Richard Dale Jenkins
October 25, 1932 - November 11, 2024
In Loving Memory
Richard “Dale” Jenkins
On November 11, 2024, (Richard) Dale Jenkins breathed his last and joined his forever love, Marion, who was waiting for him with arms wide open, at heaven’s gate. They now dance together in eternity.
Born October 25, 1932, in Rush Lake, SK, to Mary (Spenst) (whom he dearly loved and spoke of with great affection) and Arthur Jenkins, Dale was a man of many skills. He loved playing hockey in his youth, and shared many tales of farming with his brother-in-law, Steen, near Dawson Creek….”the land where the mighty Peace and Beaton Rivers meet”. Over the years his life took many twists and turns, which included numerous reinventions. He loved to share stories (“…..if you don’t interrupt me, I’ll take you on a journey…”) of his many careers and where they took him. Some successfully…and some not so much. He was always honest when discussing his failures, both personal and business, and what he learned from them. Because of his experiences, he was a cheerleader for his kids and grandchildren, giving advice when asked for….and even when not! He celebrated in their successes and never judged in the losses, having had them himself.
In 1984, he met his forever love, Marion Robertson. Each having two failed marriages, they came together with baggage and adult kids. The dominating common factors were a love that would not be denied and that they could overcome anything, and they did. Over the next 34 years they welcomed each other’s children, in-laws and granbabies. They owned a successful furniture store in Vancouver and built their dream home (Back of the Moon) on Okanagan Lake where summers were filled with the love and laughter of many children, tube rides, waterskiing, and amazing meals created! Those memories will carry on through us to our children, granbabies and great-granbabies.
Unfortunately, life isn’t all sunshine and roses. Mom spent many years in declining health and passed away in November, 2018. Dad was her constant companion and care-giver. While shell-shocked (“I was supposed to go first!”), dad managed to find some joy the years following her passing. His passion for the Canucks definitely helped. He came to rely on the friendships he had at Sandalwood, particularly Inge, who helped him so much in his last few months. Then early this fall brought the death of his youngest daughter, Theresa (Kissy) Merslack. Having been his support and touchstone for so many years, this loss was one his heart or body couldn’t recover from. We know that he now is wrapped in the arms of mom, Kissy and our Good Lord Jesus (dad would eye roll at that), and is, finally……at peace at last!
Dale was also predeceased by his parents, his sisters, Audrey and Kit, his brothers Gerald (the man he respected most), Dennis, and the brother who shall not be named (Alan). He is survived by his children, Steven Jenkins (Tanya), Laura Whitney (Drew), Marjorie Seaman (Rick), Stephan Bednarick (Colleen), and Roberta (Bird) Nixon (James), numerous grandchildren and great-granbabies. He also leaves nephews and nieces who respected him as the patriarch of the family.
A private graveside service will take place at Kelowna Memorial Park Cemetery on Thursday November 21st, when we will unite him once again with mom.
Arrangements entrusted to
Cypress Funeral & Cremation Services 250-766-4400
Condolences may be expressed to the family by phone or email through Cypress Funeral & Cremation Services:
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Comments: 4
To the families of Dale Jenkins
Each life is touched by others. With some, the touch is warm and loving and lingers forever. That is how Dale touched many; especially his beloved Marion. While you are mourning his loss; others are rejoicing to meet him behind the veil.
Love,
Sandra Newton
Richard Dale Darling & Marion have always been favourites of ours for their warmth, love and incredible hospitality.
We could count on Dale to share his wisdom and experience with us. For several years the couple lived in our backyard of Vancouver and we had wonderful get togethers over dinners, birthdays. and celebrations. One fun event was a ‘Murder Mystery’ evening. We enjoyed visiting at Back of the Moon
and Whilden where we felt so incredibly pampered. We sure miss the days of climbing into crisp white sheets, sipping on wine from their home made wine stores and choosing a DVD from an extensive collection. It is with sadness these days have come to a close. Our condolences to our cousins and family.
May the God of all comfort be with you.
Love Glen & Debbie
We are sending our deepest condolences and love to the family members of Dale Jenkins.
Dale was a kind hearted and steadfast man who along with his lovely soulmate Marion , were like adopted God parents to me. As an only child, this was very special to me. I had first met Dale when I was just a kid and he and my father worked together as colleagues and later as business partners for a time in the furniture industry in Vernon before Dale and Marion later moved to Vancouver. He was always supportive and willing to give his thoughts to help encourage me during my youth.
I will always have fond memories of Dale & Marion’s kindness and they even welcomed me to live with them in Vancouver when I moved there for a new work opportunity in my early 20’s and knew no one. We had lots of laughs and fun during that time! This helped me gain confidence as well and to venture onward. They were also close and dear friends with my parents and we enjoyed getting together when in town.
When I got married, Dale and Marion again suggested we spend a few nights of our honeymoon at “Back of the Moon” which we did and loved! When our children were born, they shared in the pride we felt and always asked about Victoria and William as they grew.
Dale loved his family and friends, and no doubt will enjoy the warm welcome of those he loved waiting there but especially to finally hold and dance with his beloved Marion.
God Bless and love from the Gardner Family
Winnipeg , Manitoba
We met Dale in 1979 when we moved to Vernon. Dale and I sold furniture at Winman’s . We then had an opportunity to open Polson Place Furniture (PPF). Marion did our advertising and Dale soon realized that she was a “keeper” and I agreed!! We had some great times together – especially the fishing trips at the coast. Dale would always stop and buy fish on the way home as he rarely caught any fish from the boat!
Dale and Marion were like a second set of “parents” to our daughter – Roberta. We so much appreciated that especially when she lived in Vancouver.
Dale was a very special person. He loved his family and friends dearly . He will be in our hearts forever and never forgotten.
Our deepest sympathy to the Jenkins and Bednarick families.
God Bless and All Our Love,
Ian & Barb