Nature, birds, in particular, became more vibrant through his eyes.
Long-time local and birder Chris Dale, a friend to many, died earlier this month due to complications from lung cancer.
Dale spent 40 years with his partner, Bev Hill.
"He hiked every trail in the Squamish Valley," she told The Squamish Chief. "We paddled our double kayak in Howe Sound."
He loved "glorious" summer days, she added, recalling times when she was on her knees taking pictures of wildflowers while Dale was nearby filming birds.
(He often shared his photos and videos with The Squamish Chief and had appeared in our publication in print and online many times.)
"At home, we took pleasure in our large garden. The many various vegetables kept us well fed," Hill said.
In the kitchen, he would surprise her with "crusty loaves of bread and delicious meals."
It is his tender spirit that she recalls most fondly.
"He was always kind, gentle and loving. What more could a woman wish for," she said.
One of Dale's friends was Jim Meyer (known by most as NASA Jim), who spends summers here and winters in the U.S.
"He was a total gentleman and assisted many folks with any problems on the hikes," said Meyer.
Dale was the caretaker of Meyer's seasonal Squamish home, the "Moose Lodge," for 22 years, until it was sold this past summer.
Dale volunteered with Whistler Naturalists, contributing to the Whistler monthly bird count and the Christmas bird counts there and in Squamish.
Dale was recently honoured for his service with the naturalists, earning an owl plaque designed by Vanessa Stark.
As noted in Pique Newsmagazine, Dale had an “encyclopedia” level of knowledge.
Meyer said another "neat thing" Dale did was introduce him and many others to the Princeton Traditional Music Festival, a celebration of traditional music, held annually in Princeton.
Dale, who grew up in Woodfibre when it was a pulp mill town, took to birding when he retired. He lives on through all the folks he has touched and through his YouTube channel.
"He will be truly missed and remembered by many," said Meyer.
One of the many bird videos shot by Chris Dale.
