It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Dale Robert Santa aged 65 years of Moose Jaw, SK, on Tuesday, April 8th, 2025.
Dale was born in Peace River, Alberta, and spent his early years in the Assiniboia/Mossbank, SK area, growing up on the farm in Mossbank. Dale was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and friend. Although he was a quiet soul, his presence was undeniable, and his impact on those around him was profound. He was a man whose character shone through in every interaction — loving, kind, and incredibly strong when it mattered most. Dale had a rare gift of making everyone feel seen and valued, always putting others before himself.
In his first marriage, Dale welcomed his son, James Robert Bennett, into the world. Life had its own plans for him, and eventually Dale moved to Moose Jaw, where he met the love of his life and soulmate, Debbie Smith, on October 31st, 1985. From that moment on, their journey together began — a bond that would last a lifetime.
Dale worked many jobs throughout his life but truly found his calling as a truck driver, working for several companies over the years, including Ace Asphalt, High Country Transport, Rockport, Hardline, and ultimately, Covenant Construction, where he was employed at the time of his passing.
A true hero, Dale was awarded the Medal of Bravery, Canada’s highest honour, after risking his life to save a fellow trucker from a burning semi. However, those who knew him didn’t need a medal to recognize his bravery. Dale displayed immense courage throughout his life, most notably in his battle with pancreatic cancer — an arduous journey that he faced with remarkable strength and dignity.
He was predeceased by his parents, Henri and Shirley Leroy; in-laws, Al and Lil Smith; brother, Brian Santa; and his favorite uncle, Frank Forness. Dale leaves behind his beloved wife and best friend, Deb; children: Nathan (Angela) Smith, James (Tamara) Bennett, Joshua Santa, and Stephanie (Kyle) Delanoy; his cherished grandchildren: Alex, Mariah, Michael, Emilee, and Jacob; special nephew, Corey Santa; and siblings, Carman (Faye) Santa and Wayne Leroy. He is also survived by his in-laws: Twyla (Wayne) Sirovyak, Lorna (Jeff) Barber, Dwaine (Heather) Smith, and Joe (Sandy) Smith; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family, including Michel (Judy) Lamothe, Mark (Marilyn) Antonichuk, Colin (Bonnie) Johnston, Jim (Donna), his Buffalo View family, and his sisters-in-law: Elaine Knuttila, Sandra Willis, Bonnie Welbourne, and Shauna Fortman.
A Celebration of Dale’s Life will be held on Tuesday, April 15th, 2025 at 4:00 p.m. at the Cosmo Senior Citizen’s Centre, 235 3rd Ave NE, Moose Jaw, SK. All are welcome to join us in remembering the life and legacy of a truly remarkable man. Arrangements are entrusted to Moose Jaw Funeral Home, 268 Mulberry Lane. Shirese Noble Funeral Director 306-693-4550
