The Dawe Family, 

Our thoughts & prayers are with your family at this most difficult time.  We knew  Duke for about 10 years & met him through Sharon, 
As I also served in the Military we would  share & exchange some great stories.
We  will miss him.

Friends,

Tom & Marilyn Duffin

On behalf of Gail and I, our deepest condolences on the passing of The Duke. He was truly an incredible person. We will miss our annual get-togethers and hearing the stories of his very eventful life. May he rest in peace,
Gail and Matt

Duke was a dear friend of our family. Our father and Duke flew together in the RCAF and worked together in civilian aviation. Upon retirement to Vernon, our parents moved across the road from Duke and Rose, and they enjoyed a busy social life.  We were very fond of Duke, with his gentle manner but sharp wit, his memory of events and storytelling ability, and his deep friendship over many years with our parents.  An amazing life, well lived. We will miss Duke.  

The Gregson Family

Dear Elizabeth, We were very sad to hear about the passing of your Dad. From your stories, it sounds like he led a very active and fruitful life. It is so nice that you have spent so much time with him over the years. Hopefully that will leave you with wonderful memories. Please accept our heartfelt condolences. 
With love,
Jackie and Stew

My siblings and I cannot remember a time when Uncle Duke and Auntie Rose were not in our lives.  Dad (Fin Sinclair) and Duke met sometime in the early 1950s in the RAF.  I remember hearing the story of when Uncle Duke showed up to tell Dad, he had met a girl.  That girl became Auntie Rose to us.  The couples married and we were all born in sequence so consequently we all played together as one family
A few memories:  
When my family lost my brother in a car accident, it was Uncle Duke who went to sit with Dad all night.
I remember their trips to Vernon where they stopped in Golden and our parents would have a great visit and we kids would renew our friendships.
I went up to Edmonton to visit the Dawe’s, Gerri (Geraldine) and I went out till all hours of the morning.  I don’t think my influence was much appreciated and Uncle Duke had a nickname for me, it wasn’t complimentary.  
When Gerri’s younger boys came down to visit their grandparent’s I sent my children to visit my parent’s and David, Will, Laura and Becky became great friends. I think it was a nice break for the grandparents.
After my Dad’s memorial service Uncle Duke came down to my house.  As we sat around that evening, we thought why not have a drink and remember Dad with Dad’s bottle of whiskey.  We opened the wooden box to collect the bottle that had been brought back when Dad moved from Ontario to find the bottle empty.   We all laughed but Uncle Duke laughed the hardest. 
 I called Uncle Duke on a regular basis, and he would entertain me with his adventures, stories of his family and I would fill him in on mine.  Uncle Duke was very proud of his family and all their accomplishments.  The last time we spoke he was headed to Ontario for the annual visit to a cabin 
Now at the end of an era when the torch is passed to the next generation, we pause to remember those who gave us the roots to grow and become the people we are today – thank you Uncle Duke for being one of my roots.   
Love Nancy Sinclair

Rosie and I were able to join Gramps on two of his annual trips to Hawaii; once to Oahu (along with Elizabeth, my mom, and Will) and again to the Big Island (with Elizabeth and Rosie’s parents). Between the two, we were able to see many of Gramps’ favourite beach and dining spots, as well as try some of the famous island beef that we barbecued at the condo one night. While there, Gramps would regale us with stories such as the first time he went to Hawaii some 50 years ago, having been sent there along with the navy. He was so impressed with the islands that he continued to come back every year since, up to and including last year at the impressive age of 93! It was so special to have the chance to vacation abroad with him as an adult and spend quality time together, hearing stories with the contextual backdrop. While he may have taken his final journey to the big hangar in the sky, I have no doubt he will have made a stop over in his little slice of heaven on earth.

Dear Dawe family,
We at the Bomber Command Museum of Canada in Nanton, Alberta
have fond memories of Duke. He flew over 200 hours as Flight
Engineer on our Lancaster in the 1950's, and was on it's last flight to
Vulcan airbase in 1959. Every year he made a trip to Nanton, and
always brought some aviation books, etc. as a donation. Duke was a 
wonderful gentleman who we will never forget. Have a good last 
flight Duke!
Dan Fox
Vice-President
Bomber Command Museum of Canada

Dearest Elizabeth, family and friends, thinking of you all with much love and sympathy, Janet

Another thing I loved about my Gramps is how he always remembered the important things, he always knew about my sports, school, and life. Everytime I would visit it would feel like i've been there for months, he would always remember all my favourite things and all my interests. My Gramps always made me feel so loved and for that I will miss him forever, I love you Gramps ❤️

My sweet Gramps, one thing I loved most about my great grandfather was no matter how old he got he never let age get in the way of living his life to the fullest, I would always tell my friends that he was still kicking it like he was 50. My Gramps was a huge inspiration to me to always live life to the fullest, travel, be active and enjoy the time you get. I will miss him so much for that but I know that he lived his life with no regret!

It was an honour getting to know Duke through Joanne. He was a good and a great man in his achievements and in his heart. I loved his war stories, and his presence at Remembrance Day ceremonies  at St. James school are treasured memories.  My sincere condolences to Joanne and to his family at this sad time. See you in the great, blue yonder Duke! God bless and keep you.

From  one RCAF Flight Engineer to another! An incredible individual with a lengthy life and a remarkable career that we all wish to emulate. Farewell, Duke.

We are sad to know of Duke's passing.  He and Rosalie were great friends and neighbours in Namao.  Many nights by a bonfire, many dinners, laughter along with the Garniers.  Fly high, Duke. You will be missed
Helen & Joe O'Donoghue

I met Duke many times over the years. What a nice gentleman, a brilliant man with a matching personality. You did good Duke ( 94 ).
See You upstairs one day !!

Gord Chenkie

Dear Dawe family.  I am saddened to hear of Duke’s passing.  My condolences to you all.
Duke and I flew together at Northwest Territorial in the 1980’s.  
My wife and I met him and Rosalie (by chance) in Honolulu for some consecutive years.  The last time, as recent as a few ago.
I appreciate his self written obituary.  That’s Duke.
God bless.

OBITUARY

Gerald "Duke" Mercer Dawe

October 2, 1931 – November 23, 2025

Pleasant Valley Funeral Home

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