WILLIAM JOSEPH DAWSON

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WILLIAM JOSEPH DAWSON

April 21, 1950 - February 29, 2024

We are heartbroken to announce the sudden passing of William (Bill) Dawson, 73, on February 29, 2024, in Winnipeg after a brief battle with cancer. Bill passed away as he had wished, peacefully at home in the arms of his soulmate Brigitte and surrounded by family.



Bill is lovingly remembered and deeply missed by his three families and many friends who had the great fortune of having had Bill in their lives. Bill leaves behind his fiancé Brigitte and her five children, Sascha, Tanja, Katja, Larissa, and Nicolas; his sister Nancy and his three brothers Pat (Cora), Don (Katerina), and Randy; his late wife's family, as well as his numerous nieces and nephews. Bill was predeceased by his son Peter, his late wife Judy, and his parents Madeline and Earl Dawson.



Bill was born on April 21, 1950, in Estevan, SK, and grew up in Rivers, MB, where he attended Rivers Elementary and Rivers Collegiate Institute. Bill studied dentistry at the University of Manitoba and joined the Canadian Armed Forces attaining the rank of Captain. After completing his service, he established a successful dental practice in Winnipeg. Bill was not just a dentist to his patients, but a compassionate listener and a friend, always putting their comfort and well-being first.



In 1974, Bill married Judy Page and later welcomed their son Peter into their lives through adoption in 1986. They relocated to a farm in Teulon and established their own dental practice. Tragically, Peter lost his life when he was just eight years old. Despite this devastating loss, Bill remained a pillar of strength for his family, demonstrating resilience and unwavering love in the face of unimaginable sorrow. To honor Peter's memory, a ski run called 'Peter's Run' was affectionately dedicated to him at Lake Louise Ski Resort, a place Bill cherished for skiing in remembrance of his son. Sadly, Judy passed away in 2008 after a difficult battle with cancer.



Bill had a zest for life and an adventurous spirit. His first car was a brand-new Fiat 124 Spider, which he enjoyed driving briskly with the top down, and which accompanied him his entire life. He found peace on the water and in the air and spent countless hours sailing his sailboat "Sunshine" and flying his Chinook airplane. His other passions included alpine and cross-country skiing, a pursuit that brought him exhilaration and camaraderie with his family and friends. Bill was also enthusiastic about golf, enjoying many weekends on the course with friends and family and relishing the challenge that came with each round, creating cherished memories that will be treasured forever.



For the last 15 years, Bill shared all these passions with his best friend and soulmate Brigitte, whom he met at a friend's Christmas party. Brigitte's family warmly welcomed Bill with open arms, embracing him like one of their own and appreciating the happiness and support he added to their lives. Five years ago, Bill and Brigitte set out on an adventure of a lifetime when they purchased their sailboat "Summertime"; their home away from home. They enjoyed spending their winters sailing and exploring the turquoise waters of the Bahamas, creating beautiful memories that would last a lifetime.



Bill will always be remembered for his kindness, helpfulness, and genuine interest in people's lives, and the way he always put others first. His warmth, generosity, and loving nature will be deeply missed by his families, friends, and all who had the privilege of crossing paths with him. Though he may no longer be with us in person, his spirit will continue to live on in the countless memories shared and the lives he touched.



As Bill was a modest man who did not seek the spotlight, it was his wish to be cremated and not have a funeral or Celebration of Life. Instead, a 'Happy Hour', as he so often enjoyed in the summers on Lake Winnipeg and in the winters in the Bahamas, will be held in his honour this summer at the Gimli Yacht Club. Details to be announced.

Sail on, Bill.

You hold a special place in all our hearts, and we will miss you every day.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 09, 2024, Mar 09, 2024