Richard Dawson, aged 80, handed away peacefully on Saturday, July 27, 2024, on the Hôtel-Dieu Grace Hospital Palliative Care Unit in Windsor, ON, surrounded by family members. After a brave battle with most cancers, he joins many members of the family and pals who handed earlier than him. If there are events within the afterlife, we’re fairly assured that his is a doozie, and they’re seemingly nonetheless nursing sore heads.
In Richard’s closing months, household and pals gathered round him, bringing his quick household of six collectively in a single room for the primary time in a protracted whereas. We had many face-to-face and FaceTime visits, even breaking out the guitar for one among our well-known jam classes at his bedside in his closing days. Richard felt the love of all these he touched as his closing chapter got here to a detailed.
Rising up in Belfast, Northern Eire, Richard was a well-liked lad, seemingly contributing to the untimely gray hairs of his mother and father, Augustus and Could, and lots of aunts and uncles. He was the second of seven kids, born on the identical day as his older brother, Brian, however two years later. His first sister, Ingrid, adopted, then Lenore, then his brother Ronnie, then Valerie, and eventually his sister, Gail.
Richard’s journey took him from the choir to the military, finally main him to England, the place he met and married his spouse of 59 years, Catherine, fondly generally known as Kay. Collectively, that they had 4 kids: Paul, Brian, Karen, and Dean. In late 1976, they moved to Ottawa, ON, and later settled in Windsor within the mid-’90s. Richard not solely constructed relationships but additionally homes when he first arrived in Canada. He then grew to become one among Toyota Canada’s high salespeople for 13 consecutive years, dabbled in numerous different careers, and retired at 65. He beloved to golf (socialize and drink beer) and altered vehicles with alarming frequency, at all times shocking guests with what they’d discover in his parking spot. He additionally transformed his spouse into the second-biggest sports activities fan in Canada, with sports activities at all times on their tv.
Richard’s biggest delight and pleasure was his household. He discovered consolation in realizing that his 4 kids had been all pleased, wholesome and a few them had married. He was very keen on Karen’s husband, Pat Truyens and handled Dean’s spouse Nicole Carron-Dawson like his personal daughter. Having all of them gathered at his bedside introduced him nice peace as he transitioned.
He was blessed with many grandchildren and perfected that function over 34 years, which was in all probability his biggest accomplishment. Every grandchild—Corey, Craig, Charley, Payton, Carter, Kieran, Lyla, and Rowan—was his favourite in their very own approach.
As a substitute of flowers, donations might be made to the T2B (Transition to Betterness) Palliative Care Unit at Hôtel-Dieu Grace Hospital. The medical doctors, nurses, and workers supplied distinctive, compassionate care, and the volunteers handled Richard with the utmost respect and kindness.
A celebration of Richard’s life can be held in mid-September. We are going to share additional particulars as soon as we’ve had time to grieve and set up all the things.
