Legacy
The Geoff Dale Legacy
A life dedicated to storytelling, preservation, and the forgotten legends of comedy.
The Timeline
1950 — Born in London, England
Geoff Dale is born on December 30, 1950, in London, England.
1955 — A New Beginning
At age four, Geoff moves to Canada with his family, arriving in New York City on the Queen Mary. Just days later, on November 22, 1955, Shemp Howard passes away—an ironic twist that would shape his destiny decades later.
1958 — The First Glimpse
At age eight, Geoff sneaks his first peek at The Three Stooges on television. His father forbids him from watching, calling them “too violent.” Undeterred, young Geoff continues to sneak glimpses whenever he can.
1977 — Higher Education
Geoff earns an Honors BA in English Literature and History from McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario.
1978 — Award-Winning Photographer
Geoff wins the Atlantic Canadian Newspaper Photographic Award for his work as a reporter and photographer in Newfoundland.
1970s-1980s — Building a Journalism Career
Geoff works across Canada as a reporter, photographer, editor, and layout person for newspapers including The Hamilton Spectator, The Sunday Express, Tillsonburg News, Daily Sentinel-Review, and Ingersoll Times.
1986-1988 — The Sunday Express Years
Geoff serves as entertainment editor, managing editor, and photographer for The Sunday Express in St. John’s, Newfoundland—a progressive newspaper run by Canada’s leading investigative journalist, Michael Harris.
1990s — First Books & Commissioned Work
Geoff writes a commissioned book on the 50th anniversary of the Canadian Autoworkers Union. He also researches and writes the 100th anniversary book for Execulink Communications.
2000-2021 — London Free Press Contributor
Geoff contributes editorial, advertorial, and business columns to the London Free Press for over two decades.
2002-2007 — Oxford Media Group
Geoff serves as chief writer and researcher for Oxford Media Group in Woodstock, covering agriculture, energy efficiency housing, and in-house newsletters.
2014 — The Fine Art of Boxing
Geoff self-publishes The Fine Art of Boxing – No Stooge in the Ring—a fictionalized biography of Larry Fine. All 200 copies sell out quickly.
2021 — A Near-Death Experience
Geoff survives a life-threatening battle with sepsis. Rushed back to the hospital after an operation, his blood pressure drops to 40/50. The skilled ER team at Woodstock Hospital saves his life. Upon recovery, he makes a promise: finish the Shemp Howard book.
2023 — Much More Than a Stooge
Geoff publishes Much More Than a Stooge: Shemp Howard—the first-ever biography of the original Three Stooges member. The 396-page book is published by BearManor Media and receives widespread acclaim.
2025 — The Journey Continues
Geoff is working on his third book—the first-ever biography of Joe DeRita (Curly-Joe), the last member of The Three Stooges. He continues to write, research, and speak about the forgotten legends of comedy.
A Legacy in Progress
Geoff’s work is far from finished. His archive continues to grow. His research continues to uncover new stories. And his mission—to ensure the overlooked legends of comedy are never forgotten—continues to drive him forward.
Today, Geoff remains active as a writer, researcher, and historian. His work serves as a bridge between the golden age of American comedy and a new generation of fans, scholars, and storytellers.
The Legacy Continues
I just wanted people to understand that I wasn’t doing this just because I wanted to do it and be the first—although that’s nice. I just wanted people, finally after all this time, to know his story.
— Geoff Dale