It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our father, Dale Melvin Wilms on Friday, November 4th, 2022 at the Cypress Regional Hospital. A beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, friend and neighbour. He leaves behind his beloved wife, Cora, and their children Lane (Brenda), Laird (Sharon), Darwyn (Ila) and Darren (Lori). He will be forever cherished by his 10 grandchildren, Carolyn, Cortney, Derek, Misty, Jason, Amy, Robyn, Briana, Madison and Karter, his 16 great-grandchildren, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and in-laws. Dale was predeceased by his parents, Harm and Anna Wilms, brothers Raymond Wilms and Glenn Wilms, his sister Evelyn Williamson, twin sister Darlene Wilms in infancy; sister-in-laws Ruth Wilms and Hazel Wilms, nephews James Wilms and Lawrence Wilms. Dale was the youngest of four children, born on August 18, 1931 on the family homestead just north of where they live now. He completed his education to Grade 12 at Elmwood School in Swift Current. In his youth he worked at the theatre and developed a passion for vintage movies and enjoyed them his entire life. His generation grew up with music and dancing. Although he had no formal music instruction he could play instruments by ear and could cut a rug on the dance floor. Dad was an intelligent gentle man that loved conversation and had an infectious personality. One of Dad’s first jobs was working in the Round House for the CPR. He loved to tell us the stories of those good old days. On April 20th, 1954 Dale married the love of his life, Cora Rebman. They lived in Swift Current for the first years of their marriage, eventually moving out to the farm to raise their family and pursue their dreams. Dad had a love for animals. He was a modern-day grizzly Adams with animals big and small following him around the farm yard. Dale was well-known in the cattle industry for his registered Polled Herefords known as Emerald Springs Polled Herefords. Dale took great pride in raising the animals and selling many bulls at the bull sale in Swift Current and at Agribition. Dale was a lifetime member of the Hereford Association, as well as serving on the Board of Directors of the Hereford Association. He was a councillor in the RM of Swift Current for many years. When Dale and Cora started their “Golden Years” they enjoyed going on many bus tours, visiting casinos in Deadwood, Sky Dancer, Las Vegas and they also went on an Alaskan Cruise. They enjoyed travelling with their dear friends, Bill & Jeanine Robertson, Fred & Ann Borzel and Reg & Beth Parsons. Dad got his wish to remain on the family farm for 91 years. He passed away peacefully surrounded by family on November 4, 2022 after being hospitalized for a very short 2 weeks. The family would like to thank the nursing staff at the Cypress Regional Hospital, Dr. Bakare, Dr Lund and Dr. Bani for their care of dad while he was a patient there. At Dale’s request there will be no formal funeral.
Warren’s Funeral Home is entrusted with the arrangements. Donations may be made to The Keith Gilmore Foundation, 5160 Skyline Way N.E., Calgary AB T2E 6V1 in memory of Dale. Arrangements entrusted to Warren's Funeral Home. For further information please call 1-306-773-8831 or 1-800-267-6606, or visit our website at www.warrensfuneralhome.com and express your sympathy to family members on the tribute wall.