Dale Pruden Obituary
In Loving Memory of Dale Oliver Pruden In Loving Memory of Dale Oliver Pruden, affectionately known as "Drummer Dale".
Born: October 25, 1959, at the General Hospital in Edmonton, AB.
Passed Away: September 30, 2024, Edmonton, AB.
Age: 64 Years, Dale is lovingly remembered by his immediate family, daughter Ashlynn, son Taylor, and partner, Nora Martel, by his mother, Hazel Pruden (90 years), and his siblings, Dena (sister), and brothers Richard, Robert, Douglas, and Rodney, as well as many long-time friends, especially including Jim McCallister and Shane Bennett.
Dale was predeceased by his maternal grandparents, Nick and Pauline Zenuk, paternal grandparents Norman Pruden and Isabel Smith, his father, Oliver Alexander Pruden, various aunts, uncles, extended family members, and friends.
Dale attended grade school at Ritchie and Millcreek Elementary and finally at LY Cairns Vocational School. Dale developed an interest in old cars, specifically his 1962 Ranchero, which he hauled around with him wherever he lived. He could take the Ranchero apart, clean up the parts, and put it back together again. He was also deeply interested in playing his drum kit which is how he got his nickname, Drummer Dale.
Dale was an AISH recipient and spent much of his life couch surfing when he could not find permanent housing and living his life with as much joy and discovery wherever he could find it. He was homeless for about 10 years and always made a good go of it wherever his feet landed. He always took care to visit his mom, water her flowers, and fill the bird feeders found throughout mom's yard and never forgot to wish his mom, family, and friends a very happy birthday or a hearty Merry Christmas, and express his love for those who touched him deeply.
During the mid-90's, he began busking to earn a supplementary income fuel his love of music. He assembled a ring of upside-down 5-gallon buckets taped together with packing tape with which he could be found at Oiler's games, Elks games, and concerts. Passersby would hear Dale bang out rhythmic beats on those buckets at the end of each game and concert and offer him money for his efforts. He could really belt of some good beats on his full-sized drum kit whenever he could set it up to create music with his musical friends. As the result of his presence at sporting events and concerts, he became well-known and beloved by all who met him. The people he knew were always treated to his genuine love of friendship and music. He created his own song, "I Don't Want to Drink and Drive No More" and with the help of friends, turned it into a CD album which he handed out while busking to raise more money for his children, whom he loved dearly and was dedicated to help each and every day that he was alive.
When Dale passed away in his sleep: he was just one day away from gaining permanent housing. He was a strong advocate for helping homeless friends, acquaintances, and strangers, and served as a community volunteer for various charities located throughout Edmonton, especially at the Bissel Center for the homeless. As word got out about Dale's passing, more and more people who met Dale and came to know him, have come out to express their sadness for his passing and happiness for having known him they way they did. Drummer Dale was a fixture at popular events throughout Edmonton and somewhat of a city icon: he will be missed and remembered.
A private family Burial will be held at the Glenwood Cemetery.
