Dale Drever

dear darlene & family,
i was truly saddened to hear via edmonton that dale had passed away. i have some very clear memories of both dale and yourself being the best neighbours i ever had in edmonton! i remember dale's sense of humour, his art, his wonderful gardens and the good energy that flowed through your home. i am sure that the two of you influenced leah to become a dog lover forever. dale was a true renaissance man and i remember him talking authors to ari many times. i am thinking of you, darlene, with lots of loving friendliness.
carole mcgowan, nanaimo, bc

Dale Drever was my art teacher at Scona for grades 11 and 12. He was a great influence on many of us who took his class. I continued on and took an art & design degree and an education degree. I recall riding my bicycle over to your house to visit with Mr. Drever because he was so well liked by his students. I know several other students of his that also went on in art and it is with much appreciation for all he taught and shared with us.

Dear Darlene & family:
I am so sorry for your sudden loss. I do remember Dale at Scona in the Art Dept, and knowing you at Harry Ainlay during my time working there.
My deepest Sympathy and Prayers at this sad time.

Our connection to Dale and his family goes back to the days when my mom, Vera (Large) Van Oerle attended Camrose Normal School with Dale's mom, Luella (Bird) Drever. Little did our mothers imagine that Dale would become my true and loyal friend throughout high school and our four years at U or A. The fourth year was a great year as Dale and I were in most of the same classes so we could count on having a few laughs if we both happened to attend on the same day or could lend each other notes if one of us "had" to miss a class.

Although I had the opportunity to meet you only once, Darlene, I can see you both so vividly in my mind that day. Dale was so proud to introduce you to me at one of the infamous Grey Cup festivities held shortly after you were married. You both looked so happy to be together.

Years later, I was so pleased when my daughter, Maureen, told me that Mr. Drever would be her Art 10 teacher. He was the finest teacher she has ever had as you can tell when you read the tribute she has written today.

To me, Dale will always be the Master of Wit and Quick Retort and his name will always be synonymous with fun, laughter and a wicked sense of humour.

My heart goes out to you, Darlene, to Dale's mom, Mrs. Drever, and to Mona, Marilyn, Kent and your families. I know how much you will miss Dale. He was one of a kind. He will live on in the memories of so many people who have had the privilege to know him, to love him and to laugh with him.

May he and his dad be happily riding horses together again in the great beyond.

Dear Darlene:
a small group of ex Ainlayites meet weekly for coffee and last week I learned from Maxine Newbold of Dale's sudden death. Having recently lost my husband I know what you are going through and my heart just goes out to you. My deepest sympathy and prayers.
Anne Marie Sieber

Mr. Drever was my art teacher from Grade 10 - 12 Strathcona Composite High School. He was tough, exacting, irreverent, meticulous, and forgiving. He prepared a generation of visual artists for the rigors of post-secondary visual arts education and the harsh world that followed. I, too, remember the green pepper fascination and his collection of ancient Sunbeam Mixmasters (one in particular he named Doris). I once paid him a visit after the great art room fire of '96; someone had broken a window and set the curtains on fire, triggering the sprinkler system. He was most perturbed about the loss of a stash of paper he had in the supply room, but in his eyes I could detect the familiar flash and roll of wicked mischieviousness as he mentioned that it was "probably a former student." He had a wealth of great stories from his childhood, one involving carving an elaborate horse with a razor blade from the wooden doorway of his family home and getting heck for it. And painting coloured spots on one of the family horses.

I was glad to hear that he retired to Salt Spring, where he could draw peppers to his heart's content. He inspired and educated an entire generation of artists. He will be missed, but certainly never forgotten.

Dear Darlene,
We were so sorry to read in the paper of your husband's sudden passing. I did not know him but my husband knew him from Scona days.
May you have many wonderful memories to sustain you during this time and in the future.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

My deepest sympathy to you, Darlene, and to all of Dale's family.

