Wayland – Dale S. Calverley, 50, of Wayland, passed away while on vacation with his family Monday, Aug. 17, 2015.
Dale’s father David is deceased, but among those he leaves behind are his mother, Helen Jay Calverley; his stepmother, Robin Calverley; and the love of his life, Jen Calverley, with whom he shared a birthday – May 6 – the same day they were married in 2000. Together they had three children, Abigail, 14; Morgan, 12; and Jack, 9, as well as an adorable dog, Evie.
Dale was a collector. One of six kids (Michelle, deceased; Deirdra; Nova Calverley-Chase; Rebecca Eustice; Michael; and Dwayne), he filled his life with family and friends. He collected photos, memories, and handy yard sale finds with equal fervor.
He was a Boy Scout leader, Freemason, Sterling Men’s Organization member, and Shriner’s clown.
To Dale, every child on the burn ward at Shriner’s was just waiting for “Fix-It the Clown” to make them smile. And every stranger he met was another friend to be made. Dale “loved people hard” and was known for filling a room with his laughter.
A member of the Trinitarian Congregational Church, Dale upheld fundamental Christian beliefs and consistently imparted these morals to his children. He devoted a large portion of his life to supporting them from sidelines, bleachers, and auditoriums. It was very important to Dale to record every moment of the kids’ endeavors on his smart phone, and then share them with other family members, friends, co-workers, and even strangers.
He was known to, upon coming home after work, “wreak havoc on the house,” scooping up each kid in a big bear hug, depositing whatever bargain purchase he’d made that day on the counter, and quizzing everyone about their day in his booming voice. The sound of their father’s voice will always be a treasured memory for Dale’s children.
An avid outdoorsman, Dale died doing what he loved, surrounded by the people he loved.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, Sept. 5, at 2 p.m., at the Trinitarian Congregational Church, 52 Cochituate Rd. in Wayland.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Dale’s memory to the Shriner’s Burn Hospital, 51 Blossom St., Boston MA 02114. There is also an online fund set up to help the family at www.gofundme.com/w829vj2k.
