Event Date : Sunday, December 01, 1957
Event Type : Death
Municipality : Newmarket, Ont.
Community : Other - Bradford
Street :
Lot :
Concession : 0
Description : About six weeks before his death, Mr. William John Dales of West Gwillimbury broke his leg while in Bradford and was moved to York County Hospital, Newmarket, where he appeared to make an excellent recovery from the shock of the accident. He was progressing so satisfactorily that plans were being made to move him to his home, when, on Sunday, December 1, he passed away while eating his meal. He was in his 81st year.Almost a life-long resident of the township, Mr. Dales was born on the homestead in The Hollows, the eldest son of the late George and Mary Jane Dales. He grew to manhood in that district and in 1905 he married Florence Hounsome of Cookstown, and following his marriage came his only period of residence outside West Gwillimbury when for five years Mr. and Mrs. Dales farmed in Essa Township. Returning to West Gwillimbury they purchased the farm on which he spent the remainder of his life, on
Concession 13 in the Gilford district.Mr. Dales was held in high esteem in his home neighbourhood and throughout the township. He had served on the township council and in his church, St. Paul's Anglican at Coulson's Hill. He had served as a warden and was always a worker and a faithful member. He was an ardent hunter and a baseball fan.Mr. Dales is survived by his widow; one son, Earl, on the home farm; one daughter, Isabel (Mrs. Leo Gibbons) of Stroud; six grandchildren and three great grandchildren. Three brothers, Ernest, George and Fred, and two sisters, Emma (Mrs. Earl James) and Clara (Mrs. Russell Draper), also survive. He was predeceased by two sisters, Lena (Mrs. Will Hounsome) and Lily May Dales.His funeral, which was very largely attended by friends and relatives, was held from his late residence on Wednesday, December 4, with the service in St. Paul's Anglican Church. His long-time rector, and friend for many years, Rev. T. J. Dew of Mimico conducted the service, assisted by his present rector, Rev. E. R. Woolley. Interment was in the adjoining cemetery.The pallbearers were members of the Ideal Hunt Club, namely, Wm. Baynes, Wm. MacDonald, Carl Black, Oscar Sutherland, Bill Andrews and Arthur Evans. The flower bearers were Leonard Gibbons, Norman Neilly, Harold Porritt, Alf. Davis, John Cronan and Earl Carr.Floral tributes, in addition to friends and relatives, were received from St. Paul's Church, West Gwillimbury Township, Ideal Hunt Club, Fennell's Ball Club and Lakeview Euchre Club.
