DENNIS JOHN CALE

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DENNIS JOHN CALE

It is with deep sorrow and much love that we mourn the passing of our father, grandfather, great-grandfather and husband, Dennis John Cale on January 8, 2023.
He will be deeply missed by his loving wife Joanne; children, Scott (Liz), Darren (Wanda) and Sharalyn (Greg); grandchildren Laura (Neil), Graham, Natalie, Nolan, Wilson, Davin (Erin) and Ashley; great-grandchildren, Dawson, Margot, Elijah, Scarlett, and Hayden.
Dad was born on April 27, 1937 to Robert and Jessie Cale in Antler, Saskatchewan. The family soon moved to Oxbow, Saskatchewan where Dad spent an adventurous childhood exploring the foothills of Oxbow. Dad often reflected on Oxbow throughout the years, with fond memories of his parents and growing up in the community.
Perhaps Dad's fondest memories of Oxbow were rooted in the fact that he met the love of his life there, wife Joanne, who Dad affectionately called "Jo". He was just 17, and Mom 14 when they first met – Dad in Cadets, completing high school, when Mom rolled into town from the farm to attend boarding school. After their courtship, Dad and Mom married in 1958, and enjoyed 64 years of marriage and partnership.
Many people may not know that Dad's initial dream as a young man was to be a pilot. As he set out to explore that field, it turned out it was not meant to be....., (unknown to him), was colour blind and possibly a little too immature (known to most) at that stage of his life to be behind the controls of an aircraft, either way this career path came to a halt.
Always resilient and tenacious, Dad had another trick up his sleeve, and decided to move to Winnipeg to join the apprenticeship program with Canadian National Railway as a Car Man. Dad was always good with his hands, and carpentry was a natural fit. His craftmanship was evident over the years with the many projects he embarked on at home and at the cabin.
In addition to carpentry, Dad also had a knack for numbers which lead him on a new career path to the accounting department at Continental Can. Always the go-getter, in his spare time Dad also opened a mini golf course and became a driving instructor to make extra money. There were never enough hours in the day for his ambitions.
In the mid 1960's, Dad met Monty Lomow, of Manufacturers Life Insurance Company, a meeting and relationship that would change the course of Dad's professional career. Monty convinced Dad to try his hand at selling life insurance. Dad was a people person, who could communicate and network with everyone. He had an incredible work ethic and through his hard work and commitment, quickly became one of the top salespersons in Canada.
Through his entrepreneurial spirt and his ability to understand the true needs of his clients, he started an independent brokerage service, providing annuities to both institutions and the public. Dad was a trail blazer and built a network of independent advisors across Canada - Annuity Quotations was born. Dad continued to provide solutions to clients as his company grew into AQ Financial Group and eventually joining Assante Wealth Management. Dad's objectives and focus never changed from the moment he entered the financial industry and it was simple...provide his clients solutions based on knowledge, trust and integrity.
It was around the time that Dad's career took off in the financial world that he and Mom welcomed their three children; sons Scott and Darren, and daughter Sharalyn. Dad was incredibly proud of his boys, particularly when both sons joined him in his financial business. The three of them had a very unique bond and they worked as a team to deliver exceptional client services, always founded on the principles he had established. Dad would often share how incredibly proud and lucky he was to work with his sons.
In addition to his sons, Dad had a special relationship with his daughter, Sharie, who was the apple of her father's eye. He would light up when Sharie walked into the room, or when anyone mentioned his beautiful daughter. Dad would be overjoyed with pride and love when watching Sharie sing. Dad was particularly thrilled when Sharie and Greg moved into Woodhaven, just five minutes from where he and Mom lived; it was great to have them so close.
Dad held a very special place in the hearts of his daughters-in-law and son-in-law; Liz, Wanda and Greg. He was a father to all of them and loved them as if they were his own.
Outside of his career and family, Dad had many interests and belonged to many organizations. He had a passion for curling and was the past President of Assiniboine Memorial Curling Club; he loved the many years of bonspieling and camaraderie. Attending an annual bonspiel with his sons (including his third "curling son" Scott Cockrell) was the highlight of the year. Wherever they went (Falcon Lake, Grand Forks, Hibbing), Dad made friends along the way. Being a true Winnipegger, the MCA was an annual ritual, and winning an event was one of his happiest and proudest curling moments.
Dad was attracted to friendships and fellowship; he was active in the Masonic Lodge and at one time, a Shriner. He loved his presidency and fellowship with the Gyro Club of Winnipeg, where he met some of his lifelong friends.
Dad fell in love with Sturgeon Creek and was so happy to raise his family on Valleyview Drive in Heritage Park, with an eventual move to the Woodhaven Park Condominiums on his beloved creek. He advocated strongly in front of city hall and was one main reason that the Woodhaven Park Condominium was built. We are very grateful that Dad was able to fulfill one of his wishes which was to remain in his condo with Mom.
Dad's greatest interest and love outside of work and family was the cabin at West Hawk Lake. Mom and Dad purchased the cabin in 1979 and it underwent upgrades and renovations throughout the years. As his adored grandchildren started to arrive on the scene, it provided the perfect opportunity to embark on new projects for Dad – building playhouses and play structures and ensuring that all the kids were set up to enjoy and cherish the lake as much as he did. Dad's greatest joy was when the entire family would be at the lake, enjoying what he had worked so hard to deliver for them.
Some of Dad's most special relationships and friendships came from West Hawk Lake. There were so many families and friends that were such a special part of life at the lake. He loved everyone and treated everyone the same, regardless of title or position; he engaged on a personal level with everyone. There were many festivities and laughs, hosted by Dad at "Cale's Corner"; he was often blamed, and deservingly so, for keeping his friends up all night. Dad loved people and Dad loved life – his humour and smile were infectious, and he was loved by so many.
The family is so happy that Dad was able to enjoy the lake this past summer and into early fall; still shouting from dock to dock, and still enjoying his after-dinner pontoon rides. We will miss him getting his cup of coffee in the morning and planning out the projects for the day; we'll miss him sitting in his favourite spots, enjoying a cold beer and listening to Pink Floyd. We'll miss his silly jokes and sayings, but we still quote them, and will for years to come.
We will so miss his presence at the lake and will be proud to honour his legacy there as our families grow. This would make Dad the happiest and will be our greatest gift to him.
Dad will be missed in a very deep way but celebrated forever.
In keeping with his wishes, a private family service will be held in the summer.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to CancerCare Manitoba, the Grace Hospital Foundation or the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba.

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 25, 2023