Dale Ernest Leschiutta
It is with deep sadness that the family of Dale “Scooter” Leschiutta announce his unexpected passing on June 1, 2021 at the age of 72 years.
Predeceased by his parents Margaret and Ernie Leschiutta, Dale will be lovingly remembered by his son David, former spouse Marian, sister Darlene (the late Leo); nieces Leanne and Melissa; nephew Darryl (Priscilla); great-nephew Luca and great-niece Mya; his dear friend and companion Jane as well as numerous extended family and close friends.
Dale was very passionate about Aviation and the Rodeo. Through organizations such as Northlands, CPRA and Horse Racing Alberta he dedicated his time to enriching the Rodeo’s culture and communities. Dale was also a well-respected Pilot and retired a Captain for Air Canada after having the honour of working for many reputable airlines.
Dale’s request is that cremation take place and no services are to be held.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Edmonton Rodeo Cowboys Benevolent Foundation in Dale’s name.
David and family- So very sorry for the loss of your Dad. Our family lived next door to Darlene and Leo so we spent time with the Leschiutta family usually during the Christmas holidays and at their lake cabin. Dale was a good friend- May he Rest In Peace . Sending love and hugs during this difficult time.
Scoots will be sadly missed far too young to be called home. Had many great memories of our trips together on the Herc back in the P.WA., C.A.I.L. days. May he rest in peace. Jana and Bud Husband.
So saddened by Dales passing. I will never forget the good times. May you Rest In Peace. Love always. Hugs to Dave and all the family
Marian, David,
such a loss of a wonderful gentleman, he was so professional, polite and thoughtful to all of us who knew and flew with him! Dale (Scoots) always had a smile on his face and was so supportive at work, you knew when he was the Capt. all was well !
We all will miss him and his smile. My sincere condolences to you Marian, and David! Our thoughts and prayers are with you both and his family!
We will never forget him !
Sincerely, Rob, Scott and little Miss Morgan
I am stunned with this news of Dale’s passing. Even though I haven’t seen Dale in 25 years, I fondly remember his heartfelt kindness and uplifting spirit to everyone. Quite literally, Dale is one of the best human beings I have ever met. I extend my deepest sympathies to all of Dale’s family.
Condolences to dales family, he was a great man with a lot of friends. Some say the worth of a man is the legacy he leaves behind and Dales legacy is massive. I will miss our chats , but will cherish the amazing memories he left with me and many others. Adios amigo see you down the trail!
I had the pleasure of working with Dale on the CPRA Board of Directors. He was a gentleman and a gentle man that tried to please everyone. When I ran into Dale last year, he greeted me his usual big smile and a handshake. Dale ended all of his correspondence with a phrase that I’ll borrow – adios my friend!
I flew as Dale’s First Officer for many flights over the years with Pacific Western and Canadian Airlines. A great pilot with empathy and caring for his fellow colleagues. One of the nicest pilots to work with. Saddened and shocked with his passing
He was one of the best Chairs of the Board of Directors and a huge supporter of the Canadian Finals Rodeo in Edmonton at Northlands. I had the pleasure of working at Northlands during his time there and will truly miss his amazing spirit and enthusiasm. My prayers and thoughts are with his family, and his rodeo family.
Scoots will be missed very much and I can’t begin to express how heartbroken we are for your loss. He was so very proud of you David, and for good reason. Scoots you were such a generous and loving friend. Thank you for all the incredible memories, especially at the lake. No one could get a just in the front tan quite like you! Our love and prayers go out to your family and as Scoots would say…”Adios, see you down the road” xoxox Ned & Bean
Dale became president at Northlands about three months after I began working there as Volunteer Srrvices Manager. He was such a kind man who always saw the best in people. Dale invited me behind the scenes at both Chucks and the CFR. He was my “tour guide” to two brand new worlds with which I fell in love. I was shocked to hear of his death, and I pray he will rest in peace on horseback in the great beyond. Happy trails, Dale, my erstwhile rodeo friend!
So very sad to hear about Dale ! Our sincere condolences was thinking of you on your birthday days very sorry
Dale was a kind gentle man who lead Northlands not through power but empowerment of all around him. He was a mentor and the staff at Northlands truly appreciated his great leadership style and would do anything for him. I had the privilege of seeing him serve as a board member at Taste of Edmonton when I was GM, he opened many doors for us at the time. RIP and adios Dale see you down the trail.
Dale was a wonderful leader, volunteer and friend. I have many memories of Dale’s strength and vision as a leader and a friend. To know him was to love him. He truly personified community spirit. He cared greatly about people, animals and his community. The world has lost a wonderful a soul, but is better having had him. He left us with many examples of compassion and understanding. Happy Trails to you my friend.
The 1966 Grad Class sends condolences to the Leschiutta family. Dale was a good friend to many of us and we will all miss him.
