Donald Harold Dawson

Don will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 44 years, Sharon; his children, Heather (Quoc), Karen, and Mathew (Faizel); grandchildren, Charlotte and Harrison; sister, Linda; brother, Wes; and extended family and friends.

Don was predeceased by his parents Harold and Ruth, and stepdad, Ken.

Don was born and raised in Collingwood, Ontario. He was an accomplished athlete and won many championships and awards in football, skiing, and did his best in hockey. Don loved working with his hands and tools and made it his life’s work. Don headed west to Alberta in the late 1960’s where he attended NAIT for Carpentry. He won 1st place in the Alberta Provincial 4th Year Carpenter Apprentice Contest, and 2nd place in the International Carpenter Apprenticeship Contest held in Denver, Colorado. Don was a carpenter by trade for over 50 years and mentor to many young apprentices during that time. He worked in Fort McMurray at Suncor and Syncrude, and was Foreman on numerous jobs, including The Ronald McDonald House Edmonton and what is now known as Grant MacEwan University. More than anything, Don loved to help his family and friends. He was the garage, deck, and fence builder, he was the roofer, mechanic, mover, landscaper and the gardener. He shared his love of the Edmonton Oilers with his daughters and attended games until he could no longer. Don and Sharon loved to travel and cruise, he loved his Costco hotdogs, and his rum and cokes. Don loved to tease his family and blast the music, especially on Sunday mornings. He instilled the ethic of hard work and led by example. Don knew how to have fun and loved his family and friends the best way he could. We will miss him forever.

Cremation has already taken place. A Celebration of Life will be held in Ontario at a later date.

Don’s family would like to thank the staff at McConnell Place North. Your love, friendship, and care over the past 4 years meant the world