Although not a member of our Regimental Family, Dale was well known by many
of us and we regret his passing.
----- Original Message -----
From: "Gary Barling" <whitey(a)nrtco.net>
Sent: Friday, August 12, 2005 8:37 PM
Subject: Dale Crook
Ladies and Gentlemen,
I regret the necessity of informing you of the passing of Major (Retired)
E. Dale Crook, CD. Please find below the official notice of his passing,
as received today from Mike Charrier.
REGI PATRIAEQUE FIDELIS
G. Barling
Secretary
Radley-Walters Chapter
Association of 8th Canadian Hussars
From Mike Charrier:
"Dale particularly wanted me to email out notice of his death to his Hussar
family.
3863 CROOK, E. Dale, CD Major (Ret'd)
8th Canadian Hussars (PL)
Dale died peacefully at home on Friday 12 August 2005 in his seventieth
year after a courageous battle with cancer. His death marked the end of a
lifetime relationship with Patricia, his high school sweetheart and wife of
46 years. He will be dearly missed by his children, Colin (Donna) and
Bonnie
and by his grandchildren, twins Christopher and Bradley, who were very
special to Dale. Sadly missed by his nieces and nephews, Debbie, Dail, Don
and David. Pre-deceased by his parents, Evan Robert and Muriel O'Regan and
by his only sister, Irma.
Dale grew up in Richmond, Quebec and attended St Francis College High
School. He completed his senior matriculation at Quebec High School and
entered Royal Roads Military College. He graduated from the Royal Military
College and completed his BEng at McGill. Dale and Patricia were married in
1958, and started their military life in Gagetown. Dale served in Germany,
England, and in the United States. He served a year with the International
Control Commission in Vietnam . After retiring from the military, he went
to
the National Research Council where he was a program manager in the Space
Division, which subsequently moved to the Space Agency. He retired from the
Space Agency in 1995, the year his cancer was first diagnosed. Dale was
active in his retirement: a volunteer with the Red Cross, a member of the
Ottawa Field Naturalist Club, a volunteer at the Fletcher Wildlife Garden,
a
Director on the Pike Lake Association, and a key Director and active member
of the Ottawa Duck Club. Dale was an ardent naturalist, and nature
photographer. He marveled at all forms of fauna and flora, and was happiest
when in the woods either observing or photographing. He cherished his
brotherhood with his RMC classmates and with the Hussar family. He enjoyed
golfing and skiing with his wife and friends. His career, family, friends
and many interests provided a rich and full life.
Dale was badged 8th Hussar throughout his service. He joined the Regiment
in
1958 and served in Germany , 59-62, Petawawa, 62-65, and Petawawa again in
72-74.
"Study nature, love nature, stay close to nature. It will never fail you"
Visitation will take place on Monday 15 August between 7 to 9 PM at the
Central Chapel of Hulse, Playfair & McGarry, 315 Macleod Street, Ottawa. A
celebration of Dale's life will be held at the McGarry Chapel beginning at
1000 hrs the following morning. Interment will follow at The National
Military Cemetery at Beechwood. Donations in Dale's memory can be made to
the Palliative Care Outreach Program, 1455 Woodroffe Ave S. Nepean, ON,
K2G 1W1.
The family would like to thank the staff at the ORCC for their care and
compassion during Dale's treatments. Special were his oncologists, Dr
Tomiak
and Dr Young and the nurses in the Chemo Treatment Room. The Palliative
Care
Outreach Program provided compassionate support and care in our home.
Emails for Pat and family can be sent to their email: dcrook(a)ca.inter.net
The Crook home address remains: 98 Renfrew Ave Ottawa ,ON K1S 1Z8"