DON DAWSON
June 16, 1938 – Dec. 3, 2021
Donald Barry Dawson passed away peacefully on Dec. 3, 2021 at Kincardine hospital, with family by his side, at the age of 83.
Loving husband of Nancy for 61 years.
Cherished father to Susan (Paul) and Sandra (Steve).
Devoted brother of Wilda (Mike).
Don will be lovingly remembered by his grandchildren: Steven (Ainslie), Jacquelyn (Nate) and Ryan (Arielle) and by his great-grandchild Dawson.
Born in Toronto, Don attended Ogden Public School and Jarvis Collegiate, where he met Nancy, the love of his life. Taking over the family business (Central Ornamental Glass) after the early deaths of Don’s parents, he proudly provided signs for the new Toronto Subway and ballroom signs for the Royal York Hotel.
But Don had a bigger passion to serve his community and he joined the OPP in Toronto where he was a member of the Golden Helmet motorcycle squad. With strong family roots in Bruce County, Don soon transferred to the Kincardine OPP and moved to a farm near Ripley, where he was a cow/calf hobby farmer for over 20 years and a minor hockey coach. He embraced his love of music, playing the bagpipes and becoming the Pipe Sergeant in the OPP Commissioner’s Own Pipes and Drums band, travelling North America and piping for Ontario Premiers and dignitaries.
After 28 years of policing, Don retired and focused on music. He played saxophone in the Lighthouse Swing Band, Kincardine United Church Band, the Foghorns, Goderich Town Band and a Dixieland band. Don was also a dedicated member of the Northern Light Masonic Lodge.
Cremation has occurred.
A private service for Don was held at the Church of the Messiah in Kincardine on Thursday, Dec. 9, 2021, where his love of farming, music and family, most of all, were celebrated.
Memorial donations to the Church of Messiah Anglican Church in Kincardine or the Ontario SPCA/Humane Society are greatly appreciated.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the MacKenzie & McCreath Funeral Home in Ripley. Condolences and memorial are available online at www.mackenzieandmccreath.com.