KIRKHAM, Denice “Dale”

June 19, 1951 — January 17, 2023

Dale Kirkham passed away peacefully on January 17, 2023, after a 21-year battle with cancer. Despite this, Dale was a tremendously positive woman with an infectious laugh that would make others smile. She was caring, loving, attentive and incredibly strong, and would do anything for her family and friends.

Dale’s creativity was extraordinary.  She was an unparalleled master seamstress and knitter who could sew and knit anything including stuffed animals, scarves, wedding dresses, jeans, sweaters, and so much more. In fact, for most of what she did, she didn’t need a pattern as she worked from knowledge and memory. She also loved sharing her talents for the craft, and would teach anyone who was game. She fondly cherished the time she spent sewing and knitting with her loved ones.

In the kitchen, Dale was a skilled baker whose pie crusts, waffles, Mickey-shaped pancakes, pumpkin pies, crème caramels, Land of Nod cinnamon buns, hot milk sponge, and Black Forest cakes were legendary. Dinner was always great in the Kirkham household, but what many looked forward to were the delicious sweet breakfasts and desserts.

Dale was the definition of a green thumb. Garden plants and flowers flourished under her care. She was in her element and beamed with life when she tended to her fruits and vegetables, and as she quietly followed and watched the pheasants and quails who meandered through her orchard.  She savoured the many fruits of her labour, often freshly harvested from the ground.

As a wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and aunt, Dale was a gift to her family. She put family first and showed her love freely. Her kids were truly lucky to have the “World’s Best Mom!”

We know Dale is now safe as she journeys to join her parents, Rowly and Joan, and her brother, Norman, who predeceased her. She will be lovingly remembered by her husband of 53 years, Brian, and their children, Terra (Graham) Kershaw, Dean (Patrice) and Brad; her grandchildren, Andrea (Curt) Loyd, Aodhan, and Bridget Kirkham; her siblings, Dean (Alma) Purmal, Gina (Ken) Nelson, and David (Kelly) Purmal; along with many nieces and nephews, her extended family, and her special friends, Pat and Terry Baker.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to BC Cancer Agency – Sindi Ahluwalia Hawkins Centre for the Southern Interior.

A private family service was held to honour Dale.

If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences”.