Mr. Robert Gordon Dale

On Monday March 11, 2013 at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, K Wing. Loving and much loved husband to Mary (Babcock), devoted father of Rob (Rosemary) and John (Kate) and proud Grandad of Clarice, Victoria, George, Christopher, and Stephanie. Survived by his brother Geoffrey and his sister Mary. Born in Toronto on November 1, 1920. In 1939, after graduating from UTS, he entered Trinity College, University of Toronto, leaving before the end of the year to enlist in the RCAF and trained as a navigator. Over the course of World War II, he rose to the rank of Squadron Leader and flew multiple operation combat tours over Europe in Wellingtons and Mosquitos. His weather reconnaissance in the days leading up to the D-Day invasion was vital in finalizing the Allied Forces’ plans. Bob was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross in 1942, the Distinguished Service Order in 1944 and the Canadian Forces Decoration in 1956. Following the war, Bob spent his entire business career with Maple Leaf Mills, and after retirement served on the Board of Upper Lakes Group. He was a tireless volunteer on behalf of many charitable organizations including The Air Cadet League of Canada, Bloorview Children’s Hospital, Trinity College at the University of Toronto and Sunnybrook Hospital where he was a Board Member and recently Chair of the Veterans’ Advisory Committee. Bob also served ten years as an Aide de Camp to the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario. In May 2012 Trinity College recognized his contributions and conferred its Doctorate of Sacred Letters. A Service of Remembrance will take place at ST. CLEMENT’S ANGLICAN CHURCH, (Duplex Ave. at Briar Hill Ave.) on Monday March 18 at 11:00 am. Flowers gratefully declined. In remembrance donations may be made to The Air Cadet League of Canada, Post-Secondary Education Scholarship, Robert and Mary Dale Award, 66 Lisgar St. Ottawa, Ont. K2P-0C1.