June 15, 2024
Dale McCallum died on Saturday, June 15th in Yellowknife. Predeceased by his parents, Shirley Joyce McCallum (née Lagden) and Keith Allan McCallum, he will be lovingly remembered by his four older sisters, Lynn, Gail, Susan (Lonnie) and Cindy, his nieces and nephews, Karim, Angela, Jamie, Jennifer (Josh), Zachary (Andrea) and Emily and grand niece and nephew, Jordyn and Oliver, and many beloved friends, including Chris Johnston and his family.
Born in Cornwall, ON in 1961, Dale moved with his family to Mayerthorpe, AB in 1971 and subsequently graduated from Mayerthorpe High School. It was there, before graduation, that Dale first entered the workforce and there that he began a rewarding career in the service sector that spanned over 50 years, beginning with the Co-op in Mayerthorpe. He later worked for the Co-op in Boyle, AB, Matco Moving Solutions in numerous locations in Alberta and the Northwest Territories, includingYellowknife, and most recently, the Northern Safety Association.
Dale loved his family, cared about others, and took pride in helping people in his employment and volunteer roles. He was a passionate sports competitor, playing organized hockey and baseball as a young person, golf and slow-pitch as an adult. He was also an avid sports fan, something he shared with his mother and other family members, and a life-long fan of the Chicago Black Hawks, New York Mets and New England Patriots. He applied his creative and organizational skills to numerous charity sports events in Yellowknife and more recently his extended family.The Shirley McCallum Curling Pool that Dale founded will continue for years to come, with the enthusiastic support of three generations.
Dale also loved his dogs. They were his most prized companions. As a dedicated dog owner, he never tired of throwing a Frisbee to Brutus or a dirty, slime-covered tennis ball to Zeke. He frequently read newspapers aloud, emphasizing certain words just to watch Brutus lift his ears and tilt his head in response to the varying inflections. He never failed to supply whatever they needed for their health or happiness.
Dale was smart, kind, witty and determined.He engaged all of these qualities, and demonstrated an unmatched resilience, in his daily struggle to maintain his health, independence and some quality of life over twenty (20) years. He will be sorely missed and lovingly remembered. (As per Dale's wishes, there will be no service.)