Dell and the cabin

Josh, Charles, Dell, and Eric at "The Cabin" - 2008

Each of us is a product of many things, including family, friends, and events which leave their indelible mark on us.  Genetics certainly plays a role in determining who someone is, but that is only the fabric upon which life paints.  It is the process of living, those total experiences combined with the human biology which encapsulates our being, which defines who we are.  I have had many people impact my life.  One person who has had a significant part of making me who I am is Dell.

Dell Price, born George Silk in 1956, changed his name to that of his grandfather.  It was one of the thousand things that made him unique.  Dell was never comfortable with doing what everyone else did; he questioned everything and had his own rule book regarding living.  He was a character of incredible strength and spirit.  His work ethic and sense of play were equally intense.  Anything he took his hand to he excelled at.  Never a fan of school, he got most of his training on the job and became an independent business owner doing concrete.

I got to know Dell through my relationship with his brother, Charles.  We were fast friends and Dell's enthusiasm was contagious.  I helped him out occasionally doing concrete.  The Silk family showed enormous generosity in letting me stay there one summer as I was working in Red Deer and had no other place to call home.  While there I got to know him and his whole family quite well; I felt as though I belonged. 

It was during that summer that we made seven trips out to what we generously called "The Cabin".  It was a good two plus hours away near the community of Nordegg.  We spent many a weekend there and built the hulk which you partly see in the above photo.  Rustic would be an over the top description of the bedlam of logs which we created, though it gave us a place to channel the "Lost Boys".  It was during these times when I got to know the real Dell.

Dell was a natural leader.  He always led the way when back packing; if he was ever lost you never knew it and it just added to the adventure.  He led a troop of scouts for a number of years and has had a hand in the development of many fine young men.  He helped me to be a better person and was always there if I should be in need of anything. I think the feeling was mutual, as it should be, because he could ask anything of me and I would happily capitulate.

It was in 2010 that his life fell apart.  Stubborn, determined, intense and proud, he fought a battle with the City of Red Deer that he could not win.  After loosing everything and no longer allowed to practice his craft he took his life.  We were all devastated.  This man who had done so much to help others and be the natural leader that he was would be no more.  All that was left were the stories about who he was and what he did.  They will live on forever.

Just a note:  he had a daughter, Jennifer Silk, that was his pride and joy.  Although she spent most of her time with her mother in Edmonton, Jennifer was well loved and supported by Dell.  She benefited from his enthusiasm on life and enjoyed many wonderful adventures with him. She too is her own person, something her father taught her well.

I have not been able to enjoy the company of my friend now for eight years; every day I think of him and appreciate what he has given me.  He has made a difference in so many lives.  Although he poured concrete for a living, he poured his character and nature out to all who knew him.  Concrete sets in hours but lasts for a very long time, especially if done correctly.  Dell's influence on others was like that; it didn't take long to get to know him, but he stayed with you for a long time.  He is deeply missed.  Rest in peace, my friend

Dell's obituary

Born right on the farm near Carrot Creek, Alberta, Dell was always full of vim and vigor. Dell worked full time for Jubilee Beverages during high school. He began a tradition of trekking that led him to build a cabin near Rocky; ascend the scree slopes of Pinto Lake; conquer the endless ladders of the West Coast Trail; traverse most of the Red Deer River, and travel the world in 1980. Dell was the proud owner of a concrete finishing company. He loved competitive games, collecting tools, and designing things. Dell married Delight Shtybel and in 1982 they became the proud parents to a beautiful daughter, Jennifer. Later in life Dell took great enjoyment in re-establishing past relationships and became a grandfather to J. D. He found lasting comfort in his relationship with Debbie Gadsby. Dell was a creative genius and a spokesman for individuality who prided himself by living outside the box.