Whitenect, Dale Everette – 1958 – 2021, passed away peacefully with his wife by his side, at the age of 62, in Musquodoboit Valley Memorial Hospital on July 3, 2021, after a brief but courageous battle with cancer.
He was a son of the late John E. and Alice M. (Mitchell) Whitenect of Murchyville, Halifax County. He was predeceased by his parents, John (1989) and Alice (2008); sisters, Shirley Nauffts (2015), Bonita (2012); grandchildren, Stephen Jewers (2012) and Angel Jewers (2014).
He will be lovingly remembered, sadly missed, and leaves to mourn, his wife of 35 years, Janet M. (Douthwright); children, Nicole (Dominick), Alice (Stephen), Mary-ann (Joseph); grandchildren, Blake, Coltin, Carly, Caitlin, Connor, Cassidy, Adeline; siblings, John, June Hopkins, Joy Miller, Donald, David, Robert, Dianna Gazzola, Terry; and extended family and friends too numerous to mention.
Dale lived his life in the Musquodoboit Valley, having entered and left this world on the same hill by the Musquodoboit River. He cherished being in the woods, but was happiest spending time with family and friends, playing his guitar, and watching his grandchildren playing. Always a strong working man, countless colleagues and friends will remember Dale from a long and distinguished career in the forestry industry and, inspired by his father’s service, he became a Commissionaire in his later years.
Dale was the strongest, kindest and most gentle soul. He was a man with many talents, a great sense of humour, a sweet kind heart, and a sweet tooth to match. He will be remembered as a humble and thoughtful man who befriended, influenced, affected and mentored those around him by his actions. He was a man of few words, but of much wisdom. He was a champion of his family, and selflessly, Dale was always willing to lend a strong and helping hand.
Born with beautiful blond curls, the cutest one of the bunch, he developed into a man of character, who loved to tinker with his cars, take his children for walks in the woods to teach them about nature, and to sing and write music and play guitar. We are grateful that he has left us a legacy of his performances on the internet.
Dale loved his family and his home town, and he wasn’t one to move too far from either, a true Musquodoboit man, he made many cherished memories with family and friends throughout the valley. He especially enjoyed family gatherings for the holidays, and the gift shaking and guessing was one of his favourite things, he will be greatly missed by many.
Shortly before his passing, Dale gathered his family together, and led them in the Lord’s Prayer, a tradition he honoured throughout his spiritual life.
The Lord’s Prayer
Our Father who art in heaven,
Hallowed be thy name
Thy kingdom come
Thy will be done
On earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread,
And forgive us our trespasses,
As we forgive those who trespass against us,
And lead us not into temptation,
But deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom and the power, and the glory,
Forever and ever.
Amen
Dale loved to express himself through music, song, and verse, and the poem When I’m Gone was a verse that he said, “Pretty much sums it all up”.
When I’m Gone
When I come to the end of my journey
And I travel my last weary mile
Just forget if you can, that I ever frowned
And remember only the smile
Forget unkind words I have spoken
Remember some good I have done
Forget that I ever had heartache
And remember I’ve had loads of fun
Forget that I’ve stumbled and blundered
And sometimes fell by the way
Remember I have fought some hard battles
And won, ere the close of the day
Then forget to grieve for my going
I would not have you sad for a day
But in summer just gather some flowers
And remember the place where I lay
And come in the shade of evening
When the sun paints the sky in the west
Stand for a few moments beside me
And remember only my best
-L. Hancock
The family extends special thanks to the medical staff of the Musquodoboit Valley Memorial Hospital for their assistance during this most difficult time.
Cremation has taken place under the direction of Arimathea Funeral Cooperative, Upper Musquodoboit.
A Celebration of Life will be held Sunday, July 18 in Meaghers Grant Community Hall at 2 - 4 p.m.
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