It is with heavy hearts that the family of Dale Larry Dola announce his sudden passing on October 24, 2025, at the age of 70 years. Dale’s memory will be cherished by his children: Erin Harward, Jason (Cortney) Dola, and Christine (Nelson) Burbidge; the mother of his children, Marcella Dola; and his beloved grandchildren — Payton and Brant Dola, Henry Harward, and Annie and Ethan Burbidge. He is predeceased by his parents, Henry and Rose Dola, and survived by his siblings: Darrel (Terry) Dola, Shannon (Bill †2025) Yeast, and Renee (Jim) Seitz, as well as several nieces and nephews.
Dale was born in Maple Creek, Saskatchewan, on November 2, 1954 — a date that also marked the beginning of his lifelong love for the Saskatchewan Roughriders. In 1964, Henry’s work brought the family to Medicine Hat, where Dale grew up on the family farm that Shannon still calls home. Little did Dale know then that he would one day raise his own family right next door to where he grew up.
During his time at Seven Persons School and McCoy High School, Dale was an active member of the football team. After graduation he worked in a meat packing plant and eventually got transferred to Edmonton. After a short stint there, Dale and Marcella returned to Medicine Hat to start their family.
After working as a federal meat inspector, Dale decided to venture out on his own as a cattle buyer, founding his business, Dola Livestock. As his business grew, he purchased Cactus Feeders with a close friend and continued to run the operation for over 20 years. He took great pride in his work and earned deep respect throughout the cattle industry for his knowledge, experience, and willingness to mentor others. Dale valued the friendships and relationships he built over the years — his loyalty unwavering. A handshake from Dale was a promise kept; his integrity and his word were his honour.
Beyond his career, Dale’s greatest joy came from his children and grandchildren. He logged countless miles moving Erin around the United States, shared many remote fly-in fishing trips with Jason, and bravely sat in Christine’s dental chair during her training years — each adventure filled with several “colourful” words. Grandpa Dola was known for always having his “special apple juice” close by, which the grandkids were endlessly curious to sample with their little fingers.
Those who knew Dale will remember his sharp wit, sarcastic humor, and no-nonsense teasing — balanced by a generous heart, quiet humility, and steadfast love for family and friends. In his later years, he spent countless hours driving to “the ranch” to check on his cattle and shoot gophers, doing what he loved most.

Dale will be remembered for his legacy in the cattle industry, his devotion as a father and grandfather, and for always having his apple juice in hand — ready to raise a glass and share a laugh.

The celebration of Dale’s life with take place in the Cypress Centre, 2055 21 Ave SE, on Sunday, November 9, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. with Life Celebrant, David Townsend officiating.

In lieu of flowers those who wish to remember Dale may do so to  Make-A-Wish Canada, Southern Alberta (2308 24 St SW Suite 4, Calgary, AB T2T 5H8).