04/30/2026
We are saddened to announce the loss of our member Dale.
Dale Somerville
It is with great sadness that the family of Dale Arthur Somerville announce his passing on Tuesday April 28th at the Dr V. A. Snow Center in Hampton, NB surrounded by his family. Born on February 27, 1939, he was the son of the late Scott and Margaret “Babe” Somerville-Paddock (Waddell). His early life was shaped by resilience and strength following the tragic loss of his father in a fire in 1941. Born with severely limited sight in his right eye, he nevertheless lived a full and active life, never allowing physical challenges to limit his ambitions or passions.
Education was central to his life. He attended MacDonald Consolidated School, Glen Falls School, and graduated from Simonds Regional High School in 1957. He went on to Teachers’ College and later earned both a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Education from the University of New Brunswick and a Master of Education degree from the University of Alberta.
He devoted 35 years to education, 29 of them as an elementary school principal. His career included teaching and administrative roles at Bayview, Ketepec, Loch Lomond, Old Black River, Belleisle, and Lakefield Elementary Schools, as well as a year in Inuvik, Northwest Territories. He retired in 1993, leaving a legacy of leadership, mentorship, and dedication to students and staff.
An avid sportsman, he played hockey throughout his youth and adult life, including with the Brookville CNR League, Loch Lomond Simonds League, and Hampton Moosehead Junior Old Timers, serving as league president. He was deeply involved in minor hockey, becoming the founding president of the Simonds Minor Hockey Association and later its Honorary President. He also contributed significantly to the Saint John Schoolboy Hockey Association.
His love of the outdoors began in childhood through time spent with his grandfather, who introduced him to maple syrup making, sawmill work, ice fishing, and trapping. Ice fishing became a lifelong passion spanning nearly 65 years.
Community service defined much of Dale’s life. A dedicated Rotarian, he served as Governor of Rotary International District 7810 and was recognized in 2024 for 40 years of service. His leadership extended across countless organizations, including the Hampton Health Care Committee (Chair for 20 years), Dr. V.A. Snow Center and Foundation, Pascobac Centre, John Peters Humphrey Inc., and numerous Rotary initiatives. He played a key role in commemorating the legacy of John Peters Humphrey through a major community-driven project.
He was elected Mayor of the Town of Hampton from 1998 to 2001, where he helped guide the community’s transition from village to town most notably by establishing the community’s first Town Manager. He advanced numerous outdoor recreational projects such as the development of the Nature Park. He also oversaw preparedness planning for Y2K.
His contributions were widely recognized through numerous honors, including the Paul Harris Fellowship, the Peter Gzowski Award, the James Hovey Award for community service, the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal (2002), and the King Charles Coronation Medal (2025).
Following emergency triple bypass surgery in 2000, he became an active supporter and volunteer with the New Brunswick Heart Support Group, assisting and mentoring heart surgery patients.
Above all, he will be remembered as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, educator, community leader, and volunteer—someone whose life was defined by service, perseverance, and a deep commitment to improving the lives of others.
Dale is survived by his wife of 58 years, Vivian (Bustin) Somerville; daughter Brenda (Trevor) Holder of Saint John; son John (Laura) of Slave Lake AB; granddaughters: Savanna and Kailey Somerville, Margaret and Katherine Holder; brother Scott Somerville (Joy) and special cousin “nephew” Robert McIntyre, as well as several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Dale was predeceased by his stepfather Maurice Paddock and sister-in-law, Sandra Somerville.
Resting at Reid’s Funeral Home, 1063 Main Street, Hampton, NB (506) 832-5541, from where visitation will take place on Sunday May 3, 2026 from 2:00 to 4:00 and 6:00 to 8:00PM. Funeral service will take place from Hampton United Church on Monday May 4, 2026 at 2:00PM. Private burial will take place at a later date.
Donations in Dale’s memory may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, Parkinson’s Canada or a charity of the donor’s choice. Personal condolences to the family and memorial donations may be made through ReidsFH.com.
