In Whitecourt, the Snowmobile Capital of Alberta, Dale Gunderson is fondly regarded as a man who did much to support younger snowmobilers and make his community a great place to live.
Chet Brewster, who chairs the Whitecourt Trailblazers Snowmobile Poker Rally and is on the organizing committee of the the 2009 Sled Invasion event, remembers Gunderson, who passed away in January 2007.
“In my history as a snowmobiler I would have to say that the most influential mentor to me was Dale Gunderson, who was a great friend and avid sledder,” said Brewster. “He taught me many valuable lessons in snowmobiling—from riding technique to mechanics, as he was excellent at both. He was a wonderful person that always took the time to teach younger sledders anything that could help them out. We have many Trailblazers members that have learned a great deal of information from Dale. He tragically passed away clearing trails with the Whitecourt Trailblazers two years ago doing what he loved to do, making snowmobiling safe and fun for others. He was a mentor to many younger men like myself and is deeply missed in the community.”
In 2007, Gunderson was recognized by the Alberta Snowmobile Association with the Louise Sherren Lifetime Achievement Award.
