Gordon Albert Dale

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Gordon Dale of Richmond, BC.  Gordon, aged 69, is predeceased by his parents Albert Dale and Margaret Chinn.

Gord is greatly missed by his wife, Sheryll Dale.  He leaves behind his stepmother Suzanne Dale, sisters Nadine Ellis and Karen Collins and a large family of brothers and sisters in-law and nieces and nephews.

Gord was born in Ontario, where he spent his youth and early adulthood and from where he still has a connection to family and childhood friends.  He graduated from Centennial College as an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer.  He left Ontario around 1980 to pursue his career as an AME, first with Page Petroleum in Calgary and then in Victoria where he worked for Victoria Air Maintenance.  It was during this time that he worked on “warbirds” and had the opportunity to travel to various airshows such as Reno Air races and the Abbotsford Airshow as a crew member.

After meeting his wife, Sheryll, through mutual friends, Gord moved to Richmond. BC.  He was hired as an apprentice in rotary wing at Capital helicopters.  He completed what he called “his ticket to the bush” and spent the next few years with terms in northern BC and Canada.  He worked out of locations such as Norman Wells, Fort Simpson, Fort Liard, Fort Smith as well as Burns Lake, Vanderhoof and Prince George.

Gord returned locally and was with Vancouver Helicopters.  He enjoyed this company’s camaraderie plus the variety of assignments.  The helicopters he worked on included those for the Grouse Mountain helicopter rides, powerline checks, the R22 traffic helicopter and the part he enjoyed most, movie work.  Gord loved the variety and the challenge of getting a job done safely and successfully.

Gord next was employed by Heli jet for eight years.  This kept him close to home, but the shift hours were difficult.

Gord completed a short international tour when he travelled to Nigeria for Canadian Helicopters International in the summer of 2005.  He had a lot of interesting experiences in the 3 months he was there, which he often reflected on.

In September 2005, Gord was hired at LAS where he worked until his retirement in 2020.  During this time, he was proud to say that he was part of a team that introduced the Agusta Westland AW139 helicopter to London Air and Canada. 

Gord was extremely knowledgeable in all facets of his work and his leisure activities.  He went 150% into everything he pursued.  He represented Canada in Shooting sports at the 1999 World Cup in Munich, Germany.  He loved fishing, photography, RC flying and since COVID, has taken an interest in philately.

Anyone who met Gord would appreciate his knowledge and interest in a wide variety of topics.  He was a teacher to young AME’s and a mentor to his nephews and nieces.

Gord was diagnosed with Interstitial pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) in 2018.  Since then, it has been a long road, but he rarely complained, and he never gave up and kept a positive attitude until the very end.

To remember Gord, we are holding a celebration of life in September. Email: Gordcelebration23@gmail.com for more details.  Flowers are gratefully declined.  Donations in Gord’s name can be made to Dr. Christopher Ryerson, Research, Providence Foundation, St Paul’s Hospital, 1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1Y6, to aid in a cure for this relentless disease.

“Death is the golden key that opens the palace of eternity.”  John Milton.