Dale BLACK

BLACK, Dale 2008-01-07 1934 - 2008 It is with great sadness that we announce Dale‘s passing on Sunday, January 6, 2008 at St. Joseph‘s Hospice after a 6 year struggle with cancer. Dale leaves to mourn his wife of 51 years Elvira; 5 daughters: Deborah MacWhirter (Bruce) children Jason and Sean, Jennifer McGuire (Nathan) children Hannah and Graham, Danielle Benkhelifa (Kikim) children Elliott and Scarlett, and Sameena and Rhea; son Joel (Kathy); brother William "Bill" Black; nephew Fred Black; sister in law Fran Black; long time friend Grace Presser and his closest friend Peter Cramb. (Proverbs 18:24) Predeceased by his parents Adolph and Evelyn Black. Dale was a Universal Man with broad knowledge, interests and abilities. When he was only 12 years old, he became the trusted assistant and radio repair man in Mr. Benjamin‘s shop in Winnipeg. At the age of 19 he received his BSc. Hons. from the University of Manitoba and later in 1964 his MSc. while teaching there. Dale worked first as a physicist in snow and ice research at the National Research Council, Ottawa and then taught Mathematics for nearly 40 years, the last 32 at Lakehead University. He was proud to see this ability and appreciation of Mathematics continue through his son and grandson. On retirement in 1999, he received the title Professor Emeritus. Dale played several musical instruments, tuned pianos and had a beautiful singing voice. It gave him great pleasure to entertain the seniors at Pioneer Ridge. Dale also spoke 5 languages fluently and had a working knowledge of several others, including Sign language. Occasionally his girls would come home with a word that they were sure he didn‘t know but were always disappointed. Just weeks before being hospitalized he found a new Hebrew website and excitedly phoned to share it with Deborah. Dale was an avid reader and loved to research the etymology of words. When he could no longer read he felt like his world was falling apart. He was generous with his family and friends and will be missed for his quick wit and "file of useless information". Pink yak‘s milk was one of his favourite tidbits. The love of learning is the legacy he leaves his children and grandchildren. At the age of 14 Dale became one of Jehovah‘s Witnesses and, together with Elvira, raised their family with the same principles by which they lived. Because of his scientific background, lifelong reading and observation of nature, he was a fervent believer in a Creator whom he considered the greatest Mathematician. His interest in Hebrew, Greek and Latin was fuelled by his desire to better understand the Holy Bible. He freely shared his scriptural knowledge with others in various congregations of Jehovah‘s Witnesses, as well as in the public ministry. In 1958 Dale and Elvira did volunteer missionary service in Pakistan, where their first daughter was born, and in 1972 they took all 4 children to Italy where they spent a memorable year sharing the Kingdom message. His faith in the resurrection hope sustains us all. According to Dale‘s written wishes, cremation has taken place and there will be no funeral or memorial service. The family invites friends to share a cup of coffee with them at The Faculty Lounge, Lakehead University on Friday, January 11, 2008 at 7:00 PM. (Use Balmoral Street entrance and follow the signs.) If friends so desire, donations may be made to the Hospice Unit of St. Joseph‘s Care Group or a charity of choice. EVEREST FUNERAL CHAPEL, 299 Waverley St. at Algoma in care of funeral arrangements. Please sign the online tributes at everestofthunderbay.com