Dale Allan Faulkner passed away August 24, 2024 surrounded by his kids after a brief and hard fought battle with cancer at age 74.  A committed and loving husband, father and grandfather, Dale was predeceased by his parents, Mert and Sophie and his wonderful wife, Linda. Now reunited with the love of his life, he and Linda continue to watch over their cherished family: daughter Lori of Edmonton, son Ken (Jillian) of Calgary, and four grandchildren, Sydney and Stephen of Edmonton, and Ethan and Owen of Calgary.

Dedicated, passionate and always willing to lend a hand, Dale lived a rich life exemplifying his core values: finding a way forward no matter the challenge, following through on commitments, being open and honest, pursuing his passion and always being there for family and close friends.  The head of our table may be gone from this earth, but the values he lived every day are taken up by those who knew and loved him.   

Dad grew up with his brother Gary in Tofield, Mayerthorpe and then in Edmonton. Always interested in cars, he went to a local car dealership every day after school, knew the year and model of every type of car with a mere glance, and he appealed directly to Henry Ford II for a price discount on an Edsel for his dad -eventually receiving a toy Edsel car in return which he added to his impressive collection of model cars. Every single car he owned (even some without a Ford moniker), were spotless and never dirty. Both of his kids took great joy washing the car with dad on the driveway or at Minit carwash on Jasper Ave, keeping a close eye on the next important step to a shiny ride – a trait both kids still carry on today!

Not long after moving to Edmonton, Dale was introduced to his soulmate Linda over CB radio in 1966.  He was smitten “from the get go” and after a whirlwind romance, they eloped in 1968 and began to build a beautiful, intertwined and inseparable life together.  Not long after marrying, Dale saw a want ad for a job as an auto underwriter and since it dealt with cars, he was in!  A special mentor taught him the ropes and he learned every part of the business, eventually becoming an insurance broker.  After a few years as a broker and with two young kids at home, Dale came home to proclaim his interest in joining a firm as partner with two other great salesmen and Keeley Lambert Faulkner Agencies was born.

“Do it right or don’t do it all” and “quality is Job 1” were definitely two of Dale’s mottos.  So, it wasn’t surprising that with great commitment to clients, the business grew significantly and in 1988, his company merged with another in the Edmonton area to create one of the largest private brokerage firms in Western Canada.  Through most of this journey, was his great and loyal friend Heather who worked with Dale for over 40 years as they served a dedicated group of clients always providing that extra little bit of great service and advice. Dale instilled those skills and values upon his children all their lives but provided no course.  Instead, he encouraged us in every way, always supporting our dreams, ambitions and wanting nothing more than our happiness and fulfillment.  

Our days with Dad were full and despite modest means, he made us feel rich and special.  From building a great backyard pool full of memories -and an often-drenched basement from everyone coming in wet – to coaching us in baseball, being a Cub Scout leader, to long camping trips to BC, and the US southwest and Mexico in the “Mert Mobile” (grandpa’s hand-built motorhome), to lengthy driving trips in the Southeast US, to many nights of card games. We never wanted for a thing and always knew Dad was there even when he was off curling on Saturday mornings, having a beer with great friends, attending Blue Goose insurance fraternity events or just making the yard immaculate. As adults, Dad was always there – for a quick call, for advice, for help with any car trouble, to anything at all.  He was so proud of us and us, of him.

Around 2009, Dad and Mom decided to create a vacation home for family in Henderson, Nevada.  They cherished every moment there, especially with great new friends nearby and numerous days with all the grandkids in the pool.  Soon after completing a full renovation there, Dad bought his first classic car – a 1965 Ford Thunderbird convertible.  Both Dad and Mom were hooked, and just needed to add to the collection.  The second collector car was a 1967 Mustang and then with the help of Hunter – someone who would become an incredible and loyal friend- a 1968 Shelby GT500 KR convertible was added to the collection. Dale and Linda embraced having adventures along interstate highways, listening to music from the 60’s and 70’s en route to seeing cherished friends in North Carolina and attending car shows, winning handily thanks to Hunter and a shared commitment to excellence.    

Linda’s unexpected passing in 2016 rocked Dale’s world and he missed her every single day.  Knowing she was at his side cheering him on, Dad then channeled his energy into building a remarkable classic car collection and a dream garage cave dedicated to 60’s Ford performance cars in North Carolina. Humble as ever, even Dale would say that Faulkner’s Fabulous Fords – presented by Dale & Linda Faulkner – is pretty “uptown.”  With the help, talent and commitment of the greatest car restoration group ever assembled, Dale’s success and acclaim for first rate cars grew winning gold award after gold award year after year.  

His rural roots and love of a small town feel never left Dale through all his years.  He maintained and cherished time-honoured friendships with people from 70 years ago, clients and former partners in business, caring neighbours in Edmonton, great friends from Nevada and more recently, new and loved friends in North Carolina.  Dale would always pick up the phone, stop in for a chat and truly cared about how everyone was doing and if he could assist in any way.  To know Dad was to be touched by a great, kind soul, committed to family and success at whatever endeavor, and always willing to help.  His great smile, kind eyes and genuineness made him irresistible and an absolute joy to be around.

Our rock, our north star, and our hero will always be there and we are all so incredibly thankful for everything he selflessly gave us. While we will miss him every day, we take solace in knowing he is reunited with his great love as they cruise the skies in a perfect 400-point flawless Shelby, knowing his was indeed a job well done.

The family wishes to thank the staff at the University of Alberta hospital, St. Joseph’s Hospice and Pilgrims hospice for their compassionate care. A private memorial will be held to celebrate Dale’s life.

In lieu flowers, please consider a donation to a memorial award for Dale.  The family has commenced steps to create an annual award in Dale’s honour with the Antique Automobile Club of America (AACA) – the Dale Faulkner High Performance Ford Award.  The website is here: https://gofund.me/9db75e2d  Each donation helps us keep his legacy alive and encourages others to pursue the passion he cherished so deeply. 

Finally, to all of Dale’s friends and family, he says: Ciao for now!