Dale Edward Morrison

Dale was born June 15, 1948 in Tisdale Saskatchewan. He was the third oldest child and second son of Vernon (Jim) and Phyllis Morrison. He spent his first six years growing up on the family farm near Tisdale. Then when his mother returned to teaching, he lived at Valecrest and Berlin Schools where he was taught by his mother from Grades 2 through 8, He took his high school at Star City for grades 9 and 10, finishing high school at Arborfield Sask where the family moved in 1964.

Dale had various jobs in Saskatchewan and Alberta. He spent most of his working life in the oil patch in Alberta. Most notably working as a tool push with Guthrie McLaren Drilling, and Precision Drilling until 2008 when he semi-retired. In 1976, Dale married Sophie Ostapczuk in Edmonton Alberta. They were blessed with a daughter Candace in May 1981 and relocated to St Albert where in May 1986, they were again blessed with another daughter Robyn.

Dale had a quick wit and always had a snappy comeback. He also had an uncanny talent for imitating anyone or anything. Red Skelton, Forest Gump, & Elvis Presley come to mind. He was an avid reader and could and would talk on a variety of subjects. Many times a visit to their house meant getting to bed in the wee hours of the morning if at all. He liked many sports and was an Oilers fan, especially during the Gretzky years, but his greatest sports love was watching his beloved Saskatchewan Roughriders. He had quite a collection of Riders’ paraphernalia which he displayed on the coffee table while watching the games. He had the good fortune to be able to see the final ball game at the old Yankee Stadium in New York.

Although Dale worked out of town a lot of the time, when home, he was a loving and supportive husband and father to his “kinsies” as he called his family, doting on his two beautiful daughters Candace and Robyn whom he raised with a moderately iron hand and a silk glove. He provided for them, guiding and supporting them in their endeavors and decisions and bragging about their achievements. They were always so excited when Daddy Dale came home from the rigs. He gave unwavering support and attention to his wife Sophie when she needed it. Together, the family cleared many hurdles and grew closer and stronger. Dale was a favorite uncle to all of his nephews and nieces as well as their families. Everyone loved Uncle Dale and his entertaining ways.

Sadly, Dale passed away on September 23, 2016 at St. Albert Hospital, Alberta surrounded by his family. Dale is survived by his loving wife of 40 years (as of September 25, 2016) Sophie; daughters Candace Morrison (Paul Nixon), Robyn Merkel (Kody) and grandson Kashton Merkel. Also left to mourn him are brothers Don Morrison (Judy) and their children Shelley Dias (Jay), Lee Morrison and Shawna Morrison all of Calgary; and Dennis Morrison (Flor) and their son Dion from Tisdale Sask; sister, Marlene Mullie (Armand) and their son Jesse of Calgary. brothers in law, Phillip Miller and family Michelle (Bas) Thoen, Amber (Dwayne) Leonard, Vance (Sherry) Miller (all of Calgary}; Clarence Miller of Carrot River, Sask and his son Borden of Calgary; Johnny Ostapczuk and his daughter Taryn; Stanley Ostapczuk; sister in law Irene (Rory) Chawner and their son Ryan and Mother in law Barbara Ostapczuk, all of Edmonton and area. He will also be missed by numerous cousins, other relatives and countless friends. Dale was predeceased by his parents Phyllis and Vernon (Jim) Morrison and by his sisters Thelma Miller and Verna Miller.

A celebration of Dale’s life will be held Saturday, October 1, 2016 at 10:00 AM at Memories Funeral Home, 13403 St Albert Trail, Edmonton, Alberta.

If friends so desire, in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Stollery Children’s Hospital, in Edmonton Alberta.