Obituary of Jordan Dale

Jordan Bradley Dale
August 24, 1979 – January 20, 2024
With shock and sadness, Jordan’s family confirms his sudden death on Saturday night, the result of a snowmobiling accident in the place he loved best: Norfolk County, Ontario.
Survived by his loving family and wide circle: wife Kim Dale (Jordan and Mercede); mother Carol Dale; brothers Travis Dale (Franchesca and Paulina) and Jason Dale (Regan Vankerrebroeck and their sons Rex, Gray and Cole); close cousins Morgan Dale, Kenzie and Colbie Barber, Chris Cleland; best friends Brad Dixon, Larry Mitchell, Jason Patterson, Jeremy DeKoning, Elgin Pursley, Jeff Sullivan, Mikey Wilson, Justin Geiser, Dan (Pilt) Richards, and more; scores of caring aunts, uncles, and in-laws; the past and present employers who appreciated his extraordinary work ethic; a very long list of community members and family friends who adored him; and the St. Andrew Street Posse of Walls, Shanks, Longs, Estrabillos, Spraggs, Fields, and others. Without the “Jordy wave” from his truck, the streets of Dover will never be quite the same...
At this terrible time, the family wishes to publicly thank Eric “Herman” Feere for attempting to bring Jord back to us by performing CPR on his friend for over 30 minutes while awaiting help. We also hope and pray Curtis “Goob” Cronk recovers from his injuries as swiftly as possible. Our thoughts are with these men and their families and friends.
Jordan was pre-deceased by his father, Paul Dale (2008), who coined the nickname “Nifty” for him as a child, on account of his hockey skills and finesse. His Mom was his real-life hero and greatest champion – from his first day to his last – and he loved her (and showed it) as much as any son ever has. His “babies” were the dogs he doted on during his time here – Hogan, Molson, and Arlo – and all three were spoiled rotten.
Known for decades in these parts as a “Fishin’ Magician” and “Perch Whisperer,” Jordan was never happier than when on water, pole in hand, tallying higher than his pals or frustrated others in nearby boats, smiling gleefully and mocking the amateurs all around him. As Dave Wall remarked in wake of Jordan’s death: “Well, the fish stocks of Lake Erie are about to rise...” Jordan’s family and friends can hardly believe last year’s annual end-of-summer perch fry – the fish caught by him, homemade battered by him, fried and proudly served / shared by him – was our last.
While there may be FOUR seasons for the rest of us, for Jordan, there were but TWO: fishing and snowmobiling. And few people have ever embraced those passions more fully. His closest ones have found comfort in knowing that he died happy, instantly and without suffering, after spending back-to-back nights trail-riding with his sled crew out in the glory of the Canadian winter.
Also, his last day was so very Jordy... He rose early, as ever; drove to Tim Hortons to get himself and his mom their morning cup, dropping hers off at the door with the usual smile for her and a “Love you, Ma”;  undertook a millionth roadie with Dicker, his best bud forever; snatched a kiss and a “Love you, babe” from his adoring, lifesaver of a wife, Kim, as they just happened to cross paths for a minute in their driveway before coming and going in different directions; then he headed off enthusiastically into the night, excited as a young buck and eager to “Giv ‘er!” and grab life by the tail, as was his way.
In line with Jordan’s wishes, cremation has taken place and there will be no visitation or funeral service. Instead, friends are invited to call on the family and gather informally at Port Dover Legion, 212 Market St. East, Port Dover between the hours of 1 – 4 p.m. on Saturday, March 2 during a drop-in-style Celebration of Life. Arrangements entrusted to Thompson Waters Funeral Home, 519-583-1530.
Those wishing to donate in memory of our Jordan could consider Port Dover Minor Hockey, the Port Dover Lifeline Food Bank, the Port Dover Legion, or the local charity of your choice. Online donations and/or condolences can be made at www.thompsonwatersfuneralhome.ca.
“But love is a power greater than death, just like the songs and
stories told; And when she built you, brother, she broke the mold...”
~Bruce Springsteen