Obituary of Douglas Dawson

Douglas Dawson It is with deep sadness that the family of Douglas Raymond Dawson announces his passing on Sunday, October 17th, 2010 at St. Paul's Hospital, Saskatoon, SK. Doug is survived by his son Keith (Maria) and grandchildren Anna-Lilja, Mackenzie, Parker and Frazer of Saskatoon, SK; and son Russell (Melody) and grandchildren Alexandra, Samuel and Rachel of Prince George, BC. He also is lovingly remembered by his in-laws Eric and Kay Johannson, Margaret and Don Ottmann, Lillian Johannson, Joyce Johannson, Helen Johannson, Harold Garrish, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his wife Helga and his parents Raymond and Helen Dawson. Doug was born August 13th, 1932, in Winnipeg, MB. During his childhood, his family lived in Lintlaw, SK, Pelly, SK, and Fork River, MB. Doug started his career with Canadian National Railways in 1949 as a relief telegraph operator and station agent. During these years, he worked in many communities in Saskatchewan, Manitoba and northern Ontario. In 1959, Doug married Helga Johannson and they made their home in Canora, SK, where Doug was an operator at the CNR station. In 1967, the family moved to Hyas, SK, followed by a brief period in Dauphin, MB in 1972 before settling in Saskatoon. Doug retired from the CN in 1984, and all together held 117 agent, operator and other positions in 58 different towns over his career. He was proud of his skills as a telegrapher and enjoyed the friendship and camaraderie of many interesting characters who also worked for the CNR. He had many great stories that were repeated often and we never grew tired of hearing them. Doug and Helga were devoted companions, and enjoyed traveling together, and shared in many happy times at their cottage at Crystal Lake. Doug enjoyed food, was never afraid to try an adventurous dish, and so he was the perfect guinea pig for all the new recipes that Helga would try out. He was a kind and gentle person who was very attached to his pets dogs early in life, and cats during his later years. He enjoyed reading, in particular about history, and he pursued this hobby during his retirement. Doug had a fondness for fishing trips, and he made sure that his family was exposed to the outdoors through these adventures, as well as numerous camping and hunting trips. We would like to thank the staff at Luther Special Care Home for the kind and compassionate care that they provided for Dad over the past number of years. The Funeral Service will be held on Thursday, October 21st, 2010 at 2:00 pm at Hillcrest Funeral Home (east on 8th street, turn right before rail crossing). Interment to follow at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens. Arrangements entrusted to David Diakuw.