April 14, 1942 – July 2, 2019
It is with sad and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our much loved husband, dad, grandpa and friend, Dale, at the age of 77. On a beautiful summer day, Dale died peacefully in his sleep at his favorite place on earth; his family farm.
Dale was born on April 14, 1942 in Calgary, Alberta and was the only child of Eveline and Donald Mackenzie. Dale grew up on the family farm just outside of Cremona and spent his childhood years there. Upon entering high school, he met Leja Thompson and they married in September of 1961. Soon after marrying, Dale and Leja moved to Calgary where Dale joined the Calgary Fire Department at the age of 21 and was a proud serving member of the Department for 40 years until his retirement in 2002. Being a firefighter wasn’t just a job to Dale, it was a way of life. Beyond performing his duties, Dale also spent much of his time volunteering. In the early years he faithfully volunteered with the Firefighters Christmas Party for under privileged children, collecting, repairing and distributing toys. He was also instrumental in advocating for ambulances and firetrucks to be outfitted with stuffed animals for children who are present or injured during traumatic calls. He was also tireless in advocating for and implementing safety measures for firefighters such as thermal imaging cameras and hearing protection. Along with other members of the Department, Dale was also instrumental in bringing the World Police Fire Games to Calgary in 1997. Participating in bringing the Games to Calgary was one of the highlights of his career. Post retirement, Dale continued to be involved through the creation of the Firefighters Benevolent Society which exists to assist current and retired firefighters with expenses for any extraordinary medical needs they may have.
Outside of work, Dale was first and foremost, a devoted family man to his wife Leja, his daughters Rita and Allison, and his granddaughters Mackenzie-Anne and Taylor who were the pride and joy of his life. Together they enjoyed years of camping, hiking, skiing, travelling and many times together at the farm, almost always ending the day around a huge bonfire. Dale also loved gardening, barbequing, being a handyman and spending lots of time with family and friends. Dale’s faith was an integral part of his life, and he and Leja spent many years serving together at Rockyview Alliance Church. They also supported several missions organizations and had the opportunity to visit the country of Papua New Guinea where their good friends spent their life serving with Wycliffe Bible Translators. Dale quietly lived a consistent life of faith, always eager to help others and never hesitant to share the source of his hope and strength when asked.
Dale was loved deeply by his family and is survived by his wife Leja, his daughter Rita, his daughter Allison and her fiancé Gary, his granddaughter Mackenzie-Anne, and granddaughter Taylor and her fiancé Jacques. He will be missed more than words can express.
A Celebration of Dale’s Life will be held on Tuesday, July 9 at 2:00 pm at Foothills Alliance Church (333 Edgepark Blvd. NW Calgary, AB).
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Calgary Firefighter Benevolent Society or Wycliffe Bible Translators of Canada. Black attire is not necessary at the service.
** Please note:
Re-watch the Live stream recording of Dale’s Memorial Service here:
https://livestream.com/FoothillsAllianceChurch/events/8744203
Arrangements entrusted to Cochrane Country Funeral Home, Lawrence (Larry) Slywka, Funeral Director. Ph: 403-932-1039. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Dale Wayne Mackenzie, please visit our flower store.
It is with sad and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our much loved husband, dad, grandpa and friend, Dale, at the age of 77. On a beautiful summer day, Dale died peacefully in his sleep at his favorite place on earth; his family farm.
Dale was born on April 14, 1942 in Calgary, Alberta and was the only child of Eveline and Donald Mackenzie. Dale grew up on the family farm just outside of Cremona and spent his childhood years there. Upon entering high school, he met Leja Thompson and they married in September of 1961. Soon after marrying, Dale and Leja moved to Calgary where Dale joined the Calgary Fire Department at the age of 21 and was a proud serving member of the Department for 40 years until his retirement in 2002. Being a firefighter wasn’t just a job to Dale, it was a way of life. Beyond performing his duties, Dale also spent much of his time volunteering. In the early years he faithfully volunteered with the Firefighters Christmas Party for under privileged children, collecting, repairing and distributing toys. He was also instrumental in advocating for ambulances and firetrucks to be outfitted with stuffed animals for children who are present or injured during traumatic calls. He was also tireless in advocating for and implementing safety measures for firefighters such as thermal imaging cameras and hearing protection. Along with other members of the Department, Dale was also instrumental in bringing the World Police Fire Games to Calgary in 1997. Participating in bringing the Games to Calgary was one of the highlights of his career. Post retirement, Dale continued to be involved through the creation of the Firefighters Benevolent Society which exists to assist current and retired firefighters with expenses for any extraordinary medical needs they may have.
Outside of work, Dale was first and foremost, a devoted family man to his wife Leja, his daughters Rita and Allison, and his granddaughters Mackenzie-Anne and Taylor who were the pride and joy of his life. Together they enjoyed years of camping, hiking, skiing, travelling and many times together at the farm, almost always ending the day around a huge bonfire. Dale also loved gardening, barbequing, being a handyman and spending lots of time with family and friends. Dale’s faith was an integral part of his life, and he and Leja spent many years serving together at Rockyview Alliance Church. They also supported several missions organizations and had the opportunity to visit the country of Papua New Guinea where their good friends spent their life serving with Wycliffe Bible Translators. Dale quietly lived a consistent life of faith, always eager to help others and never hesitant to share the source of his hope and strength when asked.
Dale was loved deeply by his family and is survived by his wife Leja, his daughter Rita, his daughter Allison and her fiancé Gary, his granddaughter Mackenzie-Anne, and granddaughter Taylor and her fiancé Jacques. He will be missed more than words can express.
A Celebration of Dale’s Life will be held on Tuesday, July 9 at 2:00 pm at Foothills Alliance Church (333 Edgepark Blvd. NW Calgary, AB).
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Calgary Firefighter Benevolent Society or Wycliffe Bible Translators of Canada. Black attire is not necessary at the service.
** Please note:
Re-watch the Live stream recording of Dale’s Memorial Service here:
https://livestream.com/FoothillsAllianceChurch/events/8744203
Arrangements entrusted to Cochrane Country Funeral Home, Lawrence (Larry) Slywka, Funeral Director. Ph: 403-932-1039. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Dale Wayne Mackenzie, please visit our flower store.
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