Obituary of Dale Willard

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Dale Willard, resident of Chetwynd, British Columbia, on Friday, June 18, 2021 in the Chetwynd and District Hospital at the age of 86 years.  

Dale was born in Pouce Coupe, B.C. on June 30, 1934, to James and Bessie Willard. He was the 7^th of 13 children. Dale’s early childhood was spent in Tupper and Rio Grande area. Dale and his sister Maxine were inseparable as children and remained that way through their adult lives. They could be heard laughing as they schemed their latest antics. They moved to the Beaverlodge area where Dale continued his schooling.

Dale started working in a meat market at the age of 16. He tried other jobs but returned to a meat market before he was married. He spent most of his working life in that profession. He ran the Chetwynd IGA meat department from 1970 to 1989. One of their highlights was winning a trip to Hawaii in 1973. Dale and Joan ran a meat shop at their home for 10 more years.

Dale enjoyed base ball and shared his love of the game and knowledge with kids for many years. Dale and Joan were active in the square dance club enjoying many years of dancing and travelling with the club. Dale joined the Lions club in Chetwynd where he held many different positions until the club folded in 2009.  

Dale married (Phylis) Joan Unger June 5, 1957 in Wembley, AB. Dale and Joan started their life together in Grand Prairie until 1961. They moved to Fort Nelson where Dale worked for the dairy company. They moved back to Grand Prairie where Dale worked for the meat packers. They moved to Hythe where they ran their own meat department. This was the start of a long history of Dale and Joan working side by side at work and at home. After 2 years, they moved to Chetwynd where they lived until Dale’s death. They made friends in all of these places and treasured these. Many of these friends remained friends for life. Ray and Donna Sauverwald became lifelong friends in 1967.

Dale enjoyed doing cookouts and barbeques. He quickly became known for his skills (especially steaks) and was often found in the middle of preparing meals at family reunions and community organization functions. Many of the family remember him cooking for all of them at family gatherings.

Dale was known for his ready smile and sense of humour. It served him well throughout his life. He was especially good in getting along with medical staff when his health started to deteriorate.

Dale is survived by his wife Joan Willard; his children Brenda (Tom) Janzen of Carstairs, AB, Rick (Joanne) Willard of Calgary, AB, Kelly (Sandi) Willard of Chetwynd, BC, Shannon (Rob) Jarvis of Chetwynd, and Erin Willard of Chetwynd, BC ; 13 grandchildren; 24 great grandchildren; siblings Bud (Deana) Willard of Sangudo, AB, and Karen Willard of Osoyoos as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

Dale was predeceased by his parents, James and Bessie and his siblings, Kozey, Jean, Gerald, Merton, Bonnie, Gwen, Maxine, Rhoda, George and “little” Jim.

Dale had chosen to be cremated and A Celebration Of Dales Life will be held at a later date.  Arrangements were entrusted to Reynars Funeral Home & Crematorium.  Please call Erin Willard for more information.

 For friends so wishing, donations may be made in memory of Dale to Diabetes Canada, 360-1385 West 8th Avenue, Vancouver, BC V6H 3V9

Very Respectfully, Reynars Funeral Home & Crematorium