Obituary of Dale Thomas Schwabe

The Schwabe family is sad to announce the passing of Dale Thomas Schwabe -- proud husband, father, business owner and member of Rider Nation.  He went out swinging but still smiling after a lengthy battle with cancer.  He was 59.

Dale was born and raised in Regina, where he lived most of his life and loved all of the people he met there, especially his wife Valerie.  Whether it was his neighbours, customers, people he met at the grocery store, or his family, he wanted to know their story.

His gift for connecting with others made him a natural in sales, where he sold everything from cars to power tools to medical supplies.  In the early 2000’s, he combined his passion for people with his passion for sales and opened Medical 1 Physician and Healthcare Supplies.  This business was extraordinarily rewarding for Dale, who always went above and beyond to ensure his staff and his customers were comfortable and happy.  He proudly supported the communities he served, especially people with ostomies and people with disabilities in Regina. Dale strongly believed in sport and the lessons it could teach both on-and-off the field.  He was a dedicated basketball and football coach when his sons were growing up, and he taught them to value those lessons of strategy and sportsmanship throughout their lives.

Dale had an adventurous streak.  He loved to try new things (except foods), experience new things and “stir the pot” just a little.  When he was younger, that meant causing mischief all over North Regina with his brothers.  Later, it meant moving to California on his motorcycle.  He once used his sales techniques to convince Valerie to try a zip-line.  This is one of her favourite memories of their travels.  He loved travelling, and Val called him “the best travel buddy ever.”

Dale used the time that he was sick to connect with people, including old friends and family members across the country.  He would want you to do the same with your time: make new friends and reconnect with old.  Get to know your neighbours and their children.  Make time for people from all walks of life.

Dale is predeceased by his parents Thomas and Pauline Schwabe and stepfather Arnold Starger.  He is survived by his lovely wife Valerie, sons Jason (Diane) and Cameron.  He is also survived by brother Kirby (Sherri) and nephews Byron, Quinn and Zachary and brother Keith (Gloria) and nephews Stephan, Thomas (Michelle), niece Cherean and her son Blaine.  He will also be missed by many cousins and his grand-dog Titus.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing are asked to make donations in Dale’s name to the Allan Blair Cancer Centre via 4101 Dewdney Ave, Regina, SK  S4T 7T1 or www.saskcancer.ca.  The family would like to thank all of the exceptional staff at the Allan Blair Cancer Centre and the palliative care teams who treated Dale and brought him such comfort.

Dale’s cancer, mesothelioma, was caused by exposure to asbestos while working in the construction industry in Saskatchewan in the 1970’s.  It is fatal without early detection, long before noticeable symptoms appear.  As a final wish, he wanted other people who think they could have been exposed to asbestos, even many years ago, to contact their doctor for screening.  He hoped his cancer story could change someone else’s.