Obituary of William "Bill" Dawson

William Dawson of Camrose passed away on Thursday, July 30, 2009 at the age of 88 years. Bill is survived by his loving wife of 59 years Fern, daughters Lynnette Laird of Big River SK (friend, Rod Sather), Janine Dawson of Brooks AB, and one grandson Michael (Raina) Laird of Big River SK ; sisters Pearl (Syd) Phillips and Lee (Larry) Rombough all of Edmonton. He is also survived by sisters-in-law Annie Doshewnek of St. Paul AB, Anna Doshewnek of Smoky Lake AB, Hazel Dawson of Stettler AB, Lydia Dawson of Edmonton AB, and numerous nieces, nephews and friends. Bill was predeceased by his grandson William Laird, son-in-law Norman Laird, four brothers: Mike, George, Ivan and Nick, sister-in-law Eva and nephews Michael, Mark and Kelvin. Bill was born and raised at Shandro River Crossing on the North Saskatchewan River, in the Wasel district. He attended high school in Willingdon and got his Bachelor of Education at the University of Alberta. He began his teaching career in one-room schools in the Barrhead district. After marrying Fern Liebing of Roselind in 1950, teaching took them to Fawcett and Jarvie AB, Galt California, and then to the County of Wetaskiwin. There Bill was principal at Rosebriar, Millet, Gwynne, Clear Vista and Pipestone Schools, vice principal of Pigeon Lake Regional High, and Assistant Superintendent for all county schools. Bill enjoyed snowbirding to Mesa AZ, reading, photography and playing violin for any willing audience. Visitation was held on Friday, August 7, 2009 at 7:00 p.m. from the Burgar Memorial Chapel. Funeral services wiere held on Saturday August 8, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. from the Burgar Memorial Chapel (4817 -51 Ave. Camrose) with Rev. Brian Hunter (St. Mary's Hospital Pastoral Care) officiating. Interment followed in the Camrose Cemetery. In Lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are gratefully accepted to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or to the Alzhiemers Society.