Dale Leroy ‘Colonel’ Saunders, of Bowden, Alberta, passed away peacefully on September 14, 2024, at the age of 82 years, surrounded by his loving wife, Barb and daughter, Nicky, after a short battle with cancer. Born on August 29, 1942, Dale was the youngest child of Roy and Flo Saunders. He attended school in Bowden, Alberta where he developed an early love for horses and horse racing, passions that would shape the rest of his life.
After graduating high school in 1959, Dale headed to the racetrack to pursue his dream of training Thoroughbreds. His dedication to the sport was matched only by his energy and speed—he could walk faster than most people could run. Aside from his love of horses, Dale was actively involved in the local community. He spent many evenings coaching the Central Alberta Ladies Softball team, leading them to dominate the league for several seasons. A man of few words on the ball diamond and at the track, Dale used hand signals for both the ball players and his exercise riders. When he indicated go faster, go another round or finish his exercise riders knew exactly what he wanted when they galloped by.
While Dale resided for his entire life at his farm at Bowden, he spent many winters in Phoenix, Arizona escaping the dreaded winter cold while continuing to watch and train racehorses, and even there he could be found in the morning wearing his signature flannel-lined blue jeans and insulated cap.
In 1980, Dale married Barbara Willis, and together they built a breeding and training centre from where they would achieve remarkable success. Dale was an exceptional trainer, and earned leading trainer titles in 1983, 1985, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, and 2013. Over the years, they raised and raced many champion horses. Dale’s daughter, Nicky and granddaughters, Aurora and Maddy were the light of his life. After retiring in 2022, he spent much of his time with his beloved “girls,” whether it was pitching balls in the summer or pulling them on the crazy carpet in the winter. Despite his lifelong fear of water, Dale could be found sitting at the water’s edge, jeans rolled up, watching his granddaughters play. Even in retirement, Dale remained active. After walking miles along the backstretch for over sixty years, he stayed fit by working out daily at Olds College and walking regularly. Afterward, he would enjoy a medium coffee from Tim Horton’s, and driving far and wide to visit old friends.
Dale will be lovingly remembered by his wife Barb, his daughter, Nicky (Cody) Recknagle and his granddaughters, Aurora and Maddy. He was predeceased by his parents, Roy and Flo Saunders, and his sister, Marie Empey. The family extends their gratitude to the nurses, doctors, and staff at the Innisfail Hospital and the Red Deer Hospice for their compassionate care during Dale’s final days. As per Dale’s wishes, a Private Family Gravesite Service will be held at the Bowden Cemetery, Bowden, Alberta. If desired, Memorial Donations in Dale’s honor may be made to the HBPA of Alberta Backstretch Fund, P.O. Box 7005, Town Square Post Office, Leduc, Alberta, T9E 1H7 or at www.hbpaalberta.ca. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed at www.heartlandfuneralservices.com. Arrangements in care of: Heartland Funeral Services Ltd., 4415 – 49 Street, Innisfail, Alberta. Phone: 403.227.0006

• Date : 2024-09-25
• Location : (Bowden) Locally Family Owned (Red Deer/Blackfalds/Eckville) www.ParklandFuneralHome.com & (Innisfail/Olds/Didsbury/Sundre) www.HeartlandFuneralServices.com