PFILE: Dale Richard of Kilworth, formerly of Grand Bend, Sarnia, and London
Posted By Haskett Funeral Homes On September 14, 2026 @ 2:16 PM In Dashwood, Exeter, Obituary | 21 Comments
Passed away peacefully at Jessica’s House, Exeter on Friday, September 11, 2026 at the age of 90. Cherished husband of Barbara (Shirtliff) for 68 years. Proud father of Kelly and Mitchell Hall of Toronto, Richard and Lynda of Mt. Brydges, Kris and Laura of Strathroy, and Terry and Michelle of Grand Bend. Loving grandpa to Tyler and Krista, Chelsea and Michael, Lyndsay and Devon , Meaghan; Josh, Desirae; Connor and Rebecca, Jessica; Delaney, and great-grandpa to Zoë, Theo, and Otto. Dear brother and brother-in-law to Allan and Sue Pfile of Sarnia.
Dale was raised in Grand Bend Ontario and eventually settled into the family home in Kilworth Ontario with Barb and the kids in 1970.
Family was everything to Dale. He cared deeply about what was happening in the lives of the people he loved, always wanting to know how they were doing and he carried their worries alongside them.
Quiet, kind, compassionate and endlessly inquisitive, Dale was a great conversationalist with a wonderfully dry and occasionally inappropriate sense of humour. If Dale liked you, there was a pretty good chance he was going to tease you. Barb, his children and grandchildren were his favourite targets. Being teased by Dale was simply part of being loved by him.
Dale’s work life began early in Grand Bend scooping ice cream at Betty and Art’s, racking pins at the Bowling Alley, and driving trucks full of cadets or supplies for the Ipperwash Army Camp.
Dale and Barb met on the strip in Grand Bend as he sat on the hood of a parked car and took in the “scenery”. Barb obviously caught his eye, a relationship evolved and they were married within a few years. They initially settled in Sarnia, where Dale worked at Dow Chemical and they celebrated the births of their first three children.
Dale was an entrepreneur at heart – this quote sat on his desk “an entrepreneur is a person who works 16 hours a day to avoid working 8 hours for someone else “
His entrepreneurial endeavours were inspired by working at Little Pigs BBQ, leading him to owning and operating multiple Red Barn restaurants and then eventually bringing the first Burger King to London in the late 1970s.
In the early 1980s, Dale and a partner organized a successful car show in Mt Brydges called “London in the Summer”. This show indirectly lead to his final venture, NOS Reproductions. His entrepreneurial spirit combined with his passion for classic cars spawned a business where he worked alongside Barb and his sons for many years.
Dale worked hard, but he loved being outside at the home he and Barb took so much pride in, gardening together, relaxing by the pool, watching the birds, enjoying their friends, their neighbours and simply being at home. He loved classic cars, collected toy trucks, appreciated really good food including a quality ice cream, and always had a soft spot for dogs.
Dale will be remembered for always generously sharing what he learned and mentoring many people along the way. He also gave back to his community, sponsoring car shows and volunteering for many years with the OPP Services Committee in Komoka.
Above all, Dale loved his family. He was immensely proud of his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren and happiest surrounded by the people who mattered most to him.
The Pfile family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the staff and residents of Seasons-Strathroy, and to the staff and volunteers at Jessica’s House for the compassion, dignity and exceptional care they provided to Dale and his family during his final days.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
In tribute to Dale, please consider a donation to Jessica’s House in Exeter, and raise a glass of fine wine, or a scoop of ice cream, to a life well lived.
Condolences for the family of “PFILE: Dale Richard of Kilworth, formerly of Grand Bend, Sarnia, and London”
So sorry for your loss.
Dale sure was a sweet and generous man. We so enjoyed our visits with him and Barb at their Kilworth home, watching the birds and fireflies. I loved his humour, and especially when he was teasing!
Dale, you will remain in our thoughts and hearts. A life well lived, dear man ❤️
Barb and family, may you hold on to your wonderful memories, and to his essence.
It has been a privilege to get to know Dale over the last 20plus years! Always a hug and
interest in what was happening in my life!
