Obituary of Dale Reader

Dale Rodger Reader was born on September 21, 1948, in Lafleche, SK to Harry and Helen Reader. Dale attended Woodrow Public School and Lafleche Central High School graduating in 1967. He then attended Saskatchewan Technical Institute in Moose Jaw, where he completed a Certificate in Automotive Repair. After completing the certificate Dale returned to Woodrow, alongside his Dad to farm and raise cattle.

Dale married Sheryl Jones of McCord on October 7, 1972. Dale and Sheryl welcomed two children: Daryl in 1975 and Carmen in 1977. They built a new house on the family farm in 1978 and then relocated during school months to Moose Jaw in 1980 to allow Daryl and Carmen to attend school. During those years Dale commuted from Moose Jaw to Woodrow weekly to farm and raise their family.

Dale was a people person, he was friendly, considerate of others, and always willing to help individuals and community organizations. Dale was the neighbour and friend you could count on. He enjoyed playing and watching football and hockey. Dale was an “all-star” goalie for several teams including the Woodrow Hawks, Kincaid Maroons, and Ponteix Beanos! He and Daryl shared a love for the Moose Jaw Warriors, most recently during the Warriors' 2024 playoff run he excitedly called his many friends to let them know it was being broadcast on TSN!

Dale loved to drive, driving was a large part of his life - perhaps due to the many medical appointments he and his family attended. Dale was known for bringing egg salad sandwiches to friends and neighbours who had recently lost a loved one. Dale enjoyed baking, cooking, gardening, and farming. Dale enjoyed many card games, especially crib, and participated in local tournaments. Dale, Sheryl, and their family enjoyed several holidays with the Reimche family: Reg, Sheila, Sherilee, and Reggie. The families often visited Fort Peck, MT, where they played outdoor games, boated, and fished. The two families shared many family dinners and birthdays together.

Dale was a caregiver for his wife, son, and daughter. Dale had more than his share of health issues, including diabetes and heart disease. In 2018, Dale had a partial leg amputation, due to the struggles of this handicap, he could no longer provide the necessary level of care for Sheryl, who reluctantly moved to Ross Payant Nursing Home in Assiniboia. Despite the many health issues both for Dale and his family, he remained a dedicated, loving, devoted husband and father, visiting Sheryl and talking with her many times each day.

After Sheryl’s passing the stress in Dale’s life took a toll on his heart and well-being, and he passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 30, 2024, at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Gravelbourg. Dale was reunited in Heaven with his beautiful family: wife Sheryl (2020), his son Daryl (2023), his daughter Carmen (2018), parents Harry and Helen, and his brother Wayne.

Dale is survived by his Aunt Leona Reader, many cousins, special friend Dorothy Reimche, and his furry friend Sasha.

Thank you to the team at St. Joseph’s Hospital for providing an excellent level of care for Dale in the days prior to his passing. Thank you to Dean & Leah Layman, David Williamson, Jerry Chisholm, Brad Reader, Colin Smith, Josh Smith, Reg Reimche, and Dale’s many friends and neighbours for all the love and support over the many years.

Dale’s funeral service will be held on Friday, June 28, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. at Piche-Hawkins-Grondin Funeral Chapel in Assiniboia.

Donations in Dale’s memory can be given to the Moose Jaw Humane Society, Box 1658 - Moose Jaw, SK S6H 7K7.