Dale Yeo

Dale Yeo

Passed on December 10, 2022

November 24, 1941 – December 10, 2022         It is with great sadness that his family announces the sudden passing of their Dad/Grandfather, Dale Yeo, on December 10, 2022 at his home in Stonewall, Manitoba. A lifelong and passionate fan of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers is now cheering on his team from Heaven. Mom will be amused, and certainly not surprised.

Gordon Dale Yeo was born in Winnipeg on November 24, 1941. He received his public school education at Mulvey and Gordon Bell Schools, where the influence of some excellent educators led him to the vocation of teaching. After high school, Dale pursued post-secondary studies in History, English and Education at United College and the University of Manitoba. It was while a student at United that he met and subsequently married Rosemarie Thiele from Dauphin, Manitoba in 1961. It was the beginning of a beautiful partnership, which lasted almost 60 years.

In 1962 the couple, along with baby son, packed up their few belongings and moved to Roblin, Manitoba where Dale’s 35-year teaching career would begin. “Mr. Yeo”, as he was known to hundreds of students over the years, became a master teacher, professional and committed to his craft. He and Rosemarie fell in love with their new community and for more than 50 years were an integral part of it. Even while juggling a busy work life as a teacher and vice-principal at Roblin Collegiate Institute/Goose Lake High School, and being a wonderful father to his five children, Dale volunteered thousands of hours over many years to several community endeavours such as the Roblin Credit Union, Community Foundation, Lions Club, Trans-Canada Trail, Meals on Wheels, Roblin Centennial Committee, and construction of a new community centre. He served as Deputy Mayor of Roblin and enjoyed reading to the residents of Crocus Court seniors home. He and Rosemarie were members of Sacred Heart Parish, with a deep and abiding faith which helped guide their lives.

In 2017 the two made the difficult decision to leave Roblin to be nearer to family and to have closer access to necessary medical services. They relocated to Stonewall, taking up residence at Lion’s Manor where they quickly made many new friends and became part of that community.

Dale was predeceased by his beloved Rosemarie in 2020, parents Frank (1969) and Lillian (2001), and infant brother Ross (1948). He is survived by sons David (Laurel), Douglas (Wei Li), Robert (Lindy), Allen, and daughter Donna (Curtis). He leaves behind eight cherished grandchildren: Kelly (Spencer), Jamie and Scott Yeo; Jacynthe Yeo; Joshua and Jennifer Yaschyshyn; and Elizabeth and William Yeo. Also left to mourn in London, England is Clayton (Arlette) Yeo, his brother for whom Dale had such great affection, pride and respect. The Thiele in-laws who were family to Dale for six decades, Tina Arbez, many nieces and nephews along with former colleagues and his many friends, acutely feel this terrible loss as well.

A funeral service will be held on December 17, 2 pm, at Christ the King Church (325 2nd St E, Stonewall). A brief reception will follow in the auditorium at Quarry Park Heritage Arts Centre (166 Main Street, Stonewall). Donations in Dale’s memory can be made to the Roblin and District Community Foundation (Box 1599, Roblin MB, R0L 1P0), Something Beautiful (307 Main Street, Stonewall MB, R0C 2Z0), or the Terry Fox Foundation (terryfox.org or 1-888-836-9786).

His positive outlook, undiminished zest for life, genuine interest in others, and sense of responsibility as a parent and citizen were rare qualities characteristic of Dale. How blessed we were.

We love and miss you so very much, Dad.


Comments

David, Robert, Allan, Douglas and Donna....we are heartbroken to have learned of your Dad's passing. He was a wonderful friend of 40 years, a dedicated teacher (to both Chris and Heather), and a great role model for more than one generation of young people. We reflect on our shared dinners, card games complete with laughs and a warmth only your parents could generate. His Christmas card arrived the 12th, created tears on our end but loved his warm and genuine message. May your precious memories support you at this sad time. We will cherish our memories with both your Dad and Mom! Susan and Randy Langstaff


Susan and Randy Langstaff

I was shocked and saddened to learn about Mr. Yeo’s passing. I will echo what others have said; that he made you feel special and that he genuinely cared. I always felt like he was proud of all my accomplishments whenever I had the chance to share what I’ve been up to. I’ve had some great teachers in my day, but Mr. Yeo took a troubled student who didn’t care about much and turned her into someone that wanted to do her best. My condolences to his family. Such a loss.


