Dale E. Creighton

January 16, 2017

Home Obituaries Dale E. Creighton

Dale Edward Creighton passed away peacefully at Highview Residences on Monday, January 16, 2017, surrounded by family at the age of 82 after a full and happy life of family, friends, business and philanthropy.  Beloved husband of 60 years to Marion (née Thompson).  Dearest father to Matthew Dale (Meaghan), Paul Lawrence (Kelly) and Lyndsey Lee Mitchinson and grandfather to Katharine Elizabeth, Sarah Elizabeth and Rachel Lynn Creighton; and Arielle Alexandria and Madison Brianne Mitchinson.  Born in London, Ontario on June 12, 1934 to Bert and Louise (Hope) Creighton, Dale was a gifted athlete in basketball, baseball and football.  In basketball, Dale was a team member of four City Championship teams; captained three and was a two-time All-Star and led the league twice in scoring. In baseball, Dale played first base, catcher, and outfield, and was a member of six Ontario Championship teams, including the London Majors and earned a try-out with the Pittsburgh Pirates.  During Dale’s football career at Central Collegiate High School, he played on 4 Conference Championship teams, 2 WOSSA Championship teams and was a three time all conference scoring leader.  Dale’s love for football continued at the University of Western Ontario where he was a standout fullback with the Mustangs in 1954, 1955 and in 1957 when the Mustangs went undefeated to win the Yates Cup.  Dale was twice named an Ontario University Athletics All-Star with the Mustangs and ORFU All-Star and MVP when he played with the Kitchener-Waterloo Dutchmen. Dale signed a professional contract with the Montreal Alouettes and retired from sports in 1959.  Dale’s life-long devotion to all things ‘Mustang’ continued off the field after his playing career.  In the 1980s, he assumed the role of presidency of Western’s W Club and oversaw many fund-raising projects for athletics, including the refurbishing of J.W. Little Memorial Stadium in 1983. Dale was involved again in 2000 to help raise funds for the development of the new TD Waterhouse Stadium.  In recognition for all his contributions to Western athletics and football, in particular, Dale was inducted into the Western’s W Club Sports Hall of Fame and Western Mustang Football Wall of Champions. After graduating from the University of Western Ontario in 1959, Dale joined London Life as a Group Sales representative. Dale held numerous positions of increasing responsibilities and, in 1989, was promoted to Executive Vice President, Operations.  In April of 1992, Dale was elected to the Board of Directors of London Life Insurance Company and the London Insurance Group and was named Deputy Chairman in 1994.  Dale also served as a Board Member of Pacific Western Credit (Versabank), the Life Insurance Marketing and Research Association (LIMRA), LIMRA Agency Officers Round Table, London YMCA-YWCA, and the London Branch of the Canadian Diabetes Association.  As significant as these achievements were, Dale’s first and foremost love was for his family.  He adored his high school sweetheart, Marion, and she was his confidante, a most trusted partner and, in the end, his voice and protector.  Dale was proud of each of his children and what they have, in turn, accomplished in their lives and communities.  Dale also watched his grandchildren become involved in their schools and communities through sports, as well as succeed academically, and was encouraged to know his philanthropic community involvement will continue into the next generation!  Dale’s death is a tremendous loss for us all; however his legacy of education, athletics, family, friendship and hard work will continue on as strong core values he introduced to his family and others. Dale will be sorely missed by his family and friends but forever in their hearts and memories.  The Creighton family would like to extend particular thanks to Dr. Andrew Kertesz, Darlyne Morlog, and Dr. Elizabeth Finger of the Cognitive Neurology Department at St. Joseph’s Hospital, as well as Angie at Strathmere Lodge and all the staff at Highview Residences who provided comfort and caring to both Dale and his family.  In lieu of flowers, donations would be gratefully received in Dale’s memory at Western University Athletics or Western University’s “Department of Clinical Neurological Services – Dr. Elizabeth Finger – FTD Research”.  A private family funeral was recently conducted.  A Celebration of Dale’s Life will be held at the London Hunt and Country Club, 1431 Oxford Street West, London on Saturday, January 28th, 2017 from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.

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Dale had always been a very significant part of my life with the London Life. We spent many interesting times together both in Canada and Asia, he was always there for me and our team. Dale was an amazing man with huge accomplishments. Our thoughts and prayers are with Marion and family

~ Dave and Carol Fisher

(Donated to Department of Clinical Neurological Services - Dr. Elizabeth Finger - FTD Research)

~ Gavin Shipp-Colter

(Donated to Department of Clinical Neurological Services - Dr. Elizabeth Finger - FTD Research)

~ AL and Doreen Robinson

(Donated to Department of Clinical Neurological Services - Dr. Elizabeth Finger - FTD Research)

~ Garry & Mary Thompson

(Donated to Department of Clinical Neurological Services - Dr. Elizabeth Finger - FTD Research)

~ VERSABANK (WAS PACIFIC & WESTERN BANK OF CANADA)

(Donated to Western University Athletics)

~ Leanne, Steve & Zachary Versteegen

(Donated to Department of Clinical Neurological Services - Dr. Elizabeth Finger - FTD Research)

~ John & Darlene Bailey

(Donated to Department of Clinical Neurological Services - Dr. Elizabeth Finger - FTD Research)

