It is with deep sadness that we remember Dale, who died peacefully on December 11th, 2020 at the age of 68. Dale was a gentle soul who will be greatly missed for his ready smile, warmth, generosity and loyalty to family and friends.
Dale, the youngest of three sons, was born in Kamloops where his parents moved following their forced relocation to Kaslo in 1941. When Dale was a teenager the family moved to West Vancouver, where he forged close friendships that lasted a lifetime. Dale, ever young at heart, also treasured his relationships with his beloved niece and nephews, who in turn, valued him as a special person in their lives.
Like his eldest brother, Robert, Dale was a lawyer. He practised in several settings, but a highlight was a two year assignment in Tokyo. It not only let him experience a different legal system, but deepened his interest in and appreciation for Japanese culture and food.
Dale was predeceased by his parents Edward and Mata Banno and his brother Robert. He is survived by his brother Victor (Debbie Griswold), sister in law Cathy Makihara, nephews Kevin (Christine), Brian (Nancy Dos Santos) and niece Katherine (David James), grandnieces and many other relatives and friends.
We thank Dr. Brad Fritz for visiting Dale at home and for helping arrange transfer to St. John’s Hospice in Vancouver, where Dale was well cared for in the last days of his life.
No service will be held at this time. If you wish to make a donation in his memory, please consider Nikkei Place Foundation or St. John’s Hospice.
8 Comments
Phil Maher
My condolences to the Banno family. Dale was a good friend while we were classmates at Kam Hi. I last saw him at a high school reunion a few years ago. I have many good memories. He was a person of many talents! Although we both became lawyers unfortunately we did not cross paths professionally as we practiced in different areas, and as I see from the obituary, sometimes in different countries!
Grace Doorman
My condolences to Dale’s family. I will miss him so much! I worked for Dale for over 30 years, beginning in 1981 when he formed the law firm “Banno & Mitchell” with Gordon Mitchell. (I still work for Gordon.) Dale was not only my work boss, but also a mentor, and a best friend, really. We remained friends to the end, sharing countless lunches together, and always recounting the good old days. My world will be forever changed without him. I am so saddened that he had to go so soon … he was, truly, ever young at heart, and had so many more roads to travel. And, I know he had many close, forever friends that will miss him dearly. He will always hold a special place in my heart.
Deborah MacDonald
My heartfelt condolences to the Banno family. Dale was my neighbour at 1266 West 13th and he was someone I always enjoyed talking to when we saw each other. He shared a great love of music and like me loved “The Beatles and Elvis”. I was so saddened to hear of his recent illness. I will hold on to my special memories and the last time I saw him. He will be missed by all in our building.
TOSHIYUKI SAITO
Dale さん
短い人生でしたね。３５年間私たちのビジネスの為に素晴らしい仕事をしてくれ、私達もたくさんの事を学び、本当に、本当にありがとう。この７月が私達への最後の仕事だったとは、未だに信じられない。日本へ一緒に旅行する予定が実現せず、とても悔いが残ります。
安らかにお眠りください。
Shannon O'Hara
My hearfelt condolences go out to Dale’s family and friends.. I was Dale’s secretary from 1990 to 1999 when he was Wilson Danderfer Banno & Mitchell. Dale was kind, funny and great boss to work for. It was a joy to come to work each day. We kept in touch every so often after I moved away to start a family. He was one of those people you could pick up wherever you left off and no beat was skipped. He will be greatly missed.
Howard Rex Hunter
I would like give my condolences especially to Victor whom I attended Kam High with. There are many good memories of basket ball games with all the Banno boys as they had a very nice basket ball hoop set up @ the back of their house in Kamloops. I had the pleasure of dealing with Robert through his legal practice in later years. I am very sorry to hear that both Robert & Dale have passed @ such young ages. Thank you for the opportunity to comment.
Don Pavlovich
Last week, I mistakenly dialed Dale’s home telephone number, or perhaps I just wanted to hear his recorded voice on his answering machine. I think it was the latter, for his voice released a multitude of fond memories that I will cherish for years. These fond memories put a smile on my face! Dale’s personality flowed through his smile and laughter. It brought back memories of our trip to Kamloops and the Okanagan, the fun times of youth & freedom. The late night pick up hockey games out at UBC, which included his two brothers Robert & Victor. I used to kid Dale about his skates because they were so unusual having white stripes down the sides. I think it was our first encounter with European styled hockey skates. I guess it really didn’t matter where the skates came from for it gave us a reason to laugh as he glided pass everyone in true Guy Lafleur (former great Montreal Canadians player) style. Dale was a Montreal Canadian hockey fan. It was the memories of our late night coffee gatherings after our pick up games usually at the White Spot on West Broadway. It was memories of Dale repeatedly showing his slow motion interpretation of his hockey slap shot or his football catches. I must say these slow motion moves where something that the Banno brothers perfected. I looked ridiculous when I tried, but the Banno brother’s were a sight to see while reliving a goal or catch. Our spontaneous drives to Bellingham for lunch or coffee, talking about nothing yet these past conversations meant something, for I have remembered. I have banked so many memories of Dale, which I can release when I need a smile. Dale’s spirit will remain in my mind forever, what a legacy to leave behind, for its priceless.
Jim Koropatnick
I have just now read of Dale’s untimely death. Dale was a very good friend with whom I attended West Van Secondary School in the 1960s… we both graduated in 1969 and then went on to UBC, spending as much time as we dared in the record listening room of the Student Union Building enjoying our favourite vinyl records. A wonderful companion with a quirky sense of humour and the greatest of good will for everyone he knew. We lost touch over the past 40 years but I thought of him often. He will always be that laughing 20 year old in my mind. Rest easy, old friend.