Vanessa Brazeau

We would like to send our condolences to the Yeo family. He was a great asset to our community and he will be greatly missed. All three of our sons were privileged to have him as a teacher.May he RIP.


Tom & Grace Bowley

I was shocked to learn of Dale’s death. To me he was one of those people you think will live to be 100. We had exchanged birthday emails in late November and discussed our respective Christmas plans. I was fortunate to have had Mr. Yeo was my grade 9 home room teacher. He was a wonderful teacher but also a great champion of the community of Roblin. Someone else has said that he left an indelible mark on them. I believe Dale left an indelible mark on everyone who was lucky enough to have been associated with him whether you were a student, a fellow teacher, a fellow town councillor, a fellow committee member or simply a neighbour. My deepest condolences to the entire Yeo family. Please know that many of us are mourning along with you.. You have lost your father and grandfather; the world has lost a remarkable human being. Violet (Case) Joss


Violet (Case) Joss

Our Sincere Sympathy to all of the Family. Our Thoughts and Prayers are with all of the Family at this time. We enjoyed having them live in Roblin Apartments for a few years.


Roy & Donna Wiebe

There are only a few people in your life that come in, and leave an indelible mark on it. Mr. Yeo was one of those people in mine. Even before he was my teacher (ironically typing, given what my mom taught) and vice principal, he was my neighbour. Colleague of my mom’s, good friend to my parents and our family. A mentor in guidance, his genuine caring about one’s future came through. Later I came to appreciate his gift of storytelling and his civic pride in my hometown, the place of my roots. Most recently he spoke at both mom and dad’s funerals. Lovingly, purely. After dad’s I found myself on the opposite side of the reception, talking and visiting while thinking I had to make my way across to thank him. When I found myself free, I found he had left, having to make his way back home. Thanks for everything. Godspeed Mr Yeo.


Clare Kines

We were so saddened to hear of your dad/grandpa’s passing. We’re so grateful to have had such a great visit when he was last in Roblin. Colleague & friend since the ‘60’s,he will be missed. We send our sympathy to Dale’s family—you know how fortunate you were to have him in your lives.


Jim & Sharon McMillan

Mr. Yeo- that name brings so many memories to mind that it’s hard to choose just one. To me, it was how he made you feel. As a teacher and lifelong family friend, he always made you feel like you were the most important person in the room and that what you had to say was worthwhile. He was one of a kind and will be greatly missed. Thanks for everything, Mr. Yeo. Our sincere condolences to his family. Jodi and Langdon Campbell


Jodi and Langdon Campbell

Rob, Lindy, Kelly and Spencer, Jamie, Scott and Shae, So sorry to hear about Dales passing. What a loss to you all. We are all sending our love, wishing we were there with you. What a loving, kind man he was and so proud of all of his family! Love you all 🤍


Leslie, Doug and Makenna Giesbrecht

Dear David, Douglas, Robert, Allen, Donna and families, I am so sorry for your loss. Your parents were both fine people who truly cared about others. We had many great times together, both at work and socially. Sharing your sorrow in the loss of one so dear, and sending deepest sympathy to let you know we care.


Betty L. Paley & Family,

Dale and Rose-Marie were both wonderful people. Both were truly dedicated to their work, church and so many community activities. Roblin is a much stronger community because of them. They certainly were missed when they moved to Stonewall.A blessing they are reunited. Extending deepest sympathy to all of their family. Sincerely Anna Stewart


Anna Stewart

Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone in Dale's family. In deepest sympathy.


Margaret and Earl Boyce

Mr. Yeo could bring sunshine into anyone's cloudy day. He was truly a rare gem in career, community and family. My condolences to the family


Val Case

My sincere condolences to the Yeo family. Dale was my supervising teacher and mentor in the early 1990's at Goose Lake High; I learned so much from his teaching style and incredible knowledge. He was a proud Canadian and a walking encyclopedia of historical events. Dale was a true gentleman and advocate for our community of Roblin. His service to our community was exemplary. All the best to his family in this time of sorrow. Take care.


Kirk Wilson

Our deepest condolences to the Yeo family and those fortunate enough to have known Mr. Yeo. We were shocked to hear of his passing and he will be missed by so many. Just the day before we heard the news, we shared a Mr. Yeo story with our friends. As we picked up garbage on the beach in Mexico, it reminded us of how Dale would always be trying his best to keep Rolin clean. He was a great human being and the world has lost a gem. Hugs to the family.