I know he will be missed deeply by all his family and those who called him their friend! Rest in peace! ❤️
It is always hard to say goodby! Condolences to all the family and especially to Kris and Laura. Much love as we think of you!
Auntie Judy and uncle Chuck
My deepest condolences. There definitely is a happy reunion somewhere with your dad and mine.
Hugs to all of you. 💔
So very sorry to hear. Fond memories of family get togethers in the Pfile home…
Sounds like a life well lived !
Condolences to Kris and Laura and family .
That was a great tribute
So very sorry
Love,
Auntie Carolyn and family
Dear Barb & family, We are very sorry for your loss. We have many fond memories of learning to swim at your house. Please accept our sincere condolences. Jen Jackson & Sheree Stuart (Jackson).
Allan, Sue & Family: I am so sorry to read of Dale’s passing. Prayers go out to you, your family, and Barb and Family. May your happy memories help you during this sad time. Dale certainly resembles your Dad.
Our deepest condolences to all of the Pfile family
Many fond memories working for Dale as a teenager almost 50 years ago!
He was a Mentor to me and many other young people lucky enough to work for him
Always willing to share his wisdom and experience with a smile and a positive outlook
His Quiet demeanor and dry sense of humor made it feel like you worked with him not for him
So sorry for your loss
Barry&Lori Uttley
My deepest condolences to the Pfile family at the passing of Dale. He was a very knowledgeable man and great to talk to. I remember many times ordering parts from him and getting great service and help.
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Mike Lobsinger
The description of Dale and Barb’s 68-year marriage, especially their shared work, home, and family life, shows how enduring partnership is built through mutual care and understanding as much as romance.
Terry and Michelle my heartfelt condolences on the loss of your dad. ♥️
Condolences to all the family,especially Kris and Laura,treasure the memories.
My sincere condolences to the Pfile family! Wishing his family peace and comfort during this difficult time.
Barb and family
I’m so sorry to read of Dale’s passing.
I was smiling as I remembered the nonsense of some get togethers we had.
Thinking of you at this most difficult time. The memories you have hold close.
I am saddened to learn of Dale’s passing and when I read the noticed, I flashed back almost 60 years. I spent about 4years of my teenage life working for and with Dale at two of his three Red Barns locations in London. Full time in the summer when school was out and part time, the rest of the year.
I recall Dale being a calm, organized. gentle person. If he had a task for me that was new, he would take the time to explain it thoroughly, repeating it I needed to hear it again, never once rolling an eye.
My favorite Dale Pfile story involves Dale and two of my more burly young co-workers coming to my house to collect me. About a month earlier, I had received orthopedic surgery on both of my feet to address an issue that I was born with, club feet. I don’t recall what kind of vehicle it was, but I do recall these two young high school football players picking me up to put me inside the vehicle and stowing my wheel chair in the back. We headed off to meet up with the rest of the crew for a Christmas dinner. At the end of the evening Dale handed out envelopes containing Christmas bonuses. Even the guy who hadn’t worked for months, me, was handed an envelope.
Dale’s work calmness, intelligence and patience has always stayed with me.
My condolences to the family
Rob Shortridge
Iam so sorry to hear the passing of Dale, My condolences to you and your family Barb. .
Barb and family, so sorry to hear of the passing of Dale Many fond memories of Red Barn openings, many family get togethers around the pool at the Pfile home….
Kris and family,
Sorry to just read of your Dad’s passing.
Condolences to you and your entire family.
Article printed from Haskett Funeral Homes | Dashwood, Exeter, Goderich, Lucan, & Seaforth Ontario: https://www.haskettfh.com
URL to article: https://www.haskettfh.com/pfile-dale-richard-of-kilworth-formerly-of-grand-bend-sarnia-and-london/
Click here to print.
Copyright © 2010 Haskett Funeral Homes |All rights reserved.
Cheers to a life well lived, Dale!
Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Barb, and all your family who are and will miss him. May you feel comforted and that peace beyond understanding in the days ahead.
Hugs,
Paul and Joan mitchell