~ jim Durrell

(Donated to Department of Clinical Neurological Services - Dr. Elizabeth Finger - FTD Research)

~ Holly Innes

(Donated to Department of Clinical Neurological Services - Dr. Elizabeth Finger - FTD Research)

~ Kay and Bob Bailey

(Donated to Department of Clinical Neurological Services - Dr. Elizabeth Finger - FTD Research)

~ Carol and Ted Aziz

(Donated to Western University Athletics)

~ Marion Lockwood

(Donated to Department of Clinical Neurological Services - Dr. Elizabeth Finger - FTD Research)

~ Ken Crich

(Donated to Department of Clinical Neurological Services - Dr. Elizabeth Finger - FTD Research)

~ Bil and Audrey Sproule

(Donated to Department of Clinical Neurological Services - Dr. Elizabeth Finger - FTD Research)

~ Bill and Tina Liabotis

Marion, Matt, Paul and Lyndsey, On behalf of Karen and I we would like to offer our sincere condolences for the loss of your husband/father and grandfather Dale. My lifelong association with your family is a part of the fabric of my growing up in London. Dale was a "larger than life" guy to me. Few and far between. In my youth I always new he had my back. [which was comforting to know during those Oakridge arena days] Dale's accomplishments speak for themselves. His legacy will live on through notable hallowed halls, and likely most important to him through the continued proof in the family he and Marion created. His honest approachable character and thoughtful interest in my life will be remembered most by me. I feel lucky to have known him. He was someone I looked up to. I regret that Karen and I will be unable to get back to London in time for the celebration of Dale's life on Saturday. Particularly regretful because you were able to make the effort to be there for us under our own similar circumstances this past fall. I received the news of Dale's passing from my Mom on Wed. She assured me that there will be Potter's present on Saturday. Sincerely, Chris

~ Chris and Karen Potter

Marion: I'm very sorry to hear about Dale. My sympathy is with you and your family. Pat Dodson nee Drew - old friend.

~ Patricia Dodson

I was trained by Dale in 1968 ,when we had just joined LL. His passion ,commitment to make us all better was evident then as it was many years later . I 've been blessed in life and I'm thankful for the start that Dale gave me ; great lessons in perseverance . please accept my sincere sympathies and thanks for sharing him with us . Jim

~ jim Durrell

Our thoughts and prayers are with you Marion and family at this sad time. Dale will not only be missed by family but his many close friends. May wonderful memories give you strength in these difficult days.

~ Bill and Audrey Sproule

To Marion and family: Sincere sympathy for your loss. We hope the thoughts of your many friends will be of comfort to you. Dot and Dick

~ Richard and Dorothy Low

My sincere condonlences to Paul and his family at this difficult time.

~ Mary Helen Howarth

Our deepest sympathy go to the Creighton family for their loss of a beloved father

~ LHSC Auxiliary

Our heartfelt sympathy to all the family.

~ John & Vicki Millman

So sorry to hear about Dale's passing. Many great high school memories. Dale was a fantastic athlete and a wonderful teammate. Sincere condolences to the rest of the family. John

~ John Thomas

Marion and family, Our deepest sympathy, he was an inspirational friend, and never quiet, but very effective mentor! My joy was watching him play, without having to play against him....Dale was at his best beside Marion, and with the family: my treasured memories are of him during the best of times...it was tough watching his mental and physical decline. Our thoughts and prayers are with you (finally a chance to say a catholic prayer without his eyebrows rising!) John

~ John Nash

So sorry to hear of Dale's passing. I would like to send my condolences to Marion and Matt and the rest of the Creighton Family. I spent many hours working with Dale on his computer but I think I spent more time talking Mustang Football it was truly his first love outside of his Family. Dale you will be missed by many.

~ Gary Jubenville

From the staff at Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimer Research Unit at Parkwood Institute St. Joseph's Health Care we send our sincere condolences to the family of Mr. Dale Creighton. Dale is at peace now. May your memories give you peace and comfort. When someone you love becomes a memory the memory becomes a treasure. Matthew you were a great son and advocate to your father. God Bless you and the Creighton family.

~ kathy

I remember Dale as a dedicated and competent leader in our Florida community. Marion, I am thinking of you as you face the next phase of your life. You have been a wonderful caregiver and advocate for Dale. You have a new life ahead and deserve the best. Hurry back to Florida where many friends await your return and will be there for you in this transition. Hugs, Joan

~ Joan Toepfer

To my dear friends....the Creighton Family.. . Marcia and I would like to extend our condolences to the entire family on the passing of Mr Creighton. Mr. and Mrs. Creighton played a large role in making me feel at home in London while at school and beyond. Your warm wonderful Home was a pleasure to visit on winter Sunday afternoons. Mr Creighton served as an unknown, distant mentor for me as I forged my own career. I often thought of his classy prominemce wherever he would go. I have been unsuccessful in replicating neither his class not prominience but I will forever use Mr. Creighton as aS benchmark for just that. You will be missed by many and forgotten by no one. May you rest in peace knowing the wonderful legacy of family that carries your name. With respect and admiration. Todd and Marcia

~ Todd and Marcia Finlayson

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