Through Lynn Fish I learned of Dale's sudden passing. We hadn't been in contact for years, but the memories from the U of A days and Scona ( I wouldn't have survived those 4 short months without him!) came flooding back along with the tears. Just last week I was recounting one of Dreve's humorous exploits to a friend. Out of sight, maybe, but never out of mind.

Until we meet again, old friend.

Darlene, my thoughts and prayers are with you during this very sad time. You are both remembered with great fondness.



Ginger Bradley
Blairmore/Calgary AB

Dear Darlene, family and friends,

I was shocked and saddened to read in the Salt Spring Island Driftwood this evening about Dale.

I am at a loss for words.

I taught all my teaching career at Scona and enjoyed Dale as a friend and colleague. After retiring to SSI, I would often see Dale in Ganges and have a good chat with him.

Darlene, I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. If there is anything we can do to help, please let us know. We are nearby.

Darlene & family,
Mr. Drever was my art teacher. He taught me that green peppers are sensual and the most wonderful things in the world to draw, and that singing dolphins might just inspire a bit of creativity if you let them. Art class wasn't just a place to create - it was also a place to laugh and Mr. Drever never failed to bring humour to the classroom.

I'll never forget the day he returned to class to discover that a student had turned off his dolphin song CD and replaced it with punk music. He simply paused and said, "The dolphins are on drugs!"

You will be missed Mr. Drever.

My sincere condolences to Darlene and family. You are not alone because Dale will live in the hearts of so many people and his memories will never fade. Not only was he a gifted artist but he was also a positive person, a person who made one believe that humanity was kinder and more fun than it sometimes appears. The world will be darker without him but the heavens will be brighter. "May flights of angels bear thee to thy rest."

Dear Darlene and family. We are so sorry for your loss. Dale was a fabulous and gifted teacher. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Norma Love, Strathcona High School

Dear Darlene and all the drever family: We we so saddened to hear of Dales's passing Our thoughts and prayers are with you all

Gosh, what a shock. At the U of A we were very good friends both in St Steves and then as room mates. We kept up the contact whenever I was west, first in Edmonton then on the coast. Dale was delight to spend time with, as a room mate and as a friend.
My deepest sympathies to you Darlene and to his family.

Max Christie

Darlene & Family
Dale was a good guy and Connie and I always enjoyed his company, and his witt at our family functions. I can say Dale was one of a kind and we will Jerish our memories of Him. Our Condolences on your Loss.

Mr. Drever was an art teacher of mine at Strathcona High School. He was one of the funnest and most open minded people that I have known in my life. Time passes too quickly. My condolences. Hello David Janzen.

Darlene & Family: I sent a note by e:mail but not sure you will receive it. Sorry we have never met but Dale was an important part of my Life from grade 6-12. Our Group had such great fun together. Also, he was an amazing "Jive Partner".I'm so glad we were able to spend time together at the Castor Centennial. My Heart goes out to you all. You are in my prayers.
Lila (Mabbott) Kobi, Castor Chum

Dale Drever is what made me pursue art more than anyone else on Earth. My life has been driven by what he taught me and how he motivated me. He was also quite capable of kicking me in the butt when it was necessary, as it often was.
It is pretty useless to try to explain my appreciation here because the last 35 years of my life has been a result of his influence.
I'll see you very soon Dale!

Courtney

Dear Darlene, you are so much in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. We were so sorry to hear about your loss. May all the happy memories of your life together help you find peace and comfort. We always saw the two of you as such a special couple and will remember Dale's lovely gardens and art work.

With our deepest sympathy and love.

Joanne and Randy Didrikson

Dear Darlene,

We were shocked and saddened to read the news about Dale. We have so many fond memories of happy times spent with you and Dale from our days together at Scona and Harry Ainlay. And. as we think back, times spent with Dale were always happy times. He certainly had a wonderful ability for finding the fun in any situation. We both cherish Dale's painting, "Two Helens Planning Their Escape" that hangs in our house. Now it has even greater significance for us, reminding us of a friend lost too soon.
We hope that you can take some comfort from the fact that so many people remember Dale fondly.

Our thoughts are with you, Darlene.

Glyn and Ada

Darlene and family,
Dad told us of Dale's passing last week; we we're so shocked and saddened to hear the news. We will always remember his wit and humor at the "Serink Weddings" that you and Dale "co-emcee'd" (seems like such a long time ago). Talking with Dale was always fun, as he had such a great sense of humor and a great laugh. We pray your holding up OK and that you can take some comfort in the many thoughts and prayers that come your way. Please accept our condolences and prayers.

Don and Loreen Serink

The best teacher I ever had was Dale Drever. He opened up a world of appreciation for visual art, and by extension, all creative pursuits, to me - as well as many of my colleagues - and, essentially, changed the course my life has taken.
I think of him often and am profoundly disheartened to learn of his passing.
His character, integrity, and sense of humour will endure. Dale Drever: The epitome of a good, smart, generous man.

Dear Darlene, we are very shocked to hear the news of your loss. it was just a few days ago when we laughed together in celebration of Loretta's 100th. many memories included you, Dale , and Vinnie, and we keep you in our prayers. We will be thinking of you and know you will have the arms of your family around you. Lesley and Bob Macdonald

Dear Darlene, Gwen and I were talking tonight about all the good memories of Dale and you and us when we were at Ainlay. It is heartwrenching to know that one of "us" and your beloved is gone. My very deep sympathies, Lucille H. Belzil

January 3,2011

Dear Darlene and family,

We are so sorry to hear about Dale's unexpected death. We always enjoyed Dale at family events he was always so happy and full of fun. He will be missed by everyone. Our sincere condolences. Grant, Carmen and Irene Serink Edmonton Alberta

Dear Darlene & all the Drever family,
I was so saddened to hear of Dale's passing. I went to school with Dale from Grade 1 - 12 & shall always think of him with fondness. I remember him as being so smart & artistic. It was so nice to see him at the Castor Reunion.
My thoughts & prayers are with you all.

Sincerely,
Barbara(Fawcett) Keller
Calgary, Ab.

Hi Darlene, family and friends,

I'm sitting here, not knowing what to say as I'm shocked to know about the unfortunate news about Dale.

Dale and I taught at Scona, side by side, for the 31 years we were there at the same time. It was Rm. 10 & 13 for about 5 years, then it was down the hall to Rm. 17 & 19. That was before the room numbers were changed. During all that time we never ever had an argument! We may disagreed the odd time but I can't remember any event or when that would
have been.

I was there a year before Dale arrived. I can still remember sitting beside you when Dale entered the room at the first September morning staff meeting, the year Dale started at Scona and you saying, "Look", while pointing toward Dale. Who would have known you would later become life long partners?

Since leaving Scona, I have cherished the visits we had when Dale came over to our place for his regular supply of round up weed killer as well as our visits with you and Dale on Salt Spring Island. You both were perfect hosts. I can't help but mention being educated by Dale's regular quick wit and
humour as well as being on his e-mail trap line. I'll certainly miss that.

Bev and I are so sorry about this unfortunate turn of events. Darlene, you are certainly in our thoughts and prayers and we hope we can continue to keep in touch.

Bev and Bob Matthews




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Darlene
We were shocked and saddend to hear of Dale's sudden death. We are so grateful for all the good times we have had together. Sending love, sympathy and prayers..your friends Gary & Marilyn

Our Dear Friend Darlene
Hank & I are so saddened by Dale's passing..Many Prayers & thoughts are with you at this time..
Take Care of yourself
Love
Iris & Hank (Wintoniak)Turchanski

To Darlene, and all of Dale's family
our sincere condolences on the loss of Dale. It was so good to have had a visit with him this summer at the Castor celebration. We have fond memories of Dale growing up in Castor.
With our thoughts and prayers,
Richard and Beth Elhard
Castor, AB