member of Walpole Island First Nation, passed away at Victoria Hospital in London on Thursday, September 18, 2025 at the age of 76. Dale was the son of the late Joseph Elger & Ellis Jean (Lallean) Sands. Predeceased by his beloved wife Barbara Lynn ‘Buffy’ (Isaac) Sands. Loving father of Raquel (Lewis) and the late Lola. Dear grandfather of Marcus (Summer), Cherish and Larkin. Brother of Brenda (Jerry), Rocky (Martha), Lynda, Judy, Rosslyn (Doris), Peter, Joley (Greg) and Lily. Dale was a member of the Tahgahoning Enterprise as well as a founding member. He also served two terms on the Walpole Island Chief and Council. Dale had retired from Chris Craft Boats in Algonac and Walpole Island First Nation maintenance department and was the caretaker of Highbanks Cemetery for 52 years. He coached lacrosse, baseball and hockey. He guided duck hunters and fishermen and trapped. Dale enjoyed competitive billiards, archery, trap shooting and horseshoes.
Family and friends are invited to gather for visitation at the Haycock-Cavanagh Funeral Home, 409 Nelson Street in Wallaceburg from 2-4 and 6-8 pm on Monday. The funeral will be celebrated at First Baptist Church (99 Thomas Avenue at Napier Street) on Tuesday, September 23 at 1 pm. Cremation with burial in Highbanks Cemetery to follow.
If you wish to make a donation in his memory, please consider the Kidney Foundation.
Cherished stories and tributes may be left for the family at www.CavanaghFuneralHome.ca
