December 29, 1939 – August 31,2026
Dale Jarvis, long time Courtenay resident, passed away while en- joying his backyard garden.
Dale was born in Edmonton and moved to Hardisty, Alberta as a young child. As a twelve-year-old he moved to Royston, BC with his parents, Floyd and Carol and his big brother Terry.
When Dale graduated from Courtenay High, his love of physics, mathematics and sports led him to UBC where prior to graduation as an engineer, he ran short of funds and left for the northern part of the province.
He accepted the first job available. It was as a teacher with Grades 1-8 with no student in Grade 5. His perk was a small teacherage where since there was limited access during the winter months he learned to fish and hunt, make bread, and play bridge with the priest and RCMP officer.
Moving further north to larger classes, he raised funds to set up a track and field facility, a first for northern kids.
The island called and newly married, he moved to Campbell River to teach again but soon realized this career path was not for him.
He went beachcombing on the coast but settled in Courtenay, becoming a realtor and developer.
As his love of golf grew his interest in real estate waned but peaked in other areas. He received a diploma in Urban Land and Economics and in 1995, became a Fellow of the Real estate of Canada.
When Dale married Marilyn in 1980, she brought along her four sons and three daughters.
He treasured the loud dinners, shared stories, quiet afternoon visits and the simple joys of family life. He cherished the quiet evenings with Marilyn enjoying a glass of fine wine and an excellent dinner prepared by the chef himself.
He loved to tell his grandchildren, and pretty much anyone who would listen, he was a ball player, boxer, track and field athlete, and a golfer.
He showed them with pride his many trophies and pictures. He always knew he was a fortunate man, creating a special bond with his brother Terry and Gloria’s kids. He loved that they loved him.
Dale grew up with a deep appreciation for the simple, honest things in life. He was a man of the earth. He loved to watch things grow, especially his family. He had his hunting licence ready for opening day and found his peace in nature.
He was a travelling man. His natural curiosity and love of being on the road took them to many places around the world.
Dale and Marilyn met people along the way who have become lifelong friends. Their condo at Estrella del Mar, Mazatlán added spice and diversity to this friendship cauldron.
A special thank you to Marilyn’s brother Bob Plecas and his wife Pauline Rafferty. The memories and the laughs go on forever.
Donations may be made to Yana, BC Children’s Hospital or L’Arche Comox Valley.
Dale will be interred at High Mound cemetery in Hardisty, Alberta, at 9:30, a.m., September 21, 2026.
A Celebration of Life will be held at the Comox Golf Club at 11:30 on September 29, 2026
