The Sisters and Brothers of Division 747 want to express our deepest sympathy to the Pringle family. I will share a message I sent Dale before he passed:
Dale Dunn
Local Chairman LE
TCRC Division 747
Toronto
An Uncanny Bond
Dale,
I just wanted you to know that your Brothers and Sisters at 747 are thinking about you as get closer to the home terminal. I remember the only trip we worked together as Jimmy took the trip off, and two Dale’s working on a train is something you don’t forget. We had a great trip talking about our respective railways before Via and the reason we were now sitting together going through some quite southern Ontario farmland. Popcorn, I believe before Glencoe because that was a tradition. Two engineers, two generations but a similar story that we shared. Railroaders are a funny bunch, a total clash of personalities and opinions but stick together.
An uncanny bond because of the craziness, drama and trauma we all collectively share. So know as you journey towards what awaits all of us is that we are with you in spirit and our thoughts. Thank you Brother.
Safe travels.
Obituary Overview
In Memory of Dale
Surrounded by love, Dale peacefully followed the guiding light of
God’s Lighthouse into the eternal shore, on November 4, 2020 at
4:53pm. Loving husband, for 10 adventure-filled years; soul mate and
best friend to Colleen: OTB4EVER. Fun-loving and awesome
inspiring dad to Daniel (Ashley), Meagan (Justin) and Ivy. Adoring
and joke-telling son to Wilfrid (predeceased Feb 2020) and
Ardath.Smile producing and hug giving brother to Donna (Nancy); Pat
(Linda); Helen (Bryan); Jill (Dave); and June. Storytelling and
laughter making uncle to Jeff (Emily); Sherri (Walid); Leanne; Kyle;
Jenna (Kerry); Erika “Shauna”; Ryan; Erin; and Jason.
Affectionate and silly grandpa to David, Logan, Ella, and Amelia.
Wonder-filled great uncle to Cole, Taliya, Paige, Zayn, and Keyan.
Brother in Faith to Islington United Church (Toronto), and
congregants of Glenwood United Church (Windsor) and Wesley Mimico
United Church (Toronto). Soul sharing and loyal friend to many far
and wide: Australia, Netherlands, Wales, Newfoundland, Nova Scotia,
New Brunswick, Florida, Maryland, Arizona, Georgia, Kentucky,
Indiana, California, and of course, all throughout Ontario.
Dale enjoyed a 38-year career as a Locomotive Engineer with CN Rail,
GO Transit and VIA Rail.
He loved words and wrote to “Ms. J” daily for the last 18 years.
He stumbled into community theatre in 2001, performed in 17
productions and acquired a total of 7 acting awards.
Dale was diagnosed with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis on December 9,
2013. He received a double lung transplant on November 15, 2019 at
Toronto General Hospital. He received news of chronic rejection on
September 12, 2020 and after 5 weeks in hospital chose to return
home to spend his remaining days surrounded by family and loved
ones.
On Wednesday, November 4, 2020 Dale expressed that he was Going Home
to see his Dad (Wilfrid). He passed away peacefully with Colleen,
Ivy, Meagan and James surrounding him in loving embrace.
Dale was so grateful for the all the support given throughout his
journey. Gratitude overflowed for the many amazing people at Toronto
General Hospital who walked with us through the last 7 years.
To the doctors: Dr. S. Shapera; Dr. J. Moric, Dr. J. Tikkanen; Dr.
Granton; Dr. Natalia Belousova; Dr. Olivia Diaz; Dr. Chapparo; Dr.
S. Juvet; Dr. J. Fernandez; the Nurse Practitioners: Ambily and
Susan; and the rest of the Lung Transplant Team.
To the amazing coordinators, Pre and Post Transplant: Sherry Young;
Charlotte Picart; Meny Davies; and Risha Nulud.
To the Palliative Team: Dr. Hansen; Lisa (RNP)
To the Pulmonary Function Technicians: Joyce; Gabriella; Shawn and
the team.
To the Respiratory Rehabilitation Team: Lisa, Chaya, and Denise.
To the Respiratory and Physiotherapists: Vince, Megan,
To all the nurses: too many to name from the MSICU, Units 7A and 6B.
To all the Personal Care Team members of Units 7A and 6B.
To all the Outpatient Transplant Pharmacy Team.
To the Spiritual Care Practitioner: Stephan
To the Lung Transplant Social Worker: Paul Rivers
To all the Food Service, Environmental Services, Porters, and
“behind the scenes” employees who, without them, the hospital would
not run as smoothly.
The Pringle family will be eternally grateful for the donor lungs
Dale received. The donation gave Dale and us more time to share with
one another. This would not have been possible without this generous
gift.
Dale was also immensely grateful for the many professionals who
supported him at home:
Palliative Nurse Allie Rowe; Dr. Tim Salter; PSW’s: Kathy, Ophelia,
Alma, and Jose; and, Dr. Helen Pyle.
The Care Coordinator for the LHIN, Alison Powell. The staff team at
The Centre for Pulmonary Rehabilitation (Oxygen provider): Billy,
Joyson, and Amy.
Dale chose a casket that will allow friends and family to write on
it. If you attend the visitation, you will have the option to
include a message to go with him. Also, you could write a personal
message/letter, placed in a card or envelope to be added into his
casket with him. If you are unable to attend, messages of love can
be sent to his wife Colleen to be included at the time of burial in
the Spring of 2021.
Friends will be received at DODSWORTH & BROWN FUNERAL HOME, 2241 New
St (at Drury Lane) Monday from 2-4 & 7-9 pm. In lieu of flowers,
please consider a donation to Toronto General Hospital -Lung
Transplant Program or Trillium Gift of Life Network.
He lived big. He loved big.
Dale expressed to loved ones, that: “Tears are Liquid Love”.
He was loved. He was love.