Robert Francis Dulle
1922 – 2013
(Gopher)
With sadness we share the passing of our 90-year-old Dad, Grandpa and Great-Grandpa which occurred on Thursday, February 21, 2013 at the Davidson Health Centre in Davidson, Sask.
Dad was born on April 17, 1922 in Veurne, West Flanders, Belgium to Florent and Camilla Dulle. He was a tiny little guy weighing two pounds at birth; his mom would often recall how she would wrap him up, put him in his dads’ wooden shoe then place Dad in the oven to keep him warm. In 1926, at age four, Dad and his parents immigrated to Canada and made a home in the Davidson district, later relocating to a homestead in the Simpson area.
Dad married Mom (Estella Luypaert) on October 23, 1944. They made their first home in a converted grain bin on Robert’s parents’ homestead. In 1945 they purchased land, started a family and were blessed with 12 children. Dad and Mom retired from farm life and built a new home in Davidson in 1975; Dad loved to talk about how with the help of the boys, family and friends they built the house in one day. Until his retirement Dad worked in the construction trade with Con’s Construction, he was always happiest when he was working and had a very hard time sitting still. Dad’s family was the most important thing to him; he always had time for the grandchildren, he loved every opportunity to spend time together catching up on everyone’s busy lives, the annual Reunion was the highlight of his summers. In his younger days he went to every sporting event his kids were participating in or just volunteered his time to organize the events. Dad enjoyed playing cards especially with his family and the “hit” he would get from his wife when she thought he was cheating! Dad was a member of the Knights of Columbus and the Davidson Seniors; he really enjoyed the winter games, bingo, shuffle board, almost anything that would involve visiting with his family and many friends.
Dad was predeceased by his wife of 66 years, Estella (2011); and his eldest daughter Florence (1995).
Dad leaves to cherish his memory daughter Eileen (Gordon), Davidson, Sask.; sons Ron (Audrey), Abbotsford B.C.; Jim (Diane), Medicine Hat, Alta.; Jerry (Valarie), Craik, Sask.; Dennis (Vivian), Medicine Hat, Alta.; Wayne (Mona), Saskatoon, Sask.; Larry (Debra), Regina, Sask.; David (Connie), Medicine Hat, Alta.; Randy (Lenore), Saskatoon, Sask.; Calvin (Tracey), Saskatoon, Sask.; Carmen (Kathy), Medicine Hat, Alta.; son-in-law Lawrence McRae (MaryLynn), Craik, Sask.; 29 grandchildren and 32 great-grandchildren.
A celebration of remembrance was held on March 7, 2013, in the Sacred Heart Catholic Parish, Father Eugene Warnke officiated. For friends so wishing memorial donations may be made to either the Alzheimer Society or Cancer Society.
Interment in the Davidson Cemetery will take place at a later date.
Arrangements were in care of Hanson’s Funeral Service, Davidson, Sask.