Parcourez la nécrologie de Dale Edward WILSON December 31 1942 January 6 2025 82 Years Old résidant dans la province Colombie britanique pour le détail des funérailles
Dale WILSON Obituary
Dale was born in Oak Park, Illinois where he lived through high school graduation. Being raised primarily by his working mother, he had to grow up quickly, sometimes being chief cook and bottle washer for his younger brother. He also always spoke of the fabulous Christmas celebrations he had with his father and paternal relatives.
After high school he attended Drake University in Iowa, where he graduated with a master’s degree in Theatre Arts. During university, he trained with the ROTC, learning to fly planes. This would become one of the loves of his life.
Upon graduating from Drake, he toured small town USA performing in Shakespear repertory theatre, as an actor as well as lighting and sound tech. Eventually, he landed in Los Angeles attending auditions and working small jobs. Becoming discouraged, as many actors do when starting out, he decided to take a full time job as a social worker in East LA. It was the experience in this job that opened his heart to those in need. Wherever he lived or travelled, he would always seek out someone who needed help and he would provide what he could. He never walked by a homeless person or busker without leaving his contribution.
When the Vietnam War became an issue and being trained in the ROTC, he was highly sought after. He always said he knew, because he was a pilot, that he’d be asked to drop bombs on innocent people. He refused; thus, his sojourn to Vancouver in the winter of 1967. When the winter clouds and rain cleared, he was astounded by the natural beauty and knew it would become his forever home.
Upon arriving in Vancouver, he drew upon his experience as a radio announcer at Drake and was able to get a job as a newscaster at C-FUN. He also tapped into his musical talent, playing guitar and singing, mostly as the folk duo of Kathy and Dale. At one point they opened for Ian and Sylvia to rave reviews.
As “Hollywood North” began to take shape, he worked for a short time as a lighting tech and assistant photographer before moving to the other side of the camera. Over the years he worked on many TV commercial campaigns including Supernatural British Columbia, Irish Spring, Mars bars, Milky Way, Captain Highliner and The Man from Glad. He always jokingly said he was waiting to be the Maytag Repair Man. He also performed in many TV roles and movies. You would hear his voice constantly on local radio ads. He was honoured to be the announcer for the opening and closing ceremony of our 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics. But perhaps out of all these roles, animation voice-over was his true love. And he voiced too many cartoon episodes to mention.
As the Vancouver film industry grew, he and others realized it was time for “their” industry to gain some autonomy over their future. So, they launched a campaign to form their own union; Union of BC Performers: UBCP. The rest is history. He was always honoured to become their first President and slightly amused, that he became member #1.
In his private life, Dale was happily married for 34 years to Gail. He loved his daughter, Ashley and grandson Elijah, his dogs and forest critters, his boat and fishing pals, his neighbors and many long-term friends. He made beautiful stained-glass lamps and painted incredible acrylic artworks, he made Caesar salad and delicious cheesecakes, he downhill skied, mountain biked before anybody knew what it was, hiked, scuba dived and grew beautiful dahlias, Dale’s dahlias. Yes. He truly was a one-of-a-kind Renaissance Man.
Sadly, Dale recently left this Earthly existence after living for many years with metastatic prostate cancer and Parkinson’s disease. He was cared for lovingly at home, where he ultimately made his final stage left.
There will be a “tribute celebration” for Dale at his home in the summer…….when the winter clouds and rain clear.
Anyone who would like to honour Dale’s memory is invited to make a contribution in his name to:
Cowichan Hospice
3122 Gibbins Road
Duncan, BC
V9L 1G2
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in memory of Dale Edward WILSON, please visit our floral store.
December 31 1942 January 6 2025 82 Years Old
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Dale Edward WILSON December 31 1942 January 6 2025 82 Years Old..
Décès pour la Ville: Ladysmith, Province: Colombie britanique
avis deces Dale Edward WILSON December 31 1942 January 6 2025 82 Years Old
necrologie Dale Edward WILSON December 31 1942 January 6 2025 82 Years Old
Nous offrons nos plus sincères condoléances à la famille et aux amis de Dale Edward WILSON December 31 1942 January 6 2025 82 Years Old et espérons que leur mémoire pourra être une source de réconfort pendant cette période difficile. Vos pensées et vos mots aimables sont grandement appréciés.