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Dale Edward Estabrooks

October 25, 2019

Peacefully surrounded by family, at his residence, on Friday, October 25, 2019, Dale Edward Estabrooks, in his 79th year. Beloved husband of Gwen (née Tingley); they married on January 9, 1965 and had a long, love filled life together. Cherished father of Bruce (Joan) Estabrooks and Bryan (Pamela) Estabrooks, all of London. Very proud Poppa of Jen (Tim) Wilbee, Christie (Nick) Comly, Derek Estabrooks, all of London, and the late Todd Estabrooks (2004). Dear great-grandfather of Harry and Harvey Comly and Charlie and Hannah Wilbee. Missed by his siblings Malcolm ‘Mac’ (Mora) Estabrooks, of Brandon, Manitoba, Diana Estabrooks, of Sackville, New Brunswick and Ellerd Estabrooks (Pat), of Moncton, New Brunswick; and by his brother-in-law Bob Prosser. Predeceased by sister Joyce Prosser (2014). Dale joined the Royal Bank of Canada in 1960, and had a wonderful 45-year career. He was a dedicated family man, and adored his grand-puppy golden retrievers Bauer and Cooper. Dale was an avid tennis player, and spent his time enjoying the outdoors. A funeral service will be conducted at BYRON UNITED CHURCH, 420 Boler Road, London, on Monday, October 28, 2019 at 11:00 a.m., with visitation one hour prior. Interment at Woodland. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to make a donation in memory of Dale are asked to consider the Todd Estabrooks Memorial Football Scholarship (c/o Thames Valley Education Foundation) or a charity of your choice.

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We loved Uncle Dale and will always remember his distinct laugh, tennis prowess, and gentle demeanour. It was hard losing our mom, Uncle Dales' sister, to Alzheimer's and not a day goes by that we don't think about her. She left and instilled in us a sense of goodness to all. Dale shared these attributes as well. A quiet soul whose family meant the world to him. No one could ask for more - a family that is close and supports each other through tough times. Uncle had so much love that heaven will be full of joy. I fondly remember Uncle Dale through my youth and had the opportunity to see him three years ago in Ontario again on a brief visit from BC. I feel so happy I got to hug him one last time. Everyone has different views on death. I hope mom and Dale are together and spending time enjoying the many family pets that we all shared on this earth. If this is true, they will be warm and cozy with all the fur snuggles they will get. They will be busy looking over loved ones because this was something so vital to the two of them. Their family. I will miss this lovely person and will always hold his memory dear to my heart. I will talk to him often and hope to see him in my dreams. Be free from Alzheimer's Uncle and surround yourself with much love that I am sure you feel from everyone who knew you. I will remember you always. Sending our love to the family at this very difficult time. To Bryan and Auntie Gwen - I truly love you and send you many blessings. Strength to you both. All my Love Lisa, Steve and Jon Robbie Prosser-Watson xoxo

~ Lisa, Steve and Jon-Robbie

Gwen, Bruce, Joan, Bryan, Pam & Family Our thoughts & prayers are with you all during this sorrowful time. It never mattered whether you were related by blood or connected by fate, Dale's heart was so sincere & pure. His quiet unassuming nature left such an impact on our whole family since he came into our lives. His unselfish disposition & thoughtful demeanour always commanded the utmost respect. We'll miss our meals together Gwen. He will be missed by many, but forgotten by none. A true gentleman!

~ Ted & Lois Wilbee & family

I fondly remember Uncle Dale from my youth growing up in the Maritimes. Like his siblings, he had a strong work ethic, a fervent and unwavering devotion to his extended family and friends, and his community. He and the Estabrooks family taught me to laugh and have strength. This quiet strength, sense of humor, and kindness was infectious - anyone who has encountered Aunt Qwen, Bryan, Pam, Bruce and Joan, would say the same of them. I will truly miss you, Uncle Dale and I can only hope to learn from your example. God bless. Sincere condolences to the family.

~ Scott, Kath, & Callum Prosser

Gwen. I am so sorry that Dale has passed away. I worked with him at the Royal Bank for a short time and he was such a special person. Then I got to meet you at your graduation from Waterloo when our oldest son was graduating. Dale was a very sensitive and kind man with a quiet sense of strength. He also made us laugh quite often which certainly added to our day. Sincere condolences to the whole family. Ben and Jan Gardiner

~ Janice Gardiner

Our most heartfelt condolences to you all. May many wonderful memories of Dale help to comfort you during this difficult time. I will always cherish memories of Uncle Dale and summers spent at the Cape with all of the Estabrooks and Prosser families enjoying the beach together. Uncle Dale will be greatly missed for his kind heart and deep love for his family. Blessings and peace. Much love, Kim, Terry and Leigh

~ Kim, Terry and Leigh

Fond memories of many tennis matches with Dale. Sad to hear this news at any time but especially when we're in Portugal. Condolences to all the family.

~ Bill Rothwell

Fond memories of many tennis matches with Dale. Sad to hear this news at any time but especially when we're in Portugal. Condolences to all the family.

~ Bill Rothwell

Dear Gwen and the rest of our Estabrooks Family, Brock and I were very sorry to learn of Dale's passing. Dale was always a quiet presence at all of the special family times together. He was a strong example of fatherly love and devotion. He always made me smile when I would see him walking his grand dog in the neighborhood and I would pull over to say "hi" or just give a quick honk and a wave. It was hard to know if Cooper or Dale was smiling more .Gwen, we are especially thinking of you and wish we could be with you tomorrow. I look forward to having a cup of tea and sharing some memories in the weeks to come. Know that you will always be surrounded by love. Hugs to all of you. Pam & Brock

~ Brock and Pam

Dearest Gwen and family, I am so sorry for your loss. My memories of Dale are all fond ones - a compassionate, caring, energetic, devoted family man who always had a smile on his face. The care that your family provided to Dale throughout his illness was no doubt challenging at times but so selflessly compassionate and beautiful. Mother Teresa said that "it is not how much you do, but how much love you put in the doing". Much love to you all as you honor a life well lived. Love and Hugs to you all, Diana, David, Haley and Megan

~ Diana, David, Haley and Megan Prosser/Lewis

Dear Gwen: We wanted to express our condolences to you and your family. We always enjoyed talking to you and Dale on theatre nights. We miss the two of you sitting in the row behind us. Such a serene gentleman with a wonderful droll wit. Please accept our deepest sympathy. David and Mary Jane

~ David and Mary Jane Cowan

Dear Gwen and family, So very sorry to hear of Dale's passing. Our thoughts are with you and we are thinking of all the wonderful times your family shared baseball fields with us. We will cherish those memories. Dale will be sadly missed. Our sincere condolences.

~ Gordon and Cathy Jenion

I was saddened to hear of Dale's passing and would like to pass on my condolences to his wonderful family. Dale and I played tennis together in the past and I would often visit with him at Byron Southwood school where he would be supporting his grandchildren's education and sporting events. Dale will be missed by all who knew him.

~ Guy Hewlin

(Donated to Todd Estabrooks Memorial Football Scholarship)

~ Lisa, Steve and Jon-Robbie

(Donated to Todd Estabrooks Memorial Football Scholarship)

~ Ron & Christine Flannigan

(Donated to Todd Estabrooks Memorial Football Scholarship)

~ Phil Harris

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Todd Estabrooks Memorial Football Scholarship

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