DALE RICHARD JOSEPH LA CROIX

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DALE RICHARD JOSEPH LA CROIX It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, Papa and brother on Friday, May 20, 2011. Left to celebrate Dale's life are his cherished and beloved wife Lenore (nee Pluchinske); sons Blair (Nadine) and Scott (Kim); his very special angels Samantha, Joshua, Benjamin and Sophia; sister Arlene; uncle Bud; as well as many special family members and friends. He was predeceased by his father, George Richard, and mother, Elva. Dale was born on August 10, 1941 in Winnipeg. He grew up in Charleswood, except for a brief period when his family lived in Sturgeon Valley, Saskatchewan. In 1952 the family returned to Charleswood where he spent his youth. Dale attended Charleswood Collegiate where he met his high school sweetheart and the love of his life, Lenore. After dating for several years, he and Lenore were married on June 27, 1964. Together Dale and Lenore raised two exceptionally kind and considerate sons in Charleswood. They were both committed hockey parents. Dale was an avid baseball player for most of his life. He coached both his sons in baseball, as well as coached women's fastball and played men's fastball for decades. He also curled for many years. He was a quiet genius who loved nature photography, a vast range of reading, crosswords and a competitive game of chess and cribbage with family. Dale worked as a sales representative for various companies, notably Coca Cola, Pepsi and Hostess during his career. Over the last decade, Dale's greatest joy was being with his family and especially his grandchildren. He loved spending time drawing, playing board games and card games for hours with his angels. There was always a little treasure in Papa's pocket for his grandchildren and he spoiled them at every opportunity. On Thursday, May 26, 2011 Dale's Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. in the Charleswood United Church, 4820 Roblin Blvd. Our heartfelt thanks are extended to all the staff at St. Boniface Hospital who cared for Dale since Easter. The nurses and doctors can attest that his nature to kibitz with everyone he encountered was a constant until his last days with us. In lieu of flowers, donations in Dale's memory may be made to a charity of your choice. May you rest in peace; we miss you and will always love you. You were the best husband and father we could have hoped for. In our hearts we will carry with us your passionate commitment to your family, and your spirit lives on in us.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 25, 2011