Mark Dewson

Mark Campleman Dewson

December 7, 1953 – March 29, 2014.

With heavy hearts, we announce that on Saturday, March 29, 2014, Dad finished his work here on earth and quietly slipped away for a well deserved rest.

Dad was born in Edmonton, Alberta to Ray and Joan Dewson, but moved with his family to Winnipeg at a young age. After attending St. Paul’s high school, Mark played hockey for the university of Winnipeg. Dad’s family came to Kenora often to vacation at Trout Lake and eventually acquired a cottage there. Dad would spend his summers at Trout Lake and in the Kenora area and on August 4, 1971, Dad met the love of his life Cherylynn after coming in from work at Camp Stephens on Lake of the Woods. After being introduced by their mutual good friend Valerie, it really was love at first sight and Mom and Dad married shortly thereafter on October 28, 1972 and never looked back.

Dad soon made Kenora his home and he and Cheryl began a family while Dad was still finishing his electrical apprenticeship. Dad would become a master electrician and he began his career at Ken-o-kee Electric, and then moved to Ontario Hydro (which became Hydro One) and then finally on to be a manager with Ontario Power Generation. Dad retired from OPG in 2007 and began the next chapter in his life working with Lyndon in the aircraft, electrical, and construction fields. Mom and Dad also became regular visitors to Maui, Hawaii and loved to get away for the month of February.

For years, Dad refereed hockey and he achieved his level 6 in referee officiating. After hanging up his black and white jersey, Dad took up playing recreational hockey which he loved. He played until a knee injury wouldn’t allow him to continue but he avidly followed the budding hockey careers of his grandsons Carter and Luke and he could always be found at his usual vantage point behind the net for their games.

Dad had a wonderful ability to build the things that Cheryl envisioned – with a “little direction” from Cheryl, of course. A home on Muriel lake, and then a cottage on Trout lake; these are all testaments to Dad’s carpentry skills and ingenuity and our family camp at Trout lake in particular, has become a treasured place for all of us.

Dad was a man of few words, but not actions. He believed in the power of doing and helping others, and he continually and selflessly did whatever he could – always with a smile and never a complaint. We have all learned from your example Dad, and your legacy will live on in your family.

Dad was predeceased by his parents Ray and Joan Dewson, his in-laws Ray and Sylvia (Tootsie) Milliard, and his brother-in-laws Garry Alcock and Randy Milliard. Left to miss him are his wife and true love of 41 years, Cheryl, his children Jana-Rae (Adam), and Lyndon (Assunta). Uncle Mark was also very special to his nephews Matthew, and Andrew (Fabiola). Dad’s pride and joy were his “Granimals” as he liked to call them – Alexandra, Carter, Amelia and Lucas. Pappy could always be found at hockey games, cheering from the stands at swim meets, fishing trips to “Zippermouth lake”, and in the front row with Grandma at Christmas concerts and school plays. Dad will be sorely missed by special friends Val and Lorne (Andre), Wendy and Clive, Nancy and Bob (Raveigh, Chad and Carson) Gino and Stella, Ken and Ruth, and the Mostow, Tresoor, Fagnilli and Illman families. He is also survived by his brothers Michael (Ann) and Bryan (Nancy), sister Val, sister-in-laws Susan and Mary-Jo, as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins.

This final journey for Dad was unexpectedly short and we still can’t believe he is gone. We would like to thank Dr. Beveridge for his care, compassion, and friendship with Dad, Jan Landsiedel, the nursing staff on third, and all those who helped our family while Mark was in hospital. We are overwhelmed by your kindness.

Cremation has taken place. At Dad’s request, there will be a private family service to follow later this summer at Trout Lake. The family invites you to join them for a casual gathering to remember Mark on Saturday April 5th, 2014 at Brown Funeral Home and Cremation Centre in Kenora, Ontario from 2 - 4:00 pm. If friends so desire, donations can be made to the Lake of the Woods District Hospital Foundation – Palliative Care.

Dad, you are irreplaceable. Your passing was too soon, and it has left a void in our lives and our hearts that can never be filled. Thank-you for being the best son, husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend that we could have ever asked for. Love you always, and miss you more than words could ever say.

Online condolences may be made at www.brownfuneralhomekenora.com

BROWN FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION CENTRE ENTRUSTED WITH ARRANGEMENTS.