E. Dale CROOK

3863 CROOK, E. Dale, CD Major (Ret'd) 8th Canadian Hussars (PL) Dale died peacefully at home on August 12th, 2005 in his 71st 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. Will be dearly missed by his children, Colin (Donna) and Bonnie (Ron) 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. Predeceased by his parents, Evie and Muriel 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 into the military college at Royal Roads. 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 NRC 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 and active as 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. Visitation will take place on Monday, August 15th between 7 and 9 p.m. at the Central Chapel of Hulse, Playfair & McGarry, 315 McLeod Street, Ottawa. A celebration of Dale's life will be held the following morning at 10 o'clock, Tuesday, August 16th, at the McGarry Chapel. Interment will follow at The National Military Cemetery at Beechwood. Donations in Dale's memory can be made to the Palliative Outreach Program, 1455 Woodroffe Avenue S., Nepean, ON K2G 1W1. The family would like to thank the staff at the Ottawa Regional Cancer Centre for their care and compassion during Dale's treatments; especially to his oncologists, Dr. Tomiak and Dr. Young and to the nurses in the Chemo Treatment Room. The special care and compassion continued with Caroline Tibbles RN and Dr. Margaret Farncombe of the Palliative Care Outreach Program, as well as nurses of the VON. "Study nature, love nature, stay close to nature. It will never fail you."Published in the Ottawa Citizen from 8/13/2005 - 8/15/2005