Lloyd and Lucille McKinney

When Mr. Yeo passed, texts and messages were flying between the grads of 1991. We loved him. He made every student feel like a someone. I’ll never forget (and I kept) each handwritten note he left in my journal; how he cared and noticed the potential in each student. Personally, he had more influence on my life than I can ever express fully, but I’ll just say there isn’t a Norman Rockwell painting that doesn’t make me smile, and I’ll admit I have an appropriate amount of guilt for being a Rider fan. His love for literature and language greatly influenced my life’s path and I’m now in government communications. Mr. Yeo was the absolute brightest light that shone on everyone in his circle of influence, which we reflected back to him in the smiles and affection he so deserved. His passing is a tremendous loss and my heart goes out to the kids and grandkids. Mourning one of the greatest men I ever knew, right along with you, with love.


Sherri Branconnier-Bye

I would like to extend my condolences to the entire Yeo family. The Yeo's were a big part of Roblin for many years and Mr. and Mrs. Yeo will be remembered for the contributions to the community for many years going forward. Mr. Yeo was dedicated to his profession and when comparing notes with kids in other communities we were very fortunate to have him and the other teaching staff we had here. Best wishes to the Yeo family.


David Maiers

Condolences to the Yeo family. Mr Yeo was one of the best teachers out there. He took pride and passion in each and everyone of his students. His wife was also my nursery school teacher. There was never an opportunity he didn’t take to shoot some hoops with the students before classes began. He definitely made his mark in this world. May he rest in peace along with his wonderful wife Rosemary.


Stephanie (Yahodynski) & Darren Yakimishyn

Dale Yeo was my grade 9 teacher. One day he came to school and told me, we are related. He was a very young teacher at the time and we had our memories of those class days. We were related.. The connection was Rosemarie was a first cousin to my aunt who had married my uncle Ben Ronellenfitch. My sincere sympathy goes out to the family. The news was shocking. Both Rosemarie and Dale were wonderful community people. 🙏🏻🌹🌹🌹


Geraldine Ronellenfitch

Our sincere sympathy to all of Dale's family. His positive attitude served as a model for so many people over the years. His task of removing trash while walking to the Drop-in for coffee has inspired people to do the same. RIP, Dale.


Marilyn & Harvey Simpson

Mr. Yeo was my high school ELA and Social Studies and History teacher and what a teacher he was! He was not only an amazing teacher, but also a first class citizen of Roblin, husband and father, later a grandfarher and an amazing man in general! He was an inspiration to me as well as many, many others. He is one of many teachers that I looked up to and wanted to be like as an educator. I was a sponge in his classes and wanted to work hard for him. He never gave up on me as a student, he was simply the greatest! He loved Canada, Terry Fox, the Blue Bombers and the Winnipeg Free Press! As a student I loved him! I had and will always have the upmost reapect for him! No matter who you were, or what type of student you were, he knew your name and the things you were doing in the school and in the community! With saddness I learned of your passing! You will be missed sir.... but never forgotten! My you be reunited with your lovely wife!


Darren Wandy

Dear Yeo family, Deepest sympathy in the passing of your dad and grandpa. A legend in so many respects. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. So very sorry for your great loss.


Mel & Shanna Nemetchek

I was totally shocked to hear of Dale's passing.He was such a good friend.My children remember him as a favourite teacher,and friend. I enjoyed working with Dale on community projects. It wasn't work,when Dale was there to make it fun.Rest in peace Dale,keep on cheering for the Bombers.You will be missed.No more phone calls ,I'm afraid.He would like his family to keep on being good person.Remember all the good times


Heather Fisher

To David, Douglas, Robert, Allen and Donna and your families. Our deepest heartfelt condolences to you all on the loss of your father/grandfather. We are still in total shock over Dale’s passing. He has been to both of us: the best teacher, mentor, colleague and treasured friend over the years. His passing will leave a huge hole in our lives as well as everyone’s that knew him. His caring, consistent friendship, and of course the yearly birthday calls, will be so missed. Rest in peace dear friend.


Merv and Alison Safronetz

David, Douglas, Robert, Allen, Donna and your families It was a total shock to me and all those I've spoken with to hear of your Dad's passing. I just spoke to him on his birthday and then sent to and received from your Dad our yearly Christmas cards. I have so many memories to cherish of both your parents and was honored that your Dad gave Wayne's eulogy when he passed in 2001. I will miss his yearly phone calls on my birthday. My deepest sympathy to all of you as I know you are experiencing great loss at this time.


Carol Densmore

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