Kenneth Edward "Dale" Horn

Born ~ July 27, 1958

Date of Passing ~ April 28, 2024

Dale was born in Hamiota, Manitoba on July 27, 1958, the first son of Ken and Elaine Horn of Virden. In 1960, he became an older brother to Darryl and the family resided on the farm southwest of Virden.

Throughout his childhood, Dale was an avid hockey, baseball, and football player and an exceptional athlete in any sport he played. Along with sports, Dale could be found showing Clydesdale horses from the Toronto Royal to the milk run in Manitoba. He was well known for his ability to decorate a draft horse for the show ring. He often could be found teaching others how to roll a mane, tie a tail, harness, or show a horse in halter.

Dale graduated high school from Virden Collegiate in 1976, then ventured west to work in the oilfield of Alberta. After two years of working, he returned home and took up farming. In 1981, Dale secured a PMU contract and started a barn of his own with primarily Percheron draft horses. He continued farming and raising horses until 2004, when the farming operation moved to cow/calf production.

In 1980, Dale married Kathy Cole and together they raised four children, Amie, Jolie, Chelsey and Chance. He always encouraged his kids to pursue their interests and enjoyed spending time with them, often tossing and batting a ball in the yard, or challenging them to a race to the house from the barn.

In more recent years, Dale had worked in the oilfield surrounding Virden and met his partner, Debbie. He decided to retire and together, he and Debbie, enjoyed their lake lot at Lake of the Prairies, fishing, particularly ice fishing, playing cards and travelling together. They also welcomed their families and grandchildren frequently and enjoyed their visits. Dale always enjoyed visiting with friends and family and had many visitors throughout his battle with cancer.

Dale passed peacefully at home in the early evening of April 28th , 2024, with close family by his side. He was predeceased by his parents Ken and Elaine. Dale is survived by his partner Debbie Lee; his brother Darryl and sister-in-law Faye; his children Amie Griffith (Jeff), Jolie Bootsman (Nathan), Chelsey Horn (Ryan English), Chance Horn (Cierra); Debbie’s children Shanna-Rae Lee (Mike Lusk), Chantel Belbas (Shawn); his grandchildren Breelee and Benson Bootsman, Halsey English, Lily Bryant, Everett and Austin Horn, Blaer Boultbee, Peyton Lee, Ireland Lusk, and Finley Belbas, and many nieces and nephews.

A celebration of Dale’s life will take place on Friday, May 10th , 2024 at 1pm, Virden Legion Hall. If you so choose, a donation can be made in memory of Dale to Manitoba Youth Beef Roundup or a youth organization of your choice.