Douglas James Dales Passes Away

files/pictures/picture-35.jpgPress Release from PS Production Services Ltd.

After more than 40 years as a passionate patron of the Canadian film and television industry Douglas James Dales passed away on Friday in Toronto. He was 60 years old.

Dales was widely celebrated, as much for his contributions to the industry as his passion for life.

Dales started PS Production Services Ltd. on Britain Street in Toronto nearly 40 years ago. The company has since grown to become one of Canada’s largest motion picture and television production equipment rental facilities.

His immense success as a businessman was beautifully balanced by his love of cinema and filmmakers of all kinds. He was a proud supporter of indigenous Canadian talent and there are very few people in the industry who did not benefit from his generosity and support.

At the time of his passing Dales was the Board President of Reel Canada, he also served on the Boards of many other associations including the Canadian Film Centre, Film Ontario and The Canadian Film and Television Production Association.

Dales received numerous honours throughout his career including the Canadian Society of Cinematographers Bill Hilson Award and the Canadian Film and Television Production Association’s Jack Chisholm Award, both acknowledging his outstanding contribution to the industry.

A student of York University and a graduate of the London Film School he had a passion for film and filmmaking. Prior to him entering the hospital he fulfilled a lifelong dream when he directed the Canadian feature film Hello October.

“We remember Doug with hearts filled with both joy and sadness. We are grateful for all he did for PS and for his enormous contribution to our industry,“ said Doug Barrett, President of PS Production Services.

In a message to employees and friends Barrett said of Doug: “He was the founder and builder of our great company, patron of numerous causes, pursuer of many projects, supportive sponsor and lifelong friend to legions, generous contributor to the industry he helped assemble, family man, deep partner, a man of incredibly focused curiosity. We will all miss him terribly.”

He is survived by his partner, sculptor Khang Pham-New, his three sons Robert, David and Matthew and his two sisters Liz and Heather.

An industry memorial will be held on Sunday, December 12, 2010 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Showline/Harbourside Studios, 915 Lake Shore Blvd. East. In lieu of flowers donations in Doug’s honour would be appreciated by any of the following organizations: The Canadian Cancer Society, The Actors’ Fund of Canada, Reel Canada.