Delbert Herter

DELBERT RUDOLPH HERTER January 19, 1952-December 25, 2006 The family is deeply sorrowed to announce the passing too soon of Delbert (Dell), age 54, in hospital, Mississauga, Ontario. Fortunate to have had Dell in their lives, his family and friends will always remember him for his sociable personality, enjoyment of life, warm sense of humour, generosity, kindness, musical talents, and amazing patience and strength of will to stay with us as long as he was able. With his usual aplomb, Dell took on the challenge of his cancer diagnosis in May 2006, and remained active at home with his family in Mississauga, until mid-December. On Christmas Day, at 6:15 p.m. (EST), with dignity and in the presence of his sister Carol, Dell went on his way. Left behind to cherish Dell's memory are his loving wife, Marilynne Dunbar, and his stepchildren, Richard and Heather, in Mississauga; brother, Clarence Herter, in Victoria, British Columbia; sister, Carol Herter (Stephen Harrison), in Vancouver, British Columbia; niece, Tara Ballantyne (Rick), in Mission, British Columbia; niece, Shelley Herter (Geoff), in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan; nephew and soulmate, Lance Hartwell (Johanna), in Airdrie, Alberta; uncle, Lorence Roth (Irma), in Kipling, Saskatchewan; former sister-inlaw, Teri Herter (Mel), in Saskatoon; cousins in the Prairies and British Columbia; and many friends throughout Canada. Dell was predeceased by his sister, Marlene (1941); his father, Rudolph (1951); his sister, Doreen Hartwell (1998); and his mother, Mary (nee Roth) (1998). The youngest of five children, Delbert was born in Kipling and grew up in Regina, Saskatchewan, in a closely-knit family of German descent. He was much loved by his mother, brother, sisters, and his extended family of grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins in Regina and Kipling. Always on the go, Delbert loved to be outdoors, skating, swimming, fishing, and playing team sports throughout his youth. After attending Regina's Balfour Technical High School and the University of Saskatchewan, Regina, he toured the Prairies as a talented drummer with rock bands during the 1970s. Later, he relocated to work in the retail music industry in Toronto, Ontario. Up until his illness, Dell enjoyed several years at his final career in sales for the Volvo dealership in Mississauga, where he was highly successful and appreciated by clients and colleagues alike for his integrity, enthusiasm, and friendship. As Marilynne's devoted companion since 1989 and husband since 1996, and as Richard's and Heather's dedicated stepfather, Dell revelled in his home life, taking his family on frequent camping and fishing trips in Ontario. Dell's ashes will be scattered at one of his special vacation places there. A Celebration of Dell's Life was held on December 30, 2006, in the Neweduk Funeral Home Chapel, Mississauga, with Reverend Mark Gibson officiating. Two of Dell's favourite rock tunes from the 1970s were played; Bible scriptures were read by Reverend Gibson; Richard's DVD photomontage, with some images of Delbert photographed as a child by Clarence, was screened; fond memories of growing up with Delbert were recalled by Carol; Heather's loving daughter-to-father letter was read by Reverend Gibson; an appreciative tribute from colleague Andy Thorp was read by Dell's good friend and colleague John Schoeck, who also vividly described his workdays with Dell at the Volvo dealership. The family extends deep gratitude to home care nurses and Credit Valley Hospital palliative nurses and doctors for their expertise and compassionate care of Dell and his family. Donations in Dell's memory to the Carlo Fidani Peel Regional Cancer Centre, Credit Valley Hospital, 2200 Eglinton Avenue West, Mississauga, ON, L5M 2N1 would be appreciated. Dell's family can be contacted c/o Carol Herter, 8-1675 West 11 Avenue, Vancouver, BC, V6J 2B8 or carol@furniturelink.ca by email. A memorial booklet of our Celebration of Dell's Life will be provided on request. Though Dell stayed too short a time, he made it a good time - for us all.