Obituary of Dale Alvin Atwood

On January 15th, 2025, Dale Alvin Atwood retired from a long battle with cancer, beating his initial prognosis by a year and a half. This tenacity is a testament to the man many knew and loved; Dale was a man of grit and resourcefulness. He lived life on his own terms, a trapper, an inventor, and a member of the armed forces who was honourably discharged. He carried a no-nonsense approach to the world. Dale was at home in the wilderness - an unconventional friend of eagles, ravens, and squirrels. Beneath this disposition, he was a poetic character who found companionship in his wife, Vicki Atwood, who served as his anchor.

 

Dale was born at St. Eugene Hospital, in Cranbrook B.C., on June 30th 1957, to his parents Fay and Bea Atwood. Dale wore many hats in his lifetime: fish technician, harp player, logger, butcher, and pool shark. He was an avid fisherman, an excellent marksman, and one of his favourite pastimes was cracking a cold one and bullshittin’ with his buddies.

 

Dale’s greatest love and pride, however, was in the people he shared his life with—his family. He is survived by his loving wife, Vicki, who was his rock. Together, they built a life full of priceless stories. Dale was the proud father of Alicia Atwood, Cheyenne Atwood (William), Selena Atwood, Cody Lee Atwood (Braiden), and his only boy, Dayton Levi Atwood. He shared a special bond with his brothers, Gerry Atwood (Raelene) and Alan Atwood (Cindy), spending countless hours hunting, fishing, and trading stories around the fire. Dale is also survived by his cousins, nieces, nephews, and grandchildren. Dale is reunited with his parents and his daughter, Alicia, whom he spoke of often and dearly.

 

Dale left behind more than memories; he showed us what it meant to live life according to our own creed. His slogan was “work hard, dream big.” He taught us to never give up in every sense of the word. He found comfort in family recipes that were passed down through the Atwood line. As a Boy Scout leader at the highest level, Dale passed on valuable skills to children, including the art of tying their own flies — a skill that required patience and steady hands. This skill was displayed on his collection of hats and jackets. Dale’s humour was an acquired taste, but it had a way of getting the whole room laughing. His long winded, yet undeniably hilarious, stories were collected over a lifetime, and were impossible to escape in any conversation.

 

Dale’s family and friends will remember him as a larger-than-life and commanding presence who was, nevertheless, sensitive and a lover of beauty. Immediate family will be holding a private ceremony in the summer that reflects his passions and character. Details will be provided closer to the date.