Avril Valerie Dawson

It is with much sadness that we announce the passing of Avril Dawson. She was surrounded by her loving family during her final hours. Avril is survived by her husband, Gilbert (Gib), Son Brian (Debbie), Daughters Elaine (Ed), Lynda (Dave) and Karen (Mark). She was also blessed with Grandchildren Ryan (Katie), Derek, (Katelyn), Sarah, Ayla and Shea, and her beloved dog Mairi.

Avril was born in Aberdeenshire, Scotland on April 11, 1936. As a young girl she developed an avid love of reading that she carried on throughout her life. She met Gib, the love of her life and husband for over 60 years at a country dance. They fell in love and began their life together. That road would take them from their home in Scotland to Vancouver in 1957. Brian was her escort on the long 24 hour flight that took her to meet Gib, who had previously moved to get the family settled. Shortly after, Elaine arrived, followed by Lynda and Karen. Family was the most important thing in her life. The driving force in making sure that family get togethers were always organized and attended by us all. Always interested and supportive, her and Dad were often the only parents or grandparents attending the kid’s sporting or other events they might be involved in. Her support and interest extended to the grandchildren that joined along the way. James, Joshua, Jordan (Brandon) and Jacob and great granddaughter Grace were late additions but were never less welcome or cared for. She developed a passion for quilting, and soon had a room in the house full of shelves of material, thread and embroidery and sewing machines. She never did anything half way! The Fraser Valley Quilting Guild and the Langley Machine Embroidery Group became large parts of her life.

In her later life she was a hip granny. She followed the exploits of her brood on Facebook, and watch out if you failed to respond to one of her emails that she sent from one of her four computers.

She was a kind and gentle soul, a loving wife, wonderful mother, grandmother and a good friend, and she will be sorely missed. No funeral by request, private remembrance at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Crohns and Colitis Canada Foundation would be appreciated.