STEEVES, INGRAM DALE - A life of significant personal achievement and commitment to community service concluded on August 10, 2014, at the Veteran's Health Unit in Fredericton, with the passing of I. Dale Steeves in his ninety second year. A true son of New Brunswick, he was born in Albert County and after several years working on the family dairy farm Dale enlisted in the army at his earliest date of eligibility and served overseas from 1940 until 1945. During this time he met and married Gladys Reynolds in London, England.. They were married for sixty nine years until her passing on June 1, 2014. Following his war service, Dale became the first of his generation to attend university achieving a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Manitoba in 1950. This was followed by a thirty two year career with the New Brunswick Dept. of Agriculture, from which he retired in 1982. Throughout his life Dale took an active role in serving his community. He participated in several United Way campaigns and Cancer Society fund-raising initiatives in Fredericton and served as a mentor to many who followed in those pursuits. Although he was a humble man who seldom spoke of personal achievements, he will be remembered by many as a recipient of a Paul Harris Fellowship and for his leadership role in the Fredericton Rotary Club, as its president and his eventual election to the position of District Governor for district 7810 in 1983-84. Dale took a quiet pride in the many positive initiatives undertaken by Rotary clubs in Fredericton and the district during the period of his participation and in subsequent years. As a further testament to his community involvement, Dale also had a masonic career which spanned 70 years. During that time he proceeded through all the offices of Alexandria Lodge #33 in Fredericton, culminating in his election to the position of Worshipful Master in 1967. At the same time, Dale actively participated in the business of the Grand Lodge of New Brunswick and the Scottish Rite. He was elected Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of New Brunswick and served in that capacity in 1981-82. As well, he was bestowed an honorary 33rd degree in the Scottish Rite and for several years was one of 33 active 33rd degree masons in Canada. He also served on the board of the Scottish Rite Foundation. As the last surviving member of his generation, Dale was predeceased by his wife Gladys, by sisters Emma and Margaret, and by brothers David, Robert, and Douglas. Along with several nieces and nephews, he is survived by three children, Ron (Sandra), Lois (Dan), and Ian/Fud (Pat); six grandchildren, Jason (Lisa), Matthew Dale (Lynn), Matthew Kirk (Helen), Ginny (Tristan), Dana (John), Courtney (Butch); and five great grandchildren, Jessie, Allison, Blake, Brett and Reid.
A celebration of Dale's life will be held at McAdam Funeral Home, York St., Fredericton on Thursday, August 14th at 3 pm. Interment will take place at a later date. For those who wish, memorial tributes to Dale should be made to Masonic Charities and Housing PO Box 6442 Saint John, NB E2L 4R8, or the charity of the donor's choice. On-Line condolences may be made at www.mcadamsfh.com