Dale Farnsworth
1929 - 2017
It is with deep sadness that the family of Dale Byron Farnsworth, announce the passing of our father, grandfather and great grandfather, at the Chinook Regional Hospital on Wednesday, September 20, 2017 at the age 88 years, after a lengthy battle with Alzheimer’s.
Dad leaves to mourn his passing two sons Clay (Joe-Anne) Farnsworth of Vauxhall and their children Stacey (Mike) Morcom (their son Connor) and Lindsey Farnsworth (her children Callie and Daxon) all of Lethbridge; Todd (Rosanne) Farnsworth of Pennant, Saskatchewan and their children Amanda, Jennifer and Ty. Also, to mourn are his sisters Eveline Bell and Adelaide (Lyle) Nygard; brother Roy (Norma) Farnsworth; sisters-in-law Billie Dickie and Clara Dickie and numerous nieces and nephews.
Dad was predeceased by his wife of fifty three years, Lavina, father Byron, mother Helen, two sisters, seven brothers, five sisters-in-law and two brothers-in-law as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Dad was born August 4, 1929 in the family home in Pennant Saskatchewan, number eleven in the blended family of thirteen known as the Dickie-Farnsworth family. He was raised around horses as his father had the livery barn and dray line in Pennant. Dale loved to ride and had many horses over the years, as he always spoke of Beauty and her foal Babe. His first job was as a teamster at the Swift Current Research Station in Swift Current, where he became a heavy equipment operator. Dale later worked on the original St Mary’s dam in southern Alberta with brother Joe. Dad then went on to become a finish operator working on Highway #1 near Cluny, Vancouver Airport and several dams in British Columbia to name just a few areas. He came home to Pennant to start farming where he met Lavina Schmiess of Stewart Valley. They married in December 1954 and started their family in Pennant.
Dad sold the farm in Pennant to start a new adventure in Alberta, however the family returned to Pennant in 1966 to buy the local John Deere dealership. Many will remember Dad behind the counters at John Deere and later Morris Rod Weeder, both in Pennant and in Swift Current. Dad started farming again full-time in 1979 after leaving the business world and continued to farm until his retirement.
Dale was part of a huge musical family and many would have danced to the Pennant Orchestra. He was a talented self-taught guitarist, singer and yodeler. Many family gatherings were spent around his guitar with his strong voice leading the way. Dad’s love for music was passed down in his family, as many are accomplished musicians.
Dad’s love of horses saw him volunteer as ringmaster at the Quarter Horse show in Swift Current for many years. He also served on the board with the Pioneer Credit Union for many years.
Dad was a hard worker all of his life and instilled that work ethic in all who knew him. He also had a great sense of humor and was quick with a line. Dale loved the prairies and to talk about his many work adventures during his life. In his last few years he loved seeing his great grandchildren and was happy to have lived to see that.
In his later years, as the Alzheimer’s was causing concerns, he moved to Vauxhall to be closer to family to help with that transition. Here he made many new friends having fun at dances and making people laugh at the Manor. In the end, however it was a battle too hard to over come.
Dale will be privately remembered by his family and friends.
If friends so desire, memorial tributes in Dale’s name may be made directly to the Alzheimer’s Society, 40, 1202 - 2 Avenue South, Lethbridge, Alberta T1J 0E3 www.alzheimer.ca or to The Good Samaritan Society, Linden View, 4700 - 64 Avenue, Taber, Alberta T1G 0C6.