Leslie “Les” Ralph Dugdale was born April 5, 1954 in Vulcan, AB to Erwin and Dorothea Dugdale. He grew up on the family at Langdon, AB, where he began farming with his father and brothers. Les completed high schooling in Chestemere; it is where he met his future wife and life partner Lois Potter from Dalemead.
After graduating school Les worked at Spray Lake Sawmills, Les even drove taxi and worked at a gas station while he lived in Calgary.
He and Lois married in May 1975. Les and his family expanded the family farm to Vulcan, AB.
Les farmed and ranched in Vulcan for 40 years. The farm kept Les very busy. He worked hard and continued to grow the farm. He loved every minute. Through it all, Les found time to pitch in with the Vulcan Kinsmen for many years. He participated in many community projects and his favourite was Kinsmen campouts.
In 2001, Les expanded the farm again to Melville, SK. He spent the majority of the last 10 years there. With the exception of escaping the winters to Florence, Arizona. He and Lois made many new friends down south.
Les was not suited for retirement. Work and family life went hand in hand. He took great pride in all things his family accomplished together. A perfect day was a long drive checking crops and looking through cattle, followed by a big meal enjoyed together.
Les cherished his family. His grandchildren were particularly special to him. He was quick to brag about all of them to anyone willing to listen.
Les passed away January 23, 2024 in Melville, SK at the age of 69.
He is survived by Lois, his wife of 49 years, his children Darcy (Rhonda), Ryan, and Erin (Shane) Sawley. His twelve grandchildren – Graham (Mya), Owen (Kiana), Elizabeth, Weston, Isabella, Ava, Lucas, Jacob, Wyatt, Tori, Tegan and Blake. His mother Dorothea, his brothers Richard, Alan (Judy), Keith (Carrie) sister Patricia (Bob) and numerous nieces and nephews.
A Celebration of Les’s life will be held in Melville, SK on Feb 6, 2024 at 2:00 pm at the Melville United Church with Brian Mee officiating and in Vulcan, AB on Feb 17, 2024 at 2:00 pm at the Vulcan United Church with Sue McDonald D.M. officiating.
Les’s family would like to acknowledge the exceptional care they all received at the St. Peter’s Hospital in Melville. If friends so desire , donations can be made to the St. Peters Hospital Foundation, PO Box 1810, Melville, SK, S0A 2P0.
Arrangements in care of Vulcan Funeral Home. Telephone 1-403-485-2633. E-mail condolences through www.vulcanfuneralhome.ca.
My condolences to Lois and family on your loss.
Lois and Family :
Very sorry to hear of the passing of Les ,thinking of you and all your family at this sad time.
Love Mark and Julie Saukarookoff and Family
Oyama B,C
My condolences to the Dugdale family at this time. Les will be sadly missed and fondly remembered by family and friends and neighbors and associates. I share in your sorrow and know of the peace in knowing Les is at peace with the health challenges he faced with such courage.
Ken Hervey
My sincerest condolences to Lois and family for your loss.
Our sincere sympathy to all of you at this time. I am certain Les will be missed but fondly remembered. I had the opportunity to work beside Les in many Kinsmen events and other community functions through the years. He always lit up the room when he entered and genuinely shared conversation with all the parties in that room. I met Les forty years ago this April and I enjoyed my farm visits with him and his family because the coffee was nearly always on and there was always another story and discussion to share.
May these memories help provide comfort at this difficult time.
Thank you
Ken Hervey and family
So sorry to hear about Les passing away….can’t believe our boys side can’t pass 70 years old…,, condolences to all the family just got back from Mexico and Marjorie told us the news so sorry for your loss
Ron and Diane Dugdale
Lois, Darcy, Ryan, Erin and families-
Our deepest sympathy to you all on the loss of Les. Treasure all the memories and happy times
Know that you are all in our hearts and thoughts.
Aunt Anne (Bailey) and family.
Sincere sympathies to Ryan and the Dugdale family. I am sorry to read of your father’s passing. May you experience peace as you come to terms with his passing.
Our condolences to all members of the Dugdale families in the loss of your dear husband, father & grandfather. May you be blessed with peace, love & support at this difficult time. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Larry & Janice Jackson
Our sincerest condolences to Lois and Family.
Lois and families:
We were saddened to hear of the loss of Les, your dear husband, father and grandfather. I have many good memories of Les over the many, many years that we have known each other and all of the family. Les was a hard working, successful man who always had his family in his heart and his mind. He has been taken too soon.
We hope that the love of family and friends will give all of you comfort and support in this difficult time. Give each other lots of hugs – they sure do help. We send you ours, today.
Bob & Diane Delanoy High River, Alberta
So sorry for your loss. May shared memories bring you comfort. Sincerely Edna and Dave Clark