Del
Age: 95
“I have lived, loved, and laughed every day. That, to me, is the secret to a fulfilling life.”
The Life and Legacy of Del Dilkie
I was born in 1930 in Forestburg, Alberta, a small prairie town about 125 miles southeast of Edmonton. Forestburg was quiet, surrounded by fields and forests, but it was also a place where values were instilled and character was shaped.
My childhood was not typical in the sense that I was raised by my grandfather. He became the most important influence in my life, teaching me lessons that no book could ever hold. His wisdom, patience, and belief in me formed the foundation of the woman I would become.
Early Lessons in Business
By the age of ten, I was already learning the ropes of business in my grandfather’s general store. It wasn’t just about unpacking goods or pricing items…it was about understanding people, about knowing how to display products so they caught the eye, and about treating customers with respect. My grandfather believed that work was more than a way to earn money; it was a way to build community. Those early years gave me skills that would carry me through every career I pursued later in life.
I remember telling him, even as a little girl, that I wanted to go to the big city someday. He never laughed at my dreams. Instead, he encouraged them. He believed in me, and that belief gave me courage.
A Hairdressing Detour
In 1947, when I was 17 years old, my grandfather decided I would make a great hairdresser. He sent me to Edmonton to attend Marvel Hairdressing School. It was my first big step away from Forestburg, and I was excited to see what city life had to offer. But as it turned out, hairdressing was not my calling. I knew this the day I turned a head of hair chartreuse green. That moment was humbling, but it also taught me something important:
Failure is not the end. It’s simply a signpost pointing you in another direction.
Marriage and Partnership
In 1951, I married my husband, CR Dilkie. We shared 47 wonderful years together until his passing from cancer in 1999. Our marriage was filled with love and laughter. Together, we built a life that was rich in experiences some good and some bad. I supported him and later in life he supported me in my endeavors. His presence in my life was a gift, and his absence left a void, but the memories we created continue to sustain me.
A Career Mosaic
Over the years, I held many jobs, each one adding a new layer to my life’s story. I worked at United Cigar, Toronto Dominion Bank, Northwest Drugs, Molson Brewery, and of course, the shoe store my husband purchased. Each role taught me something different…customer service, finance, retail management, and the workings of large-scale business. I also spent many years working for the Government of Canada, which gave me stability and a deeper understanding of public service.
But I was never one to stay still for long. Reinvention became a theme in my life.
Reinventing Myself: Del’s on 9th
At the age of 49, I decided to take another leap. I bought a consignment store called Derry’s Resale and transformed it into Del’s on 9th. For 31 years, I poured my energy into that store, turning it into a beloved community hub. It wasn’t just about selling items; it was about creating a space where people felt welcome, where treasures could be found, and where community connections were strengthened. Owning Del’s on 9th was one of the most fulfilling chapters of my life. It allowed me to combine my business skills with my love for people, and it gave me a sense of purpose that lasted nearly three decades.
Mexico and the Fitness Pad
At 80 years old, I sold the store and thought I would retire. But retirement didn’t suit me. Instead, I went to Mexico and found myself in Guayabitos, a vibrant coastal town. There, I opened a gym called Fitness Pad. It was a new adventure, blending health, community, and entrepreneurship. Even in a new country, I found ways to contribute, to build, and to stay active. The Fitness Pad became another chapter in my story of reinvention.
Volunteering and Giving Back
Even now, I continue to work. Twice a week, I volunteer at Dots Fashion Store, doing displays, putting out scarves, jewelry, glassware, and more. It keeps me engaged, connected, and creative. But beyond work, one of the most important aspects of my life has always been community involvement.
I have supported Grant MacEwan University Music Scholarships, Kids in the Hall, Lois Hole Hospital, and the Don Wheaton YMCA. I am a spiritual member of the Centre for Spiritual living here in Edmonton, I created and executed two fashion shows (spring and fall) to raise money for the centre to support their ongoing programs.
I am especially proud to have been a member of the World Fellowship of Rotary for over 25 years. Rotary gave me a global community, a chance to contribute to causes larger than myself, and friendships that span the world.
Rosedale Senior Living
In January of 2025, I moved into Rosedale Senior Living. It has been a new chapter, filled with companionship, activities, and the chance to continue living life to the fullest. I work out every day, staying strong and healthy, because I believe that age is not a barrier to vitality.
“Life is meant to be lived, and I intend to live it fully.”
Celebrating 95
On Monday, November 17, 2025, I celebrated my 95th birthday. It was a milestone, not just in years but in joy. I was blessed to have four parties, each one filled with laughter, love, and the company of friends and family. It seems that the older I get, the more fun I have. Age has brought me freedom, perspective, and the ability to savor every moment.
Live, Love, Laugh
This is my moto, as I look to the future, I see brightness. My life has been filled with reinvention, resilience, and community. I have lived through successes and failures, through love and loss, through change and continuity. And through it all, I have lived, loved, and laughed every day. That, to me, is the secret to a fulfilling life.
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