I was absolutely shocked to hear of Dales passing. I only met him a few times with Jane over coffee and I’ll never forget how hard we laughed. I had so many rodeo pics and stories I wanted to share with him. He certainly was a gentleman. My condolences to his son and his sister Darlene and family. RIP Dale
The community at large has lost a great contributor, and Dale volunteered on the front lines as much as in leadership roles and always said he never wanted to become just a sandwich eater at meetings, he wanted to get things done. He would pull out his small coil bound notepad on which he made notes and tell me what he thought of things. His impact and legacy are significant and I was honored to witness that, along with becoming a friend. We stayed in touch regularly and as recently as three weeks ago he talked of how proud he was of David “living the dream” flying aircraft. We were all given endearing nicknames, and when I hear mine I will always think of Dale. My condolences to the family, and to his many friends.
It was with sadness that I learned of Dale’s passing . I first met Dale at College 50 years ago when we were learning to fly. Dale and Gary took me in as a room mate for a time in Edmonton . He was a generous when I needed help and one of the best skiers the Trail ever produced . He was a true friend well loved and will be missed . Hopefully we will meet again .
Happy trails cowboy .
RIP Scoots ❤️
OUR condolences to Marion, David and family.
Dale and I flew together for many years at Pacific Western and Canadi>n Airlines.
I was so sad to hear of Scooter’s passing. He was such a great guy and will be terribly missed. RIP Scooter and my condolences to Marion and David.
Scooter,
I didn’t know you as well as I would like to have. Every time we met as pilots, your smile lit up my day. Never heard you say a negative thing.
My heart has a memory and you will always be in it.
What a shock, our deepest condolences to all his family and friends. A very great individual who always brought a smile to your face. We’ll never forget the good times we’ve had with him, like the ones at the lake like Ned mentioned. We will miss him immensely as a friend, herc rat, distinguished airman and horseman.
Dale was such a wonderful person and friend to many. He was an excellent pilot and successful in his many endeavours. Gone too soon. Sincere condolences to David and Marion at this difficult time.
Jane
Dale was one of those rare people who as soon as you met him you likes and trusted. That never changed over all the years we knew him. He will be sadly missed but his memory will always bring a smile to our faces. Rest In Peace my friend.
Tony and Janette
So saddened to hear of Dales passing, the world has lost one of its shining stars. That smile………. Condolences to everybody.
We were so sad to learn of Dales’s passing. Scooter was my friend growing up in Trail and although our paths have not crossed for many years our family was touched when he reached out to express his kind, thoughtful words when Dad died in 2014. That gesture spoke volumes about Scooter’s unique and charming character.
Our heartfelt condolences to Scooter’s family and friends.
Susan Vance and the Vance girls (Sharon, Stephie & Libby)
I’m so sad at having to write this. Dale and I flew many trips and he brightened every day. He was the a top notch pilot who will always be remembered by his fellow pilots.
So sad to hear of Dale’s passing. Our condolences to Mariam and son David(who went to school with our kids at Graminia). Cherish all your special memories
Ann&Blair Sibbald
Adious old Buddy. I always remember with great happiness the adventurous flights we did into the high Arctic on the mighty L-188 Ellectra. As the saying goes, “Those were the days my friend” made that much better having a great pilot and personality as crew. Maybe we can do it all over again in the next phase. Was my privelege to have you as a friend..
Condolences to your family and many friends.
Doug. and Linda Hill
Absolutely one of the good ones,
What a shock. So very sad to hear about Dale’s passing. He was a pleasure to work with, such a bright light and fun to be around. I have fond memories from the early years in Edmonton, with PWA. My condolences to Marian, David and the rest of his family and friends.
Marian, David and family, I am shocked to hear of Scoots passing..he truly was one of a kind, always had a kind word for all…and will surely be missed by all his loved ones..Jeanette and Ray
You will be dearly missed Scooter. Your smile and caring nature will remain in our memories forever. Our condolences to Marian, David and family.
So very sad for all those who lived this wonderful man! My condolences to his son, Marian and his family!
I only knew Dale on passing but he had such wonderful presence and was great fun to talk to, he will be greatly missed.
May I offer my condolences at this very sad time
I was so sadden to hear of Dale’s passing. He was truly a gentleman, kind, and caring. I had the pleasure of working with Dale for many years at the CPRA! He represented Rodeo so very well. I’ll miss your “check ins”. Adios, my friend.
Devon
I checked my log book and found that Ian Mathews and Dale Leschutta
flew with me on October 7, 1973 on AC 183 flying two trips YVR toYYJ to SEA DOING 2 trips that day. I had heard from many of my friends that “Scooter” was one of “The Boys”.
Well liked and my short professional experience on the Electra with Dale left me with an image of a very good person as well as a good pilot.
RIP Dale
So sorry to hear of Dale’s passing. Met Dale in my early years, he was a great host. My condolences to you David, Marion and family!
