It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Dale Austin Walls. A loving husband to Jackie Walls (Hooton), father to Gillian, Michelle (David) and Matthew (Kelly), brother to Judy, Keith (Donna), Karla (John) and brother-in-law Wayne (Jackie). Uncle to many nieces and nephews, and proud Papa to Sadie, Emily, Avalynn and Adam.

He is predeceased by his parents, Harold and Joyce Walls, Harold’s partner Agnes, his mother and father-in-law Jack and Robbie Hooton, his brother-in-law Herman, sister-in-law Linda and his daughter-in-law Jennifer.

Dale was born and grew up in Prince Albert Saskatchewan, where he kept his parents and siblings on their toes by riding in cars (sometimes driving), scaring his sisters through windows and climbing bridges. It wasn’t long before he discovered his love and talent for music. Dale played the trumpet in his band “Inspiration” and loved to play piano and guitar and sing his favourite songs, often to his kids on Saturday afternoons. Love of Music is one of the many gifts that Dale passes on to his children and grandchildren.

Dale met Jackie in North Battleford, SK, where they both studied to become Psychiatric Nurses. It was Jackie’s Mom Robbie who first worked with Dale and encouraged her to get to know him as “he could be a ride home to PA”. They had their first date at Dale’s family’s Thanksgiving dinner, were engaged by Christmas and married that June.

Dale and Jackie moved to Yorkton to work, then to Saskatoon and Yellowknife before settling in Winnipeg. Over the course of those years, they met some of their best friends- relationships they value and treasure today. Throughout his life, Dale worked as an Education Counsellor and CMHC. Later in life he formed his own housing consulting business specifically focusing on clients over 55. These projects helped develop his passion for working with and assisting seniors.

This year, Dale and Jackie will have been married for 50 years. Throughout that time, they were an example to all in the way they honoured and loved each other every single day.

Over the course of the last 10 years, Dale and Jackie realized their long-time dream of building a cabin out in Steeprock Manitoba. It didn’t take long for this to become their very own paradise and was not surprising as Dale and Jackie both grew up creating memories with family and friends at both Emma and Candle Lake, SK.

Hosting family and friends for long weekends, happy hours on the berm, and time at the Cliffs and Beach with the grandkids will be memories that are forever cherished. His support for family was incomparable and his favourite thing to do was spend time with those he loved. For this reason, The Walls Family Reunion in Cypress Hills, sibling gatherings and his time in Vancouver Island with Jackie are memories Dale often loved to share.

Dale was a kind, gentle and warm man, with a larger-than-life smile, a wicked sense of humour and a passion for family life. He was in the stands for every hockey, baseball and soccer game. He attended every piano, choir and dance recital, and every gymnastics competition that he could. He also held a special place in his heart for his dogs Kayne, Finnegan and Max- spoiling them with treats and people food at every opportunity.

Dale had a way of making whomever he met feel welcomed and valued. He will be very much missed by anyone who knew him.
The family would like to thank all of the doctors, nurses and staff who provided such compassionate care for Dale, in particular Cancer Care Manitoba, and the SICU Unit at HSC Winnipeg.

The family is honouring Dale’s request to “have a party” to celebrate his life. A come and go celebration will be held in the Reception Room and Patio at Glen Lawn Funeral home on Tuesday June 28th, from 2-4pm. In Lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Cancer Care Manitoba, The Winnipeg Humane Society or a Music Education program of your choosing.