses with his brothers and friends. He attended many horse shows around Northwestern Ontario, with his prize winning horse Bobbi-Jo, who Dale trained himself. During his time at Dryden High School, Dale found a passion for football, playing offensive and defensive tackle for the Dryden Eagles and being recruited by several American colleges. Choosing to remain in his hometown, Dale was very proud of his career in construction and pipeline. He loved sharing stories about many of the major projects he worked on around Northwestern Ontario.
The pinnacle of his life was being a Dad to his three children. Dale was an amazing Father. With his work often being seasonal, he had a lot of time to spend with his kids, taking them on many adventures, fishing, hunting, snowmachining, and camping. Dale always had time for his kids, cheering the loudest at football and ringette games, and attending figure skating shows. Being the gentle giant that he was, friends and family were always welcome at Dale’s house.
Dale inherited a passion for country living from his father, Tom. The two of them loved everything outdoors. They spent countless hours farming and hunting, usually bickering, but always enjoying each other’s company. Dale passed on his love for hunting and fishing to his children and grandchildren. He spent a majority of his days with family and friends on the lake, trapline, or hunting. Hunting buddies were at the heart of his circle of friends; the longest being his best buddy Jim Goldsbury. The adventures the two of them took could fill a book. Dale loved that his son took over the family farm, and that his Grandsons are being raised there just as he was.
In his retirement years, he spent a lot of his time at his Mum’s. He enjoyed working in her garden with her. They ate supper together every night and enjoyed watching their favourite shows, Jeopardy, curling, and rodeos. He enjoyed a daily “coffee club” with his Mum, brothers and family, but always stopping at Tim’s first to see who was around and have a visit.
Dale courageously endured a lifetime battle with mental illness. He never let his Illness define him and persevered through the ups and downs that it brought to his life. Being such an honest and gentle person, everyone that truly knew him stood by him through the dark periods. Dale was able to live his final years with a healthy and clear mind, ultimately bringing him happiness.
A funeral service for Dale will be held Wednesday November 24th, at 11:00am at the Dryden Agricultural Society building. If friends and family so desire, donations can be made to the Canadian Mental Health Association, online at cmha.ca or through Steven’s Funeral Home, P.O Box 412, Dryden, Ontario P8N 2Z1