Mispelled Marian
Marion and David,
We were saddened to hear of your loss. Scooter, you always gladdened our hearts with your smile and laugh. We can’t believe you are gone so soon!
Farewell Scoots,
Cathie and John Chittick
I am so sad to hear the shocking news of Dale’s passing.
Marion, you and Scooter are among the stars of my fond PWA
memories. My sincere sympathy to all of Dale’s family.
Well I am surprised and saddened, Dale was a great chap to know. I know within his circle of friends he will be missed, but I take heart and think of him taking the rodeo and ‘flying’ with it around the world.
Very sorry to hear this sad news. Dale was a pleasure to fly with and spend time on overnights. Both Cindy and I enjoyed his friendly casual demeanour and always happy position. He will be sorely missed.
Last flight on silver wings, Godspeed Dale.
Rest in Peace. Dale. You will be missed by all who
knew you. I’m in shock.
See you down the road Scoots. You left us too soon. Remembering the old days at Norcanair.
Such a great guy…..everybody liked! I worked with Dale when he first came to PWA on the Lockheed Electra. Very professional attitude and very cool guy! Haven’t seen for many years but you don’t forget Dale……Condolences to Marian and David and other family and friends…he will definitely be missed!! RIP Scooter!!
Extremely sad to hear of Dale ” Scooter ” our friend and college of all the pilots with PWA. CAIL and Air Canada . A warm sole a great smile greeted you everyday anyone came into his presence. A true professional when it came to flying Arctic domestic international or otherwise. Let us not forget his passion for the sport of rodeo at CPRA association Alberta, also “The greatest outdoor show on Earth” Calgary Stampede and of course the granddad of them all the Wrangler NFR World Championship held every year Dec 4-13 in Las Vegas, except 2020 due to covid. He was always given a heads up and a great shout out for his truly passion for the sport. My condolences to David, Marion and the entire family during this unexpected and tragic time. As he always closed his conversation rather than ” goodbye” it was adios amigo ” RIP my friend !!! Left us all far to young. Enjoy your final ride off into the sunset. We all will join your in the future.: Adios” and bless you on your final journey. Lines tight blue side up!!!
My sincere condolences. Such sad news. I always enjoyed flying with Dale. Until we all meet again.. Rest in Peace.
David and Marion,
I’m so sad to hear that Dale has passed away, what a great loss for all who knew him…..Dale was a great pilot ,a true gentleman and friend.
You will never be forgotten.
David, Marian, Darlene and family, I am so sorry that you are grieving of
a great loss in Scooter. I was a dear friend and co-worker for many
years. My family that got to know him on the farms we have will
truly miss his friendship and laughter. So shocked just spoke to him 3 weeks before and was going to come out for a visit in July. If there is
anything you need please let me know I am here for you. Thinking of all of you
It was with great sadness that we learned of Dale’s passing. We had the privilege o knowing Dale through his many contributions to Northlands, and in particular, his contributions to Rodeo. Always with a smile on his face, Dale exemplified friendship and was always willing to lend a helping hand. He will be truly missed, but his spirit will continue to live in the hearts of his many friends and associates.
David, So sorry to hear about your Dad. If we can be of any help during this tough time for you or your mom,please let us know.
Mar and David, someone so special can never be forgotten. Sharing in your sorrow, may your heart and soul find peace and comfort. Sincere condolences.
Marian and David our whole family is saddened and shocked with the news of Scooter”s passing. Our lives and families have been intertwined beginning at Selkirk College through our careers at PWA, Canadian and Air Canada and then into retirement. We have fond memories of our social times spent together. We hope that your memories of Scooter will sustain you both through this trying time.
Grant & Bev McClean and family
Sorry to hear of Scooter’s passing. He was a lovely guy and meant a lot to my Dad. It was always great to see him when our paths crossed over the years. Take care David, Darlene, Marian, and Jane.
The Bignell family send condolences to Mariam and Dave. We all enjoyed our time at hockey and gatherings at the home
Dales sense of humour kept us laughing
Rest easy Dale
Awwww, Dale, why did u have to leave us? We’re going to miss u soo much, you were a great bro- in – law, RIP Amigo.
Wow……..I’m speechless…….too young too soon!
So saddened to hear of Scooter passing. I spent time with Dale at our “crash pad” in Toronto. I had many enjoyable evenings talking with Dale. We flew together on the 67. He was a true gentleman and an absolute pro to work with. He was one of the good guys and I will miss him. To Scooter’s family, please accept my deepest sympathy.
Blue Skies Tail Winds and Happy Landings my good friend. Adios
I had the honour of working with Dale during my time at Northlands and recently learning of his passing. He was a kind and incredible gentleman and will be truly missed. Deepest belated sympathies are extended to his family and all those who had he privilege of knowing Dale. An angel is watching over us all.