CelebriTree Program (2023)

This beautiful and hardy native species is a popular shade tree. In the open, it has a more rounded form than most oak trees; in the forest, it grows tall and straight. Its leaves emerge with a bronze-red colour, and turn a deep scarlet in the fall. Red oak is an important lumber tree used for furniture and flooring among other applications, and many birds and mammals feed on the acorns. Red oak can grow to 20 metres in height and width. This tree is planted right next to the path that runs southeast toward the canal, down in the lowland area just west of the Arboretum’s little island. Follow the path past the intersection with the other paths, a little further along from the bench up on the hill, and look for the tree on the left side of the path.

Celebrating René Albert Henri Dalle

René Albert Henri Dalle

This red oak tree is dedicated in memory of René Albert Henri Dalle (August 8, 1944 – March 5, 2023) by his wife of 54 years, Milly, and their five children Sarah, David, André, Naomi, and Esther.

René was born in Nancy, France, in 1944, “under the bombs of the American forces”, as he liked to say. He first trained in industrial design and then eventually gained a degree in engineering. In 1965 he had the good fortune to meet Milly and told her he dreamed to work with this new thing called “the computer”. After marrying in 1968, the couple came to Canada in 1970, settling first in Quebec City then later in Ottawa, where René worked in the high-tech industry, notably during the early days of Mitel Corporation. With a strong work ethic, and equally dubious sense of time, René often lost himself in his work (and many computer games).

René was warm and affectionate – known for his bone-breaking bear hugs – and always ready to support his family. He showed his love through his deeds – driving kids to and from activities, building furniture for family members, helping Milly with designs for her quilts and other projects, and offering thoughtful guidance and advice when asked. René was fiercely proud of his children, appreciating each for their own talents. He also held a special bond with his sister Michou, and was easily loved by his nieces, nephews, step granddaughters and in-laws.

Although passionate about technology, René also loved nature. In his childhood, René faced a number of hardships, and “La Pepinière” – a park in the heart of Nancy – provided a refuge, where he spent many hours exploring and climbing trees. As a father, René became a cub scout leader to spend time with his sons, and was enthusiastic about the scout’s tree planting program, often bringing home extra saplings that he tried to find homes for. The arboretum was a special place for René and his family – much as La Pepinière had been in Nancy.

We are grateful to have the opportunity to donate this tree to the arboretum and have a special place to remember René by.

Donated by Milly Dalle

A blue tree icon is a 2024 CelebriTree. A red tree icon is a 2023 CelebriTree.