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Dawson, Alan

(April 10th, 2023)

It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather Al Dawson. Al passed away on April 10th, 2023, at Kootenay Lake Hospital with his family at his bedside.

Al was born August 14,1935 in Nelson at KLH to James and Mary Dawson, the youngest of five children. He had many fond memories of his early years growing up on 6th Street in Fairview. Al excelled in sports, particularly baseball, he pitched for the Fairview Athletics and, due to Al’s stellar pitching, was credited with their many wins. He also starred in hockey, boat racing, and other sports while coming up through the ranks in Nelson. Throughout Al’s life sports brought him friends and good times, he played ball and golf everywhere that he went.

At the age of 18, Al worked with North American Life Assurance Company, he was transferred to Victoria, Vancouver, Toronto, and Kamloops. Al met his future wife, Margaret Kleef in 1954 while visiting his parents in Nelson. They married in 1957. They started their married life in Kamloops, moving to Vancouver and then back to their hometown Nelson. In 1963 Al and Margaret purchased their home on the North Shore at 6 Mile and raised their three children there. Margaret still resides in the family home.

Al’s business career spanned over five decades. He was involved in several different business ventures, from running his own business to promoting golf courses throughout North America. In his 40’s Al took up golf and was a fixture at local golf courses and could always be found at Men’s Night. Al also took to gardening after his retirement and was a perpetual putterer.

Al had a great sense of humour and quick wit. He loved socializing, which was particularly helpful when he got involved in politics. Al was first elected as the Area F Director with RDCK in 1972. He served several years until business took him away from politics. He re-entered politics in 1993 to become the Area F Director again and continued until his retirement in 2008. Al was particularly proud of his service to the community as the elected director of Area F. He always took the time to talk with the constituents and rarely missed a meeting. He was proud of the fact that he never lost an election. Al had a hand in many projects in the community…far too many to list. Al would regale us with many stories about his political adventures. The stories always get bigger each time they were told!

Dad loved his family and was very proud of us. We will miss his many stories, his sense of humour and his phone messages. We will miss you “Old Fella!”

Al was predeceased by his parents James and Mary Dawson, brothers Jack and Graham, sisters Muriel and Joan and his infant son Alan George.

Survived by his wife of 65 years Margaret, children Donali (Brian) McCulloch, Ken (Anca) Dawson and Loreli Dawson, 9 grandchildren, and 13 great grandchildren, and Finigin, as well as many nieces and nephews.

We’d like to thank Dr. Helena Czubernat for her compassionate care for Al and his family, all the staff at KLH for the kind care that they provided Al.

No service by request. There will be a family gathering at a later date.

As an expression of sympathy, those who wish to do so, may donate in Al’s memory to the Kootenay Lake Hospital Foundation, #3 View Street, Nelson, BC, V1L 4M1.

 

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