Obituary of DAWSON – William Frank

July 29, 1936 – April 22, 2011 William Dawson, beloved husband of Gaynor Dawson of Cochrane, passed away on Friday, April 22, 2011 at the age of 74 years. William, known as Willie, Will or Bill to his family and friends, was born in Hanna, AB on July 29, 1936 and lived in Calgary throughout most of his childhood before moving to Victoria, BC where he completed high school at St. Louis College and attended the University of Victoria. While a student in Victoria, Bill discovered rugby, a sport that would become a lifelong passion. Bill returned to Calgary in 1957 to pursue a career in the oil and gas industry and to introduce the sport of rugby to Calgarians by co-founding the Rams Rugby Club. He enjoyed a long and successful career eventually retiring to Cochrane where he pursued a new passion – a love of art and painting. He developed his talent over several years and joined both the Cochrane and Foothills Art Clubs. His paintings grace the walls of homes near and far. Bill loved everything about the place where he lived; the rolling hay fields, majestic mountains and the view of the Bow River from his painting studio. A consummate family man, Bill raised four children and encouraged their talents in many domains and for the past twenty-five years has been important in the lives of Gaynor’s children and their families. Bill is survived by the love of his life, Gaynor; his four children, Leah (David Horne), Wayne, Greg (Michelle), Dean (Kay); as well as Kirk Chace (Diane), Kevin Chace (Pam), and Kerry Chace. He was adored as “Papa” “Gramps”and “G’Pa” by thirteen grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Bill is also survived by his siblings, Lucille Richardson (Garry), Verona Gladstone (Phillip), and John Dawson (Heather) as well as his nieces and nephews with whom he spent numerous happy times. Bill was predeceased by his parents James and Mary Dawson. Bill will be lovingly remembered by countless special friends – he truly made room for people in his life. He was a man of deep faith and indeed his faith carried him through the dark days as he battled brain cancer for over sixteen years. The family is grateful for the spiritual support of Reverend Greg Clark of All Saints Anglican Parish in Cochrane. We are also grateful for the support of Dr. Eleanor Foster, Pauline Yaremchuck and the Cochrane Palliative Home Care team and the Agape Hospice for the comfort and peace they provided for Bill and family. A memorial corner of art and books is to be established in the Cochrane Library in Bill’s name. Any donations should be sent to the Cochrane Art Club Memorial Library Fund and mailed to Cochrane Art Club, Box 683, Cochrane, AB, T4C 1A8. Funeral Services will be held at All Saints Anglican Church (404 – 4 Avenue North, Cochrane) on Friday, May 6, 2011 at 1:00 p.m. You may forward condolences through . Arrangements in care of McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES Cochrane Funeral Home, 369 RAILWAY STREET TELEPHONE: (403) 932-4740.