Dale Blain

It is with deep love and sadness that we announce the passing of our father, grandfather and great-grandfather Dale Earl Blain, who passed away suddenly although peacefully on Sunday, April 19, 2026, at the age of 89 at his home in Airdrie, Alberta.

Dale was born on November 8th, 1936, in Innisfail, Alberta where he spent many years on the farm. On November 7th, 1958, Dad married Ina Beth Grandgenet, a beautiful city girl and whisked her off to the country. Dale lived a long and meaningful life, shaped by resilience, quiet strength, and a deep devotion to his faith and those closest to him. We take comfort in knowing that he has now been reunited in heaven with his dear companion Ina, who he missed every day. Their bond endured and we find peace in knowing they are together again, side by side, in eternal rest.

Dale shared a particularly close and meaningful connection with his daughter Karen and her family where his presence was steady and reassuring – a source of wisdom, comfort and unconditional love. Whether through shared meals, conversations, texts, or simple time spent together, he created lasting memories that will be cherished forever. He was a proud grandfather to 10 grandsons: Michael, Jim, Ross, Evan, Jonathon, Alex, Mark, Nicholas, Matt and Joe, who brought light and joy into his life. He spent cherished time bonding with Michael and Jim when they were young. He showed his love not always in words, but in his presence, actions, and his unwavering care.

Though his connections with extended family may have seemed distant, we trust that each person who knew him will remember him in different ways. He is lovingly remembered and deeply missed by Karen, Jeff, grandsons Jon (Claire), and Nic (Nicky). He was excited to meet his 17th great-grandbaby in August. He will also be remembered by his son Calvin and son Keith (Bonnie) and their families as well as 16 great-grandchildren. He will also be fondly remembered by brother Loren (Laura) and sister Donna (Terry) and special cousin, Carol Jordan, Barbara Duncan Michael and Jim’s mother, as well as many cousins, nieces and nephews. He was well loved by so many of the friends especially Marjorie, Bryon, Denise, Sheldon, Charlene and Stacey and their families – just to mention a few.

He was predeceased by Ina in 2011, her sister, Thelma and husband Bruce, as well as her brother Glenn and wife Patricia.

Dale was known for his kind heart, gentle spirit, strong values, sense of humor, his little chuckle, and most of all his independence. In 2013 he moved to Airdrie to be closer to family. He had a green thumb – his many Christmas cactuses, lemon trees from seeds, his full patio of geraniums (which he wintered over year after year), petunias and potatoes just to mention a few. In his early years as a farmer, he wasn’t known for flower gardening. In saying that, it all changed when they left the dairy farm and moved into Innisfail in 1982. He quickly started tearing out patches of the back yard to make flower beds, added a fishpond, raspberries, potatoes, roses, sunflowers, and many more.

Dale enjoyed woodworking, sports, reading – especially the encyclopedias and the Atlas. In later years filled his free time learning to paint. He and mom canned peaches and baked cookies which he continued to do baking cookies this Christmas. He was very social and found pleasure visiting with his Tuesday coffee group as well as the McDonalds coffee group. He appreciated the simple blessings life offered.

A  Memorial  Service will be held at the Town & Country Centre, 275 Jensen Drive NE, Airdrie on Tuesday, April 28th at 10:30 AM.

In lieu of flowers or donations, grab yourself an outdoor planter or pot that will remind you of Dale’s love of flowers and colour. We find comfort in knowing that he is at peace, embraced in God’s love, and reunited with those who have gone before him. His memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him most.

Virtual Memorial Gatherings entrusted with the Memorial Service Arrangements. Live Stream Link: https://virtualmemorialgatherings.com/dale-blain/