(Margaret) Dale Merrithew
July 1, 1930 – Sept 5, 2013
Dale passed peacefully at her home several months after suffering a heart attack. She was born in Vancouver BC the youngest daughter of Thomas and Phyllis Stewart (Edgell).
Dale is survived by her husband of 59 years Bruce, daughters Ann (Kent Allen) and Cathy (Gordon McColl), Granddaughter Maranda Allen (Qing Song Li) and Grandson Garrett Allen (Campbell River BC). Sister Ann Mary Franzen, nephews Mark Franzen (Karen) and Scott Franzen (Julie) (Washington State). Cousin Alison Currie (Australia). Her walking partner “Kaos.” Also long time friend & “Sistah” Bunny Meikle (Vancouver BC).
Mom grew up in both Vancouver and Point Roberts (Boundary Bay) Washington. A graduate of Magee High School she also attended Crofton House School and Sprott Shaw College which was owned by her Grandparents RJ and Anna Sprott. They introduced her to boating aboard their boat the Cleodoxa. She worked in Vancouver as a stenographer in the Marine Building before marrying Bruce in 1954 and moving to Comox BC. In 1961 they settled in Campbell River. Mom began work as a Kindergarten Teachers Assistant spending many years at the little school house on Larwood Road. Mom also worked at Discovery Press in the printing division.
Always on the go Mom was a member of the Ripple Rock Power Squadron, the Campbell River Yacht Club and an Honorary Life Member of the Campbell River Dog Fanciers. She so enjoyed walking her dogs on the seawalk.
Dale loved salt water fishing, having aced Mike Rippingale’s fishing course (more than once) and camping travelling across Canada and the USA. She and Bruce also travelled to Alaska in their camper van. They cruised up and down the inside passage and neighboring islands aboard their boat the Merrilee ll sharing many “happy hours” with their fellow boaters. She had a quick wit and loved to laugh. Being of Scotch/Irish descent she tackled everything head on including her health challenges.
Special thanks to the Campbell River Home Care nurses (especially Barb and Marlene) for the exceptional care. Dr Sullivan, Dr Booth, Dr Hargraves, Dr Phillips, Nanaimo Kidney Care staff, Jackie (Diabetes Education Center) and all the Home Support workers who helped us keep Mom comfortable.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to: The Canadian Diabetes Association or The Kidney Foundation of Canada or The Heart & Stroke Foundation.
At Dale’s request there will be no service. We will be having a get together at a later date.
We are adrift without our anchor…”Tight Lines” Ma… “Tight Lines”.