Obituary of Leona Mabel "Lee" Trail

Lee Trail, a longtime resident of Dawson Creek, B.C. passed away on Monday, April 6, 2015 in Red Deer, Alberta at the age of 83 years. Leona Mabel Dalke was born in Melfort, Saskatchewan on November 17, 1931 to loving parents, Mabel and Daniel Dalke. She was the first born of six children. In her younger years Lee spent her time enjoying the company of her many cousins at the farm close to Melfort, and running barefoot in the stubble fields day in and day out. The family had moved to Saskatoon in the late 1930's, where her father Dan worked at odd jobs, eventually becoming a lineman for SaskTel. Lee had many fond memories of Saskatoon. The adventure continued with a surprise move to Dawson Creek in September of 1947 to be with their dad, Dan while he was working for CN Telecommunications. Mabel loaded up the suitcases and the kids, jumped on the train in Saskatoon and began the three day journey to Dawson. Lee was lucky enough to go to the brand new South Peace Senior Secondary School and had the honor to be in the first graduating class of 1949. Her grad picture is now hanging in the newer high school of the same name. While in school, Lee enjoyed extracurricular activities of which drama was her favorite. After high school, Lee worked at the local Bank of Commerce as a teller. Lee was quite a beauty, and was very popular in the local modeling circles and participated in fashion shows for many years. Shortly thereafter Lee met Bobby Trail and after dating for a period, they were engaged and married on December 16, 1950. Their first child Penny was born on April 7, 1952, followed by Susan on June 14, 1954, and finally Mark on July 27, 1955. Their family was complete. Lee's father-in-law Archie always had a cabin somewhere, and she developed a love for the lake. As the kids grew older and the cabins changed, Lee could always be found reading a novel or doing a puzzle to pass the summer hours. Lee had also learned the sport of curling and participated in bonspiels with her girlfriends, and also the mixed with Bob. Later in life there was nothing better than watching curling on TV. Lee always had a soft spot for charities and contributed to many over the years. Bob was Mayor for many years, Lee was Dawson Creek's First Lady. An honor she carried proudly and always talked fondly of the many trips and conventions they attended. She was immensely proud of meeting the Queen during the Royal Visit in 1967 and also met Prime Minister Elliot Trudeau on a visit to Dawson. Lee loved her family and took such pride in all their accomplishments. She never missed sending birthday cards or phoning to give best wishes. She experience some bad luck in the early 90's suffering a heart attack which resulted in her having to get a pacemaker. More bad luck ensued when Lee started experiencing back pain, and after some tests it was discovered that she had a tumor which resulted in the removal of a kidney. Lee lost Bob in 2012 and things got quieter in her life. Lee had travelled to Red Deer for Christmas this past year and unfortunately, had another heart attack on December 29 resulting in her admittance to the hospital. She never left, passing away quietly with her loving daughter Susan at her side. Lee was predeceased by her husband Bob, her parents Daniel and Mabel, her brothers Lorne and Dennis Dalke and her sister Carol Hunter. Lee is survived by and lovingly remembered by her children: Penny (Louis) Felhauer, Susan Trail, and Mark (Belinda) Trail, her brothers Larry (Rusty) Dalke and Glen Dalke, her grandchildren: Michelle Hertner, Kori (Shaun) Inkster, Dustin Brooks (Ashley), Sean (Alana) Brooks, and Tyson Trail, her great grandchildren: Michael and Matthew Franke, Dakota and Denver Inkster, Mercedes Brooks, and Gannon and Karsyn Brooks, as well as numerous nieces, nephews and many friends. A Funeral Service was held on Saturday, April 18, 2015 at 1:00 PM from Reynars Funeral Chapel. Pastor Tim Johnston officiated. Interment followed in the Dawson Creek City Cemetery. For friends so wishing, donations may be made in memory of Lee, to the Heart & Stroke Foundation BC & Yukon, 200-1212 West Broadway, Vancouver, BC V6H 3V2. Very Respectfully Reynars Funeral Home & Crematorium. Funeral Service 1:00 pm Saturday, April 18, 2015 Reynars Funeral Chapel 1300 102nd Avenue Dawson Creek, British Columbia, Canada V1